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Detroit to Rensselaer train

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Detroit - Rensselaer Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Detroit and Rensselaer. The average train journey from Detroit to Rensselaer takes 22 hours and 34 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 17 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance474 mi (763 km)
Fastest train17h 23m
Lowest price$87.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Detroit to Rensselaer

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

jerard

June 26, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: The train appeared clean. It felt largely new. No issues with wifi or charging. Cons: The bathrooms were a mess in short order and were not cleaned on route. The food was as basic as can be. There were no COVID protocol measures that I could see. Riders were not required to wear masks. Disinfectant wipes were not passed to us. If the staff disinfected the train there was no way for us to know that was the case. There were no announcements such as, "Please maintain a six foot distance from fellow travelers when departing, and as often as possible while on route," and similar.

What is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Rensselaer?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Detroit, MI to Rensselaer, NY was $121.18. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Detroit and Rensselaer. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Rensselaer if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $123.86.

Monthly avg. prices

$200$160$120$80$40MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Rensselaer often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $112. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Rensselaer during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $200 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Detroit to Rensselaer?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit to Rensselaer. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak522h 35m$156.71

  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Rensselaer every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $87.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Detroit to Rensselaer. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Detroit and Rensselaer is approximately 474 miles, or 763 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 23 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Detroit to Rensselaer on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Detroit at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Rensselaer to Detroit.

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.

Rensselaer

Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.

Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.

The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Detroit?

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

Image credit: JasonParis

Link to image attribution

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 is the train station in Rensselaer?

Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Rensselaer has one train station.

All train stations in Rensselaer:

  • Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Rensselaer by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Rensselaer to Detroit?

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