Cheap train tickets from Detroit Lakes to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Detroit Lakes to Chicago Train Schedule
Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Detroit Lakes to Chicago. The train trip from Detroit Lakes to Chicago is usually about 13 hours and 27 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can get you there in as little as 12 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 530 mi (853 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 18m |
| Lowest price | NOK 1,246.46 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Detroit Lakes to Chicago
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Detroit Lakes to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Detroit Lakes to Chicago. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 14h 55m | NOK 1,878.89 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 12h 19m | NOK 1,982.59 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Detroit Lakes to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,441.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit Lakes to Chicago
The distance between Detroit Lakes and Chicago is approximately 530 miles, or 853 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 18 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.
Trains from Detroit Lakes to Chicago 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Detroit Lakes at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Detroit Lakes?
Main departure station: White Earth Transit Station
There is one train station in Detroit Lakes.
All train stations in Detroit Lakes:
White Earth Transit Station
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main arrival station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
Union Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Detroit Lakes
- Train from Detroit Lakes to Fargo
NOK 235+
- Red Wing to Winona
NOK 123+
- Red Wing to Seattle
NOK 2,965+
- Red Wing to La Crosse Train
NOK 143+
- Train from Red Wing to Milwaukee
NOK 588+
- Red Wing to Wisconsin Dells Train
NOK 245+
- Train from Rochester to Chicago
NOK 1,052+
- Rochester to Saint Paul
NOK 470+
- Train from Saint Cloud to Saint Paul
NOK 374+
- Train from Saint Cloud to Whitefish
NOK 2,071+
- Train from Saint Cloud to Fargo
NOK 441+
- Staples to Chicago Train
NOK 1,654+
- Saint Paul to Chicago Train
NOK 998+
- Winona to Chicago
NOK 764+
- Train from Winona to Saint Cloud
NOK 579+
- Train from Winona to Saint Paul
NOK 284+
- Winona to Seattle
NOK 2,998+
- Winona to Madison Train
NOK 1,302+
Continue by train from Chicago
- Chicago to London
NOK 990+
- Chicago to Denver
NOK 1,905+
- Train from Chicago to Atlanta
NOK 3,336+
- Chicago to Flint Train
NOK 556+
- Chicago to Kalamazoo Train
NOK 453+
- Train from Chicago to Saint Paul
NOK 1,040+
- Chicago to Whitefish
NOK 2,771+
- Chicago to Las Vegas Train
NOK 1,949+
- Chicago to New York Train
NOK 2,519+
- Train from Chicago to Cincinnati
NOK 757+
- Train from Chicago to Toledo
NOK 503+
- Chicago to Portland Train
NOK 3,189+
- Chicago to Philadelphia Train
NOK 2,246+
- Chicago to Fort Worth
NOK 1,850+
- Train from Chicago to Virginia Beach
NOK 2,193+
- Train from Chicago to Madison
NOK 544+
- Chicago to Milwaukee Train
NOK 284+
- Chicago to Oshkosh Train
NOK 643+
Check out these popular routes
- Ottawa to Toronto Train
NOK 798+
- London to Edinburgh Train
NOK 770+
- Los Angeles to Seattle Train
NOK 2,072+
- Washington D.C. to Baltimore Train
NOK 174+
- Miami to Tampa Train
NOK 585+
- Chicago to Detroit Train
NOK 698+
- Chicago to New York Train
NOK 2,519+
- Train from Baltimore to Washington D.C.
NOK 108+
- Train from Detroit to Chicago
NOK 692+
- Train from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
NOK 937+
- Buffalo to New York Train
NOK 889+
- Train from New York to Providence
NOK 1,223+
- Train from Rensselaer to New York
NOK 620+
- Philadelphia to Boston Train
NOK 2,096+
- Providence to New Rochelle Train
NOK 1,459+
- Providence to Syracuse Train
NOK 2,096+
- Train from Seattle to Baltimore
NOK 5,657+
- Seattle to New York Train
NOK 6,978+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.