How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes start at $99. The average price for this train route is around $223. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

The average train trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes takes 12h 1m and covers 853 km. The quickest train gets you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 1 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

The earliest train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes departs at 11:10am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Train Chicago to Detroit Lakes from $173 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Chicago to Detroit Lakes on December 13
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 14
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 15
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 16
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 17
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 18
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

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 10:50 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 $99, 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$260 - $302	Average Duration19h 15m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$99 - $1,334	Average Duration12h 1m	CO₂ emissions 78kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,641 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5641 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 $99

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

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes start at $99. The average price for this train route is around $223. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The average train trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes takes 12h 1m and covers 853 km. The quickest train gets you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 1 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The earliest train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes departs at 11:10am. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-11

$173

12-12

$214

Today

$173

12-14

$202

12-15

$214

12-16

$214

12-17

$173

12-18

$214

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes was searched and found on Dec 11, 2025 with a price of $173

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 $173 to $609 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 $173 which is on 2025-12-17.

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$286	Daily Departures2
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time12h 1m	Avg Price$223	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 $223 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $99. 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!