- Must visit
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Historic estate museum of George Washington with the mansion, education center, gardens, and exhibitions. One of the region's signature heritage sites and a major priority visit.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $90. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $90, and a flight costs an average of $99.
Distance: 397 miles (640 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$201 Average price | $331 Average price | $127 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 54m Average total duration 18h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration Fastest 4h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 54m Average total duration 18h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA:
A bus is $74 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA costing on average $201 (€164).
A bus is $204 (€167) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA costing on average $331 (€271).
Other travel options to Alexandria, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 24m.
Bus takes on average 18h 24m.
Tickets start at around $201 (€164) compared to roughly $105 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-95.89 (€-78.48). The journey takes 18h 24m versus 7h 57m 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.
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, MI to Alexandria, VA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 18h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $115 (€94) but you can travel from only $90 (€74) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 397 miles (640 km) distance in 16h 35m.
Distance 397 miles (640 km) |
Average train duration 18h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $115 (€94) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 16h 35m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Alexandria — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alexandria trip today.
Historic estate museum of George Washington with the mansion, education center, gardens, and exhibitions. One of the region's signature heritage sites and a major priority visit.
Well-known waterfront art center with working artist studios and galleries. Popular for browsing local art and meeting artists in a historic industrial building.
City history museum in a landmark Greek Revival building, covering Alexandria's past from colonial times through the present. A compact and worthwhile local introduction.
The city's signature historic district with brick sidewalks, preserved rowhouses, boutiques, and waterfront access. Essential for first-time visitors and one of the area's most photogenic places.
Main historic street running through Old Town, lined with shops, galleries, and architecture. A classic walking route and one of Alexandria's most recognizable addresses.
Scenic Potomac waterfront area with promenades, marinas, public art, and views toward Washington. Especially popular for strolling, sunset photos, and social media content.
Small biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack tied to Virginia food traditions and often served at gatherings.
Pan-seared cakes made with lump crab meat and minimal filler, reflecting the long culinary influence of the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
Fresh regional oysters served raw with lemon and mignonette, popular across Northern Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic seafood scene.
Long-established upscale Old Town dining room offering refined American cuisine with seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients.
Established Old Town seafood and steak restaurant with a classic atmosphere, especially known for regional seafood and crab cakes.
Trusted local favorite for oysters, lobster rolls, and Mid-Atlantic seafood in a relaxed brasserie-style space.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey in peak season, while casual dining is fairly accessible.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent 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, MI to Alexandria, VA 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 Alexandria, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA trains use the Detroit Amtrak to Alexandria Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and Alexandria, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Detroit Amtrak is 4 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cuisine Restaurant, New Center Eatery
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Detroit Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Detroit Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Regis, The Inn on Ferry Street, MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Alexandria Station is 1 km from Alexandria city centre. Public transport options include:
Alexandria Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Joe Theismann's Restaurant, Table Talk Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Alexandria Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Alexandria Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alexandria Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alexandria Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alexandria Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town, The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria.
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