- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$184
Average price
$184
Fastest journey
9 h 32 m
Average duration
13 h 20 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
535 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Normal, 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 Normal, IL to Detroit, MI will cost around $184 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $184.
It's difficult to get from Normal, IL to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Normal, IL to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $455.
Distance: 332 miles (535 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $466 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 52m Average total duration 13h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 30m Average total duration 16h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 34m Average total duration Fastest 9h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Normal, IL to Detroit, MI:
A train is $12 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Normal, IL to Detroit, MI costing on average $124 (€102).
A train is $354 (€290) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Normal, IL to Detroit, MI costing on average $466 (€382).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 22m.
Bus takes on average 16h 0m.
Tickets start at around $112 (€92) compared to roughly $77 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.02 (€-28.66). The journey takes 13h 22m versus 5h 46m 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 Normal, IL to Detroit, MI trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:08 PM Normal, IL | 12h02 | 4:10 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:08 PM Normal, IL | 12h02 | 5:10 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 11:08 AM Normal, IL | 9h32 | 8:40 PM Detroit, MI | 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 Normal, IL to Detroit, MI run on average 6 times per day, taking around 13h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 09:35. The fastest train covers the 332 miles (535 km) distance in 12h 2m.
Distance 332 miles (535 km) |
Average train duration 13h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 12h 2m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 9:35 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Normal, 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 Normal, IL to Detroit, MI trains use the Uptown Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Normal, IL and Detroit, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Uptown 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Medici, The Rock Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Uptown Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Uptown Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Uptown Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Uptown Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Uptown Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal, Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal.
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