Train Detroit, MI - Chicago, IL prices from $42.59

04/19/2024
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$42.59

Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train

The journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train is 238.64 mi and takes 5 hr 27 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:26 AM and the last at 6:11 PM. It is possible to travel from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train for as little as $42.59 or as much as $101.62. The best price for this journey is $42.59.

Lowest Price$42.59
Journey Duration5 hr 27 min
Connection per Day1
Lowest Price$42.59
Highest Price$101.62
First Departure6:26 AM
Last Departure6:11 PM
Distance238.64 mi
DepartureDetroit, MI
ArrivalChicago, IL
CarriersAmtrak

Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL Train Times

Departure date
Friday, Apr 19, 2024

Travel by train from Detroit, MI, to Chicago, IL

The train ride from Detroit, MI, to Chicago, IL, lasts on average 5 hr 27 min. Around 1 trains depart a day between Detroit and Chicago, the average price is $52.99 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $42.59.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Detroit to Chicago. The Amtrak Wolverine train service connects Detroit and Chicago directly, but you can also find different transfer options on Virail.com.

Wolverine is a train service between Chicago and Pontiac. Illinois and Michigan are neighboring states but in different time zones, so keep that in mind while booking your journeys. All Wolverine trains have free WiFi and a cafe with refreshments. Business class passengers can enjoy wider seats and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage.

The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended. 

Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains, children under two travel free on Amtrak trains.

Michigan Central Station is located at 11 West Baltimore Avenue, Detroit. The building is built in Beaux Art style and is considered the twin of the famous New York Grand Central Station. The station features ATMs, a ticket office, and baggage storage (for a fee). The station is entirely wheelchair accessible and has day and overnight parking.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. Union Station also provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Chicago is one of the cradles of American culture, home of Jazz, deep-dish pizza, and the famous Second City comedy theater. The Willis Tower's Skydeck provides unbeatable views of the city and Lake Michigan, making it a tourist must-visit destination. Another popular spot for visitors is Millennium Park, where they can snap the iconic selfie with the Bean sculpture before exploring the many museums in nearby Grant Park.

So if you plan to travel by train from Detroit to Chicago, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Detroit and Chicago.

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Compare prices and tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

Cheap train tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $37.89 to $101.62 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 63% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL

The cheapest Detroit, MI - Chicago, IL train tickets can be found for as low as $44.13 if you’re lucky, or $49.92 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $58.01.

Find the best day to travel to Chicago, IL by train

When travelling to Chicago, IL by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
Compare services on board when travelling from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
26.88kg
Bus
28.8kg
Flight
76.81kg
Car
61.45kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL are 26.88kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL? By taking the train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL you will save 49.93kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 1.92kg compared to a bus and 34.57kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
A train ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is $52.99. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $42.59.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is $42.59. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL by train?
Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is 238.64 mi.
How long does the train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL take?
Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is on average 5 hr 27 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 5 hr 6 min.
How many train connections per day go from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL has 1 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL leave?
The earliest train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL departs at 6:26 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL depart?
The latest train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL departs at 6:11 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $42.59 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
There are on average 1 direct connection(s) from Detroit, MI to go to Chicago, IL.
What's the fastest journey time between Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL is 5 hr 6 min.
Is there a direct train from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?
Yes, there is a direct train between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL.
What are the CO2 emissions for Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL by train?
The train journey from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL creates 26.88kg of CO2 emissions.

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