The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Cheapest price
$161
Average price
$172
Fastest journey
9 h 5 m
Average duration
9 h 5 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
384 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI will cost around $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $161.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM9h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:35 AMDetroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI$1611One-way1 transfer
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM9h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:35 AMDetroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI$1841One-way1 transfer
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM9h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:35 AMDetroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI$1611One-way1 transfer
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK9:30 PM9h05Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:35 AMDetroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI$1841One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 238 miles (384 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $350 Average price |
7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
350 Wolverine | 11:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h40 | 5:25 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
354 Wolverine | 10:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 4:10 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h05 | 11:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 2:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h05 | 11:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Trains from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 238 miles (384 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 238 miles (384 km) |
Average train duration 6h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 20m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station.
- Cuisine Restaurant
- New Center Eatery
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- Hotel St. Regis
- The Inn on Ferry Street
- MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas
- platforms are accessible via the main entrance.
- QLine streetcar
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
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