Travel Guide: Detroit to Chicago by Bus 

Travelling from Detroit to Chicago with FlixBus is an easy, comfortable, and budget-friendly option. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, making it ideal for a weekend getaway, business trip, or quick visit to the Windy City. With multiple daily departures, including night buses and convenient weekend round-trip options (such as departing on Friday and returning on Sunday), you can choose the schedule that best fits your plans. 

Departing from Detroit by Bus 

FlixBus departs from the Detroit Bus Station on Howard Street, located near the city’s core and easily accessible by public transportation or rideshare. 

Make sure to check your ticket for the exact departure point, and arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding experience. 

Public Bus Services 

Detroit is served by two main public transit systems that operate in coordination: 

• DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) is the city’s largest transit provider, with 36 fixed bus routes serving Detroit proper and nearby cities like Hamtramck and Highland Park. Buses run frequently throughout the day and are easily recognized by their white-and-green or mint green colour schemes. 
• SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) operates 44 routes connecting the suburban areas of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties to Detroit. Routes are numbered in the 100s, and key suburban-to-city links are provided by FAST—a group of limited-stop, high-frequency buses that travel along major corridors like Michigan Avenue and offer direct connections to downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport. 

The two systems have a reciprocal fare agreement and an operational alliance, so riders can transfer seamlessly between DDOT and SMART routes. 

Downtown Rail & Streetcar Systems 

If you’re already in Detroit’s core, two rail systems make it easy to get around without a car: 

• Detroit People Mover: This automated, elevated light-rail loop runs 2.9 miles around downtown, connecting 13 stations including Huntington Place, Greektown, and the GM Renaissance Center. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the full loop. 
• QLine Streetcar: A 3.3-mile streetcar that runs along Woodward Avenue from Congress Street to West Grand Boulevard, linking downtown with Midtown, New Center, and destinations like Little Caesars Arena, Wayne State University, and the Detroit Amtrak station. The QLine is currently free to ride, with service every 8–12 minutes. 

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services 

• Taxis can be found near major hotels and venues such as Huntington Place, especially when conventions are in town. 
• Uber and Lyft are widely available in Detroit and the suburbs. Just open the app, set your location, and request a ride. These services are often the fastest way to get to your FlixBus departure point, especially if you’re short on time or travelling with luggage. 

Car-Sharing  

Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing service, operates in metro Detroit with over 50 vehicles available for hourly or daily rental. After applying online and receiving a Zipcard, you can access and unlock cars via the app—ideal if you prefer a private, flexible option for reaching your bus stop. 

Arriving in Chicago 

When you arrive in Chicago with FlixBus, you’ll be dropped off at one of several strategically located stops. Common arrival points include: 

• The bus station on West Garrison Street 
• The train station on West Jackson Boulevard 

Be sure to check your ticket for your exact arrival stop. From there, it's easy to continue your journey within the city thanks to Chicago’s extensive transit network and abundance of transport options. 

Getting Around Chicago After Arrival 

Whether you’re staying downtown or heading to another part of the city, Chicago offers a variety of ways to get around—quickly and affordably. 

By CTA (‘L’ Trains and Buses) 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates one of the country’s largest public transit systems, with eight ‘L’ train lines and more than 120 bus routes. 

• The Blue Line connects downtown with O’Hare International Airport and operates 24/7. 
• The Red Line runs north-south through downtown and also offers round-the-clock service. 
• CTA buses run frequently with stops every few blocks across the city. Some routes offer Night Owl service for late-night travel. 

You can pay fares with cash, a Ventra Transit Card, or an Unlimited Ride Pass valid on both buses and trains. Download the Ventra app to track arrivals, reload your balance, or plan your trip on the go. 

By Metra Commuter Rail 

If you're continuing on to the suburbs, Metra is Chicago’s commuter rail system, offering a quick and efficient way to reach outlying towns and neighborhoods. All Metra lines connect to downtown Chicago terminals. Tickets can be purchased in advance via the Ventra app. 

By Taxi or Ride-Share 

Taxis are available across the city and are easy to hail, especially around major transit hubs and hotels. For added convenience, use CHICABS-approved apps like ARRO or CURB to book and pay digitally. Most taxis accept credit cards. 

Uber and Lyft are also widely available throughout the city and provide a flexible option for door-to-door travel, ideal if you’re carrying luggage or heading somewhere off the train/bus grid. 

By Water Taxi 

For a scenic and surprisingly convenient way to travel, consider hopping on a Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats or a Shoreline Water Taxi by Shoreline Sightseeing. These services offer quick and fun connections between top attractions such as Chinatown, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue, Union Station, and Navy Pier. 

