Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Traverse City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Detroit to Traverse City. Traveling by train from Detroit to Traverse City usually takes 12 hours and 19 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 212 mi (341 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 19m |
| Lowest price | $72.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Detroit to Traverse City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Detroit to Traverse City?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Traverse City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$102.03 | Avg. Price$62.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration12h 19m | Duration8h 50mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Traverse City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Traverse City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Traverse City was $77.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $65.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Traverse City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Traverse City will cost between $72 and $137. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Traverse City by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Traverse City often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $82. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Traverse City during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $118 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Detroit to Traverse City on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $65.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Detroit to Traverse City?
There are multiple trains that travel from Detroit to Traverse City, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 12h 19m | $102.03 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Traverse City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to Traverse City
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Traverse City to Detroit. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Traverse City for $62.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Detroit and Traverse City is approximately 212 miles, or 341 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 19 minutes, Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
DISTANCE (MI)
212
DISTANCE (KM)
341
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Detroit at 6:26am and arrives in Traverse City around 12 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:26am
LATEST TRAIN
6:31am
Trains from Detroit to Traverse City are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Detroit



Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Detroit?
Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Where does the train arrive in Traverse City?
Main arrival station: BATA Hall Street Transfer Station
Traverse City has one train station.
All train stations in Traverse City:
- BATA Hall Street Transfer Station
Need a return trip from Traverse City to Detroit?
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