- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
One of the leading art museums in the United States, famous for its vast collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
264 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Of the 3 buses that leave Columbus, OH for Detroit, MI on Thu, Jul 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct buses cover the 264 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest buses will take 8 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.

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· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH 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 bus which can get you there in 4h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $204.
Distance: 164 miles (264 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $496 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 8m Average total duration 10h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $445 (€367) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI costing on average $496 (€409).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Flight takes on average 10h 8m.
You'll arrive about -1h -56m sooner (4h 24m by bus vs 3h 28m by car) and save roughly $-13.70 (€-11.29) compared to fuel and tolls ($51 (€42) vs $37 (€31)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Greyhound, Barons Bus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 7:50 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 7h50 | 3:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 5h00 | 6:00 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 2:00 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 8h55 | 10:55 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Buses from Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€27) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 164 miles (264 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 164 miles (264 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€27) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
One of the leading art museums in the United States, famous for its vast collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
A major museum of American innovation and culture with iconic vehicles, industrial artifacts, and immersive exhibits.
Small but iconic museum preserving the legacy of Motown Records in the original Hitsville U.S.A. house and studio.
The city’s signature waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, parks, and easy walking along the river.
Large island park with scenic drives, trails, waterfront views, and several cultural attractions.
Historic market district known for murals, local culture, weekend energy, and some of Detroit’s most photographed streets.
A rectangular, thick-crust pizza baked in a deep steel pan with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and sauce spooned on top. It is one of Detroit’s signature foods.
A natural-casing hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. Detroit’s long-running Coney rivalry makes it a classic local must-try.
French fries topped with Coney-style chili, mustard, and onions, often with cheese. This diner staple reflects the Greek-American influence on Detroit’s Coney culture.
A well-regarded contemporary restaurant serving seasonal small plates with strong local sourcing. Stylish but relaxed, it is a standout for modern Detroit dining.
A long-established Hamtramck favorite known for hearty Polish specialties such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage, and schnitzel in a cozy basement setting.
A classic Southwest Detroit counter spot celebrated for dependable Coney dogs and old-school diner atmosphere. Simple, affordable, and deeply local.
Costs are moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining is affordable, while downtown hotels can be pricier during events.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valets.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbus, OH 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.

Most Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI buses use the to Detroit, Greyhound Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Columbus, OH and Detroit, MI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need