- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$145
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
11 h 16 m
Average duration
11 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
426 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
Of the 1 trains that leave Joliet, IL for Detroit, MI on Mon, Aug 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 426 km distance in an average of 11 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 16 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 11 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 264 miles (426 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $113 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 25m Average total duration 9h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI:
A train is $20 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI costing on average $113.
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 55m.
Tickets start at around $93 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-31.18. The journey takes 9h 55m versus 4h 9m 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 Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:30 PM Joliet, IL | 8h10 | 8:40 PM Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Joliet, IL | 7h40 | 12:10 AM Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $60 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:24, the last at 10:39. The fastest train covers the 264 miles (426 km) distance in 9h 1m.
Distance 264 miles (426 km) |
Average train duration 9h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 9h 1m |
First train 8:24 AM |
Last train 10:39 AM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Detroit, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit, MI trip today.
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
A square deep-dish pizza with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and striped sauce. It is Detroit’s signature pie, born in blue steel auto pans.
A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions on a steamed bun. It is a classic Detroit street food tied to Greek-American diners.
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI trains use the Joliet Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Joliet, IL and Detroit, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Joliet Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Joliet Station.
Ticket office support is available at Joliet Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Joliet Station.
Available at Joliet Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Joliet Station.
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