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

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes start from $70. The average price for this train route is around $158. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

The average train ride duration from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is 12h 1m, covering a distance of 529 miles (853 km). The quickest train can get you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 1 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?

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

Train Chicago to Detroit Lakes from $122 | 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	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 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 the good way to reach Detroit Lakes. The journey takes about 12 hours 1 minute and with fares starting at just $70, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day

12h 1mAverage Duration

529 milesDistance

78kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$184 - $214	Average Duration19h 15m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$70 - $945	Average Duration12h 1m	CO₂ emissions 78kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5639 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $70

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 from $70. The average price for this train route is around $158. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is 12h 1m, covering a distance of 529 miles (853 km). The quickest train can get you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 1 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to Detroit Lakes at 11:10am. And 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

12/10

$102

12/11

$122

Today

$151

12/13

$122

12/14

$143

12/15

$151

12/16

$151

12/17

$132

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes was searched and found on Dec 10, 2025 with a price of $102

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 $102 to $365 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 $122 which is on 2025-12-13.

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$203	Daily Departures2
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time12h 1m	Avg Price$158	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 $158 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $70. 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!