- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Showing times and prices for Jul 18
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 34 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
384 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Detroit, MI on Sat, Jul 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct buses cover the 384 km distance in an average of 6 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest buses will take 7 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
3:55 PM6h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:00 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$511One-way0 transfers- 11:35 PM6h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:50 AMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$511One-way0 transfers
FlixBus2:30 PM5h10Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station8:40 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$551One-way0 transfers- 6:20 AM7h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:45 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$631One-way0 transfers
- · 6:30 AM8h10Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:40 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$711One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus2:30 PM5h10Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station8:40 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$551One-way0 transfers
- 3:55 PM6h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:00 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$511One-way0 transfers
- 11:35 PM6h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:50 AMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$511One-way0 transfers
- 6:20 AM7h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:45 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$631One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:30 AM7h55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:25 PMDetroit, Greyhound Terminal$1251One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 $33. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $121.
Distance: 238 miles (384 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $387 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is a bus with an average price of $62 (€51).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI costing on average $74 (€60).
A bus is $325 (€267) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI costing on average $387 (€317).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 23m.
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 56m.
Train takes on average 6h 57m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $62 (€51) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 5h 56m versus 4h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 2:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 5h10 | 8:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h05 | 11:00 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h15 | 6:50 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
| 6:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h25 | 2:45 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| · | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 8h10 | 3:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 9:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h55 | 6:25 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus or Barons Bus offer buses services from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Barons Bus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Barons Bus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:56, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 238 miles (384 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 238 miles (384 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 4:56 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI with Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus for as low as $33 (€27). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
Greyhound frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Barons Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 40m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Barons Bus frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Detroit
Things to do in Detroit
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
- Must visit
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
- Must visit
Motown Museum
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
- Must visit
Detroit Riverwalk
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
- Must visit
Belle Isle Park
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
- Must visit
Campus Martius Park
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
- Vegetarian
Detroit-Style Pizza
A square deep-dish pizza with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and striped sauce. It is Detroit’s signature pie, born in blue steel auto pans.
Coney Dog
A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions on a steamed bun. It is a classic Detroit street food tied to Greek-American diners.
Corned Beef Sandwich
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Selden Standard
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
New Palace Bakery
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Buddy's Pizza
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
US Dollar ($)
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-15 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-5 for drip coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% in cafes if there is table service.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI can start from as little as $33 (€27) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is $62 (€51) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is 5h 10m to travel the 238 miles (384 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI leaves at 4:56 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus for the best way to get you to Detroit, MI. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Detroit, MI from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Detroit, MI are:
- Detroit Institute of Arts, a renowned museum housing over 65,000 artworks from various cultures and eras
- The Henry Ford, a sprawling complex dedicated to American innovation and history, featuring the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
- Detroit Riverwalk, a scenic promenade along the Detroit River offering views, parks, and recreational activities
- Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island park with attractions like an aquarium, conservatory, and nature trails
- Guardian Building, an iconic skyscraper known for its stunning Art Deco architecture and vibrant interior design.
The best things to do in Detroit, MI include:
- Motown Museum, the iconic birthplace of the Motown Sound offering guided tours of the historic recording studios
- Eastern Market, a vibrant public market offering fresh produce, local goods, and a lively atmosphere with events and street art
- Detroit Historical Museum, showcasing the rich history of Detroit through engaging exhibits and interactive displays
- Detroit Zoo, featuring a wide variety of animals and immersive habitats
- Comerica Park, a baseball stadium offering games, tours, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Detroit, MI are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Detroit, MI, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated neighborhoods after dark. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers and fake ticket sellers near popular attractions. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized transportation services can help ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Detroit, MI
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