- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Cheapest price
$177
Average price
$348
Fastest journey
22 h 7 m
Average duration
23 h 42 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1003 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN will cost around $348 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.
Of the 4 trains that leave Detroit, MI for Memphis, TN on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 1003 km distance in an average of 23 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 h 7 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 16 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $91, and a flight costs an average of $92.
Distance: 623 miles (1003 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$273 Average price | $175 Average price Cheapest | $367 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 7m Average total duration 15h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 10m Average total duration 16h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN:
A bus is $98 (€79) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN costing on average $273 (€221).
A bus is $192 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN costing on average $367 (€298).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 37m.
Bus takes on average 16h 40m.
Tickets start at around $273 (€221) compared to roughly $144 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-128.64 (€-104.19). The journey takes 15h 37m versus 11h 1m 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 Memphis, TN trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
351 Wolverine · 59 City Of New Orleans | 7:03 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 22h39 | 4:42 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 transfer | |
353 Wolverine · 59 City Of New Orleans | 9:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 20h07 | 4:42 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 transfer | |
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 Memphis, TN run on average 2 times per day, taking around 15h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $141 (€114) but you can travel from only $91 (€73) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 623 miles (1003 km) distance in 20h 7m.
Distance 623 miles (1003 km) |
Average train duration 15h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $141 (€114) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 20h 7m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN trains use the Detroit Amtrak to Memphis Central Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and Memphis, TN 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.
Memphis Central Station is 2 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis Central 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: Central BBQ, Arcade Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Memphis Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis Central Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Napoleon, The Peabody Memphis.
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