- 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
$161
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
9 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
405 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $161.
Of the 2 trains that leave Milwaukee, WI for Detroit, MI on Sun, Aug 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 405 km distance in an average of 9 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 11 h 35 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 train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $280.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 22m Average total duration Fastest 6h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration 8h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 19m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $45 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI costing on average $112 (€90).
A bus is $346 (€278) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI costing on average $413 (€332).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 17m.
Flight takes on average 8h 19m.
Tickets start at around $112 (€90) compared to roughly $97 (€78) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.51 (€-11.66). The journey takes 6h 52m versus 5h 28m 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 Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
332 Hiawatha Service · 352 Wolverine | 8:05 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 12h00 | 9:05 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
334 Hiawatha Service · 352 Wolverine | 11:00 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 9h05 | 9:05 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
338 Hiawatha Service · 354 Wolverine | 3:00 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 8h15 | 12:15 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 (€54) but you can travel from only $47 (€37) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 15:10. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 251 miles (405 km) |
Average train duration 6h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€54) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 8h 10m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 3:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI trains use the Milwaukee Intermodal Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Detroit, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Milwaukee Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Milwaukee ChopHouse, The Capital Grille
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, The Pfister Hotel.
Airport Amtrak Station is 11 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Airport Amtrak Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Airport Amtrak 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