Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Rochester
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Detroit to Rochester. Traveling by train from Detroit to Rochester usually takes 18 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 282 mi (453 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 30m |
| Lowest price | $102.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Detroit to Rochester Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Detroit to Rochester?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Rochester.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$165.49 | Avg. Price$69.56Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration18h 8m | Duration10h 40mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Rochester:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Rochester?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Rochester was $150.38. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $88.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Rochester by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Rochester will cost between $103 and $184. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Rochester by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Rochester often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $123. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Rochester during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $177 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 Rochester on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $88.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Detroit to Rochester?
There are multiple trains that travel from Detroit to Rochester, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 18h 8m | $165.49 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Rochester every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $102.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to Rochester
There are 4 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 Rochester to Detroit. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Rochester for $51.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Detroit and Rochester is approximately 282 miles, or 453 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 30 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)
282
DISTANCE (KM)
453
The earliest train departs Detroit at 9:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
9:35am
LATEST TRAIN
9:30pm
Trains from Detroit to Rochester are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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.
Rochester
Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.
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 Rochester?
Main arrival station: Louise M. Slaughter Station
Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.
All train stations in Rochester:
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
Need a return trip from Rochester to Detroit?
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