- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 29 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
384 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 6 buses that leave Detroit, MI for Chicago, IL on Tue, Aug 25, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct buses cover the 384 km distance in an average of 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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.


· 
FlixBus
FlixBus


· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. 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 $35, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 238 miles (384 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $265 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 5m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $71.
A bus is $214 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $265.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 54m.
Tickets start at around $51 compared to roughly $74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23. The journey takes 5h 54m versus 4h 5m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:25 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 4h50 | 11:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 7h00 | 2:20 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:45 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 7h50 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 1:50 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 7h15 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:20 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 6h05 | 9:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:15 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 7h10 | 5:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 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 4h 50m.
Distance 238 miles (384 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 4:56 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL buses use the Detroit, Greyhound Terminal to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Detroit, Greyhound Terminal is 1 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit, Greyhound Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shops available.
Free Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal.
Available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal: Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need