Fastest way from Chicago to Detroit: Flight, about 1h 20min (from €98). Cheapest: Bus, from €39 (about 5h 45min – 8h). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): United Airlines, American Airlines, Greyhound; main departure point: Chicago OHare Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Chicago to Detroit
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €39 | 7 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €52 | 3 |
| United Airlines | Flight | Chicago OHare Airport | €97 | 10 |
| American Airlines | Flight | Chicago OHare Airport | €98 | 8 |
| Southwest Airlines | Flight | Chicago Midway Airport | €124 | 6 |
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Practical tips
If you have a tight schedule or a same-day connection in Detroit, the flight protects your time. If your budget matters more and you can spare most of a day, the bus is the sensible choice.
Read your e-ticket carefully for the stop address. US bus stops can be on a street rather than in a station, and the same operator may use different locations in the same city.
Chicago has more than one airport, so confirm which one your flight uses before choosing your hotel or transfer. Then check the Detroit arrival airport and plan how to reach downtown.
Detroit is in a different time zone from Chicago, so your arrival time on the ticket will look later than the actual travel time. Keep this in mind for hotel check-ins and onward connections.
Fares are usually best when booked ahead, especially for weekends and holidays. Avoid tight onward plans on the same day, so a traffic delay or late departure does not make you miss a connection.
The journey experience
Chicago to Detroit is a classic Midwest hop, and the real question is whether to save money on the bus or save your day with a flight. The comparison table on this page puts both side by side, so you can see at a glance which one fits your budget and your schedule.
The bus is the budget-friendly option and the one most independent travellers choose. Long-distance coaches run this corridor regularly, you can usually pick a direct departure, and seats typically come with space to stretch out, power outlets and onboard Wi-Fi. It is also a good way to see the landscape between the two lakeside cities. The plane is the fast alternative: a short domestic flight that suits you if your time is limited or you are connecting onward, though you must factor in airport transfers and check-in on both ends.
My advice: decide based on how much of your day you are willing to spend travelling. Before booking, check the exact departure point on your e-ticket, because bus stops in the US can be a street corner rather than a station, and airports in each city are far from downtown. Book early for the best fares, keep a buffer in case of delays, and you will arrive in Detroit without surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Chicago → Detroit
It depends on your priority. The bus is the cheapest option and works well if you can spare most of a day. The plane is much faster and suits tight schedules, but airport transfers and check-in add time. Compare both in the table on this page before booking.
By bus, the journey takes roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on the departure and traffic. By plane, the flight itself takes about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 25. Remember to add time for getting to the airport, security and the transfer into downtown Detroit.
Bus tickets start from €39, and typically go up to €44. Flights start from €98 and typically reach up to €201. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gives you the best fare on either option.
The exact stop depends on the operator and the departure you choose, and in the US it can be a street stop rather than a station. Your e-ticket shows the precise pick-up and drop-off address, so check it before travelling and arrive a little early.
Both the bus and the flight are available on this route. Whether a given departure is direct or involves a change depends on the specific schedule, so check the details of each result before booking, especially if you have a tight onward connection.
Why visit Detroit?
- ✓ Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts and its famous Diego Rivera 'Detroit Industry' murals
- ✓ Tour the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in nearby Dearborn
- ✓ Visit the Motown Museum at Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of the Motown sound
- ✓ Stroll the Detroit Riverwalk and take in views of Canada across the river
- ✓ Taste a Coney dog and Detroit-style pizza in Eastern Market and Corktown
When to visit Detroit?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
June to September — warm, sunny weather ideal for the riverfront, festivals and outdoor dining
What to do in Detroit?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Detroit?
Plan 2 to 4 days in Detroit. In 2 days you can cover the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Eastern Market and a stroll along the Riverwalk. With 3 to 4 days, add the Motown Museum, a Detroit Tigers or Lions game, the Fisher Building, Belle Isle and a day trip to Ann Arbor. Rent a car, as public transport is limited and the main sights are spread out.
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