- Must visit
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Major fine arts museum with a globally significant collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
4 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
286 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 1 trains that leave Detroit Lakes, MN for Minneapolis, MN 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 trains cover the 286 km distance in an average of 4 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 4 h 6 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 train as it is the most popular option from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $234.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $692 Average price | $153 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 42m Average total duration 10h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN:
A train is $95 (€77) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $153 (€125).
A train is $634 (€519) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $692 (€566).
Other travel options to Minneapolis, MN take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 29m.
Flight takes on average 10h 42m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€48) compared to roughly $40 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.43 (€-15.08). The journey takes 4h 6m versus 3h 18m 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 Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:27 AM Detroit Lakes, MN | 4h06 | 1:33 PM Minneapolis, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 4h 6m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average train duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 6m |
First train 4:27 AM |
Last train 11:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Minneapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Minneapolis trip today.
Major fine arts museum with a globally significant collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city.
Leading contemporary art museum known for modern exhibitions, design, film, and performance. Closely linked with the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Museum inside the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, explaining Minneapolis flour-milling history and the growth of the riverfront.
Large riverside park centered on Minnehaha Falls, with trails, limestone scenery, and one of the city's most photographed spots.
Highly popular outdoor art park beside the Walker Art Center, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
Beloved urban lake with walking and biking paths, beaches, and skyline views. A favorite local outdoor area in warm weather.
A Minneapolis burger specialty with molten cheese sealed inside the beef patty, famously associated with South Minneapolis taverns.
A classic Minnesota freshwater fish, often pan-fried or battered, celebrated across the Twin Cities for its mild flavor.
A beloved Upper Midwest casserole of ground meat, vegetables, creamy sauce, and tater tots, common at family tables and potlucks.
Acclaimed restaurant focused on Indigenous North American ingredients and techniques, offering one of the city's most distinctive dining experiences.
Popular downtown restaurant known for hearty brunches, comfort food, and a lively, long-running Minneapolis personality.
Legendary no-frills South Minneapolis bar famous for the original-style Jucy Lucy and a classic local tavern atmosphere.
Prices are moderate for a major U.S. city. Casual food is reasonable, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey during peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Detroit Lakes, MN to Minneapolis, MN trains use the Detroit Lakes Station to Union Depot station pair. Use this guide to compare Detroit Lakes, MN and Minneapolis, MN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Detroit Lakes Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Detroit Lakes Station.
ATMs are available at Detroit Lakes Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Lakes Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need