- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.
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Cheapest price
$197
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
26h 10m
Average duration
26h 10m
Buses per day
1
Distance
136 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $118. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $118, and a train costs an average of $272.
Distance: 681 miles (1097 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$455 Average price | $273 Average price | $227 Average price Cheapest | $177 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 55m Average total duration 27h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 37h 22m Average total duration 36h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 0m 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 Charleston, SC:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Charleston, SC costing on average $273 (€225).
A bus is $228 (€188) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Charleston, SC costing on average $455 (€374).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 27h 25m.
Bus takes on average 36h 52m.
Tickets start at around $455 (€374) compared to roughly $177 (€146) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-277.60 (€-228.27). The journey takes 27h 25m versus 13h 0m 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, MI to Charleston, SC trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:35 PM Detroit, MI | 43h13 | 8:48 AM Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:35 PM Detroit, MI | 43h13 | 9:48 AM Charleston, SC | 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, MI to Charleston, SC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 27h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $272 (€224) but you can travel from only $90 (€74) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 09:35, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 681 miles (1097 km) distance in 30h 18m.
Distance 681 miles (1097 km) |
Average train duration 27h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $272 (€224) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 30h 18m |
First train 9:35 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.
Charleston’s leading art museum, known for American works with strong connections to the city, the South, and regional artists.
A major new museum on the waterfront exploring African American history and the African diaspora through immersive exhibitions.
Charleston’s signature waterfront promenade, lined with historic mansions, harbor views, and one of the city’s classic walks.
A popular harborfront park known for pier views, shaded paths, and the famous Pineapple Fountain.
One of Charleston’s best-known streets for architecture, shopping, and lively city atmosphere across several distinct sections.
A Lowcountry classic of shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits, often with bacon, gravy, or sausage. It is one of Charleston’s signature comfort dishes.
A rich coastal soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and a splash of sherry. It is strongly associated with Charleston and historic Lowcountry dining.
A traditional rice and field pea dish, usually seasoned with pork. It is a classic Southern and Lowcountry staple, especially around New Year celebrations.
One of Charleston’s best-known fine dining restaurants, serving polished Southern dishes with strong local sourcing in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
A celebrated Southern restaurant known for refined Lowcountry cooking, seasonal local ingredients, and a historic Charleston setting.
A popular waterfront venue set in a former naval building, known for seafood, she-crab soup, and harbor views.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and fine dining can be pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for a popular coastal city.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis and rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Detroit, MI to Charleston, SC trains use the Detroit Amtrak to Charleston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and Charleston, SC 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need