Water taxis are a great way to combine transportation with sightseeing, especially during the warmer months. Route maps and fares are available on each provider’s website. 

By Bike (Divvy Bike Share) 

Chicago is a bike-friendly city, offering more than 200 miles of bike lanes and marked cycling routes across neighborhoods and downtown. 

The city’s official bike-share program, Divvy, provides access to over 580 self-service docking stations and 5,800 bikes, available 24/7. You can pick up a bike at one station and drop it off at another near your destination, making it a flexible and eco-friendly way to explore the city. 

With so many ways to get around, you can step off your FlixBus and jump straight into exploring Chicago—whether you're heading to a hotel, business meeting, or just eager to see the sights. 

Top Landmarks and Attractions in Chicago 

• Willis Tower Skydeck: Step onto The Ledge, a thrilling all-glass balcony extending from one of the tallest buildings in the world. 
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Located in the former John Hancock Center, this deck features TILT, where you lean outward over the city for panoramic views. 
• Millennium Park & Cloud Gate: Visit Cloud Gate—better known as The Bean—Chicago’s most iconic public sculpture and the city’s top selfie spot. 
• Chicago Cultural Center: Attend free public events and see the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in this stunning downtown landmark. 
• Robie House: Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a masterpiece of Prairie-style design. 
• Tribune Tower & Marina City: Admire these and other architectural gems in the city that invented the skyscraper. 
• Pullman National Monument: Explore this historic neighborhood, the first model industrial community in the U.S., now a National Monument. 
• Broadway in Chicago: See hit musicals, world premieres, and touring productions in the heart of the downtown theatre district. 
• Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Enjoy bold new interpretations of classic plays at this acclaimed theater on Navy Pier. 
• Field Museum: Say hello to Máximo the Titanosaur and SUE the T.rex—two of the most impressive fossils in the world. 
• Art Institute of Chicago: View an extraordinary collection of Impressionist art—second only to the Louvre—and works from around the globe. 
• DuSable Black History Museum: Discover the rich history and cultural contributions of African Americans at this pioneering institution. 
• Museum of Science and Industry: Stand in a tornado, explore a real U-boat, and venture deep into a coal mine at this interactive museum. 
• Shedd Aquarium: Encounter aquatic life from across the globe in beautifully recreated habitats—perfect for all ages. 
• Adler Planetarium: Marvel at the cosmos in America’s first planetarium, offering immersive shows and stargazing events. 
• Chicago History Museum: Learn about Chicago’s dramatic past, from the Great Chicago Fire to the birth of the ‘L’ train. 

Buses from Detroit to Chicago

Find the cheapest buses from Detroit to Chicago

It couldn't be easier to book your travel from Detroit to Chicago with FlixBus - and when you book in advance, you can save money too! Make your journey even easier with the FlixBus app. All your information will be saved for the next time you travel.

No matter whether you want to travel first thing in the morning or late at night, you'll find a journey to suit your plans. The first bus is at 6:40 am with the last bus leaving at 11:25 pm.
You can pick up a bus ticket from Detroit to Chicago for just $42.98 - that's way cheaper than traveling by any other method.
Buses are also a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. We're working towards being 100% carbon neutral and offer all travelers the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions when booking their tickets. Simply select the "CO2 compensation" box when paying online and we'll use all of the money to make a direct impact on the future of sustainable mobility.

What to expect onboard the FlixBus bus from Detroit to Chicago

Traveling from Detroit to Chicago is stess-free, clean and comfortable - and it couldn't be easier to book a ticket. You can book online via the website, on our app, in person at a FlixShops or at resellers.
We accept card payment as well as Paypal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, but there are many more payment options that you can choose from. The easiest way to book your ticket is using our app. You'll be able to make your reservation within seconds and there's no need to print and carry the ticket with you, as your phone will be your ticket.

Want to sit beside family or friends or keep the space beside you free? Need easy access to the toilet or a table to get on with some work whilst traveling? You can reserve a seat when you book on the app or website, and you can choose from a variety of seat options. Once you're settled in your seat, you can sit back and relax with plenty of onboard services to help you make the most of your trip. Most of our buses have onboard Wifi so you can catch up on your favorite shows, chat with your friends or listen to music and podcasts. We've also got toilets onboard, as well as power outlets.
What's more, you get a generous luggage allowance when you travel with FlixBus with one carry-on bag and one checked bag, so you can bring everything you need for your trip.