The cheapest and fastest trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$91
Fastest journey
5 h 39 m
Average duration
5 h 39 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
384 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI 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, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 1 trains that leave Detroit, MI for Chicago, IL on Sun, May 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct trains cover the 384 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 39 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest trains will take 5 h 39 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.
355 Wolverine5:11 PM5h39Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI9:50 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$911One-way0 transfers
355 Wolverine5:11 PM5h39Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI9:50 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$911One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $240.
Distance: 238 miles (384 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $406 Average price | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $67 (€54).
A bus is $344 (€278) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $406 (€329).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
353 Wolverine | 9:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 5h37 | 2:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
355 Wolverine | 5:11 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 5h39 | 9:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Detroit, MI 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 238 miles (384 km) distance in 5h 6m.
Distance 238 miles (384 km) |
Average train duration 5h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 6m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL from $33 (€27). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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, MI to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station.
- Cuisine Restaurant
- New Center Eatery
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- Hotel St. Regis
- The Inn on Ferry Street
- MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas
- platforms are accessible via the main entrance.
- QLine streetcar
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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
Most popular train connections from Detroit, MI
More options for your journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
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