The cheapest and fastest trains from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$366
Average price
$441
Fastest journey
12 h 18 m
Average duration
13 h 36 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
854 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit Lakes, MN 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 Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around $441 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $366.
Of the 4 trains that leave Detroit Lakes, MN for Chicago, IL on Fri, Apr 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Apr 03 the direct trains cover the 854 km distance in an average of 13 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 18 m .
On Fri, Apr 03 the slowest trains will take 14 h 54 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.
8 Empire Builder4:27 AM12h18Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3661One-way0 transfers
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:27 AM14h54Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3861One-way1 transfer
28 Empire Builder4:27 AM12h18Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4971One-way0 transfers
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:27 AM14h54Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5131One-way1 transfer
8 Empire Builder4:27 AM12h18Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3661One-way0 transfers
28 Empire Builder4:27 AM12h18Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4971One-way0 transfers
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:27 AM14h54Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3861One-way1 transfer
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:27 AM14h54Detroit Lakes Station, Detroit Lakes, MN7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5131One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $77, and a flight costs an average of $397.
Distance: 530 miles (854 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$214 Average price Cheapest | $284 Average price | $413 Average price |
12h 48m Average total duration 12h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 36h 38m Average total duration 36h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Journey information
Overview: Train from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $77 (€63) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 530 miles (854 km) distance in 12h 18m.
Distance 530 miles (854 km) |
Average train duration 12h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€63) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 12h 18m |
First train 4:27 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Detroit Lakes, MN and Chicago, IL from $77 (€63). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Detroit Lakes, MN to Chicago, IL
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