- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
8 h 2 m
Average duration
8 h 2 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
347 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
It's difficult to get from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 215 miles (347 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$191 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $390 Average price | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration 7h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $114 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI costing on average $191 (€157).
A bus is $313 (€257) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI costing on average $390 (€321).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 39m.
Bus takes on average 7h 19m.
Tickets start at around $191 (€157) compared to roughly $64 (€53) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-127.11 (€-104.43). The journey takes 6h 39m versus 4h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:42 PM Buffalo, NY | 8h02 | 11:44 PM Detroit, MI | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 3:42 PM Buffalo, NY | 8h02 | 11:44 PM Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $181 (€149) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:35, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 215 miles (347 km) distance in 8h 2m.
Distance 215 miles (347 km) |
Average train duration 6h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $181 (€149) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 8h 2m |
First train 9:35 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
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.
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.
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI by train. 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 train, 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