How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Detroit Lakes cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is $226. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

A train trip between Chicago and Detroit Lakes is around 12h 1m, although the fastest train will take about 12h 1m. This is the time it takes to travel the 855 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Detroit Lakes?

The number of trains from Chicago to Detroit Lakes can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

When taking the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Detroit Lakes from $147 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 2
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 3
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Cheapest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 4
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Cheapest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 5
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 6
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Cheapest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	Fastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 7
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	3:06am	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:56 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Detroit Lakes

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Detroit Lakes. The journey takes about 12 hours 1 minute, and with fares starting at just $100, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day

12h 1mAverage Duration

853 kmDistance

78kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$264 - $307	Average Duration19h 15m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$100 - $1,355	Average Duration12h 1m	CO₂ emissions 78kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,620 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5620 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $100

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Detroit Lakes by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Detroit Lakes cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is $226. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
A train trip between Chicago and Detroit Lakes is around 12h 1m, although the fastest train will take about 12h 1m. This is the time it takes to travel the 855 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Detroit Lakes?
The number of trains from Chicago to Detroit Lakes can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
When taking the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-30

$706

12-01

$217

Today

$217

12-03

$147

12-04

$190

12-05

$176

12-06

$167

12-07

$405

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $147

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $147 to $1,308 for a train ticket from Chicago to Detroit Lakes based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $147 which is on 2025-12-03.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time19h 15m	Avg Price$291	Daily Departures2
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time12h 1m	Avg Price$226	Daily Departures1

The best way to travel between Chicago and Detroit Lakes is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $226 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $100. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Detroit Lakes, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Detroit Lakes in about 12h 1m —that's the fastest way to get there!