- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 2 buses that leave East Lansing, MI for Detroit, MI on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 20 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI costing on average $60 (€49).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:15 PM East Lansing, MI | 2h20 | 2:35 PM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:05 PM East Lansing, MI | 2h20 | 10:25 PM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM East Lansing, MI | 2h20 | 11:25 PM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 18:35. The fastest bus covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 6:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Lansing, MI 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.

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