Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sun 12 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 12 Jul

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£52

Fastest journey

5 h 6 m

Average duration

5 h 20 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

384 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Detroit, MI for Chicago, IL every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 384 km distance in an average of 5 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 29 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.

  • Amtrak
    22:115h29
    Detroit, MI
    3:40Chicago, IL
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    11:265h06
    Detroit, MI
    16:32Chicago, IL
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    23:115h29
    Detroit, MI
    4:40Chicago, IL
    £541One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    10:265h06
    Detroit, MI
    15:32Chicago, IL
    £561One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    21:115h29
    Detroit, MI
    2:40Chicago, IL
    £641One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a flight costs an average of £173.

Distance: 384 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£48

Average Price

£45

Average Price

Cheapest

£294

Average Price

5h 46m

Average total duration

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 22m

Average total duration

5h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 29m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.3kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday 12 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak10:26 Detroit, MI
5h06
15:32 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak11:26 Detroit, MI
5h06
16:32 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak21:11 Detroit, MI
5h29
2:40 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak22:11 Detroit, MI
5h29
3:40 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak23:11 Detroit, MI
5h29
4:40 Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

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12 Jul
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01 Aug

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £24 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 6m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £24
Distance
384 km
Average train duration
5h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
5h 6m
First train
4:56
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £24

Train companies: Amtrak from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL from £24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
£24
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 384 km and takes approximately 5h 6m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is 384 km.
The first train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:56.
The last train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
Trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Detroit, MI that goes to Chicago, IL is Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is by coach, costing approximately £24.
Booking trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL offers a mix of urban and natural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Michigan countryside, glimpses of Lake Michigan, and the changing landscapes as the train approaches the bustling city of Chicago.
A day trip from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 6m. However, there are 3 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 384 km.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL

Most Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL trains use the Detroit Amtrak to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Detroit
Arrival train stations in Chicago

Which Detroit, MI station do trains to Chicago, IL leave from?

Trains from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL leave from Detroit Amtrak. The station is 5 km from Detroit, MI city centre at 11 West Baltimore Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Detroit Amtrak11 West Baltimore Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Detroit Amtrak from Detroit city centre

Detroit Amtrak is 4 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4 · 9m · £2 · every ~8 min
462, 461 · 13m · £2 · every ~6 min
4, 23, 16 · 25m · £2 · every ~13 min
TramQline · 19m · every ~7 min
Qline · 23m · every ~7 min
Qline · 23m · every ~7 min

Detroit Amtrak train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Cuisine Restaurant, New Center Eatery

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Detroit Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Detroit Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Detroit Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Detroit Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Regis, The Inn on Ferry Street, MotorCity Casino Hotel.

More options for your journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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