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

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Detroit Lakes start from R 1 205. The average price for this train route is around R 2 728. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

The average train journey time from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is 12h 1m, covering a distance of 853 km. The quickest train can get you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?

Several major train operators run on 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 11:10. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Train Chicago to Detroit Lakes from R 2 113 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 13 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 14 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	Cheapest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	Fastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 16 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 17 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	Cheapest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	Fastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Detroit Lakes on 18 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	CheapestFastest
Train	15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	12h 1m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags
Train	11:10	Chicago (Union Station), IL	15h 56m	03:06	White Earth Transit Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 10:50 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 R 1 205, 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 priceR 3 182 - R 3 697	Average duration19h 15m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 1 205 - R 16 352	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. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 1 205

US train 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 timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 R 1 205. The average price for this train route is around R 2 728. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Detroit Lakes?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Detroit Lakes is 12h 1m, covering a distance of 853 km. The quickest train can get you there in 12h 1m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Detroit Lakes route?
Several major train operators run on 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 11:10. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

10/12

R 1 767

11/12

R 2 113

Today

R 2 616

13/12

R 2 113

14/12

R 2 477

15/12

R 2 616

16/12

R 2 616

17/12

R 2 287

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Detroit Lakes was searched and found on 10 Dec 2025 with a price of R 1 767

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 R 1 767 to R 6 322 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 R 2 113, 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 priceR 3 501	Daily departures2
Vehicle typeTrain	Travel time12h 1m	Avg priceR 2 728	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 R 2 728 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 1 205. 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!