- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $170. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $170, and a flight costs an average of $417.
Distance: 373 miles (601 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$211 Average price | $417 Average price | $170 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 38m Average total duration 32h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 40m Average total duration 24h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI costing on average $211 (€173).
A bus is $247 (€203) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI costing on average $417 (€342).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 10m.
Train takes on average 32h 8m.
Tickets start at around $211 (€173) compared to roughly $100 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-110.15 (€-90.53). The journey takes 32h 8m versus 7h 40m 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 Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:32 PM Sterling, VA | 32h08 | 12:40 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 32h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $211 (€173) but you can travel from only $170 (€140) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 16:32, the last at 16:32. The fastest train covers the 373 miles (601 km) distance in 32h 8m.
Distance 373 miles (601 km) |
Average train duration 32h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $211 (€173) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 32h 8m |
First train 4:32 PM |
Last train 4:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
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.
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 Sterling, VA 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 Sterling, VA to Detroit, MI trains use the Manassas Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Sterling, VA and Detroit, MI 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need