- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
11 h 55 m
Average duration
11 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
274 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
Of the 1 buses that leave South Bend, IN for Detroit, MI on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 274 km distance in an average of 11 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 55 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 11 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $423.
Distance: 170 miles (274 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price | $473 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 26m Average total duration 11h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 50m Average total duration Fastest 6h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI costing on average $102 (€84).
A bus is $395 (€323) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI costing on average $473 (€387).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 18m.
Bus takes on average 11h 56m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:15 PM South Bend, IN | 7h40 | 2:55 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:55 PM South Bend, IN | 11h55 | 11:50 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from South Bend, IN to Detroit, MI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 170 miles (274 km) distance in 7h 40m.
Distance 170 miles (274 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 South Bend, IN 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need