- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
A major art museum with American, European and contemporary works, plus Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and strong rotating exhibitions.
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£38
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£69
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
6 h 36 m
Trains on 17 Oct
6
Distance
384 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
On Sat 17 Oct, we found 6 trains from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 384 km distance in an average of 6 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 9 h 5 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.
352 Wolverine
354 Wolverine
364 Blue Water · 354 Wolverine
350 Wolverine
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 Connecting Bus
354 Wolverine
352 Wolverine
350 Wolverine
364 Blue Water · 354 Wolverine
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 Connecting BusTrains from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 384 km distance in 5h 8m.
Distance 384 km |
Average train duration 5h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 8m |
First train 4:56 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI trains for today, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 Connecting Bus | 21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h05 | 7:35 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 change | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 Connecting Bus | 21:30 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h05 | 7:35 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 change | |
| Saturday 17 October | |||||
350 Wolverine | 6:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h45 | 13:30 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 0 changesdirect | |
352 Wolverine | 14:35 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 21:05 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 0 changesdirect | |
364 Blue Water · 354 Wolverine | 16:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 7h15 | 0:15 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 change | |
354 Wolverine | 17:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h25 | 0:15 Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Detroit, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit, MI trip today.
A major art museum with American, European and contemporary works, plus Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and strong rotating exhibitions.
An expansive history and innovation museum campus featuring transport, design and Americana, ideal for understanding Detroit and US industrial culture.
A contemporary art museum presenting thought-provoking exhibitions, installations and public programmes in Midtown near Detroit’s cultural institutions.
A lively public square in Downtown Detroit with fountains, events and seating, surrounded by major buildings and within easy walking distance of key sights.
A 982-acre island park with river views, gardens, an aquarium, conservatory and broad green spaces, popular for driving, cycling and walking.
A revitalised riverfront promenade with parks, public art and skyline views, ideal for an easy stroll between downtown attractions and the water.
Rectangular deep-pan pizza with a crisp, cheesy edge and sauce spooned on top. A defining Detroit speciality born in the city’s blue-collar neighbourhoods.
A beef hot dog in natural casing topped with chilli, mustard and chopped onions. This long-standing diner staple is central to Detroit’s late-night food culture.
A sandwich of corned beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on grilled rye. Strongly linked to Detroit delis and the city’s Jewish food heritage.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal American cooking and thoughtful service in Midtown. A strong choice for a refined Detroit meal.
Busy neighbourhood pizzeria known for classic Detroit-style pizza with caramelised cheese edges and a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic casual spot famous for Detroit coney dogs. Fast, lively and central, it is ideal for trying one of the city’s signature everyday dishes.
Moderate for a large US city: hotels and dining are usually below New York or Chicago, while car use and limited transit can add costs for visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Round up or leave $1-2 at cafés and bars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI trains use the Union Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
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