Washington, DC, USA to Detroit, MI, USA from $28: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Washington to Detroit: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$28 - Train, BusBest price
639 kmDistance
4h 8m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Washington to Detroit with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Washington - Detroit operators
Explore transport companies operating between Washington and Detroit, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
delta.com
Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Detroit (DTW)
Average Duration
1h 38mEstimated price
$112-355Website
aa.com
Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Detroit (DTW)
Average Duration
1h 55mEstimated price
$112-355Website
united.com
Plane from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Detroit (DTW)
Average Duration
1h 42mEstimated price
$112-355Website
southwest.com
Plane from Baltimore (BWI) to Detroit (DTW)
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$112-355Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall
Average Duration
26mEstimated price
$280-355600Train from Washington Union Station to Toledo
Average Duration
13h 3mEstimated price
$35562-28190Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall
Average Duration
20mEstimated price
$2818-355940Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Washington Union Station to Cleveland Bus Station
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
$35585-1125Bus from Cleveland Bus Station to Detroit Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 40mEstimated price
$2818-1127Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823Website
baronsbus.com
Bus from Toledo to Detroit
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$284-35580Washington to Detroit: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Washington and Detroit offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Washington to Detroit covering a distance of 524 miles. Enjoy the scenic journey through multiple states and charming towns along the way.
💸 The cost of driving from Washington to Detroit ranges from $95 to $140, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Explore different routes and plan your stops to make the most of your road trip experience.
🌆 Arrive in Detroit after approximately 8 hours and 44 minutes of driving, ready to explore the city's rich automotive history, cultural attractions, and vibrant downtown scene. Immerse yourself in the Motor City's unique charm and discover its iconic landmarks.
Average price
$95 - $140
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train trip from Washington to Detroit, you’ll primarily be traveling on Amtrak's Cardinal or Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited services. Both offer a café car featuring a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Be sure to check the menu in advance if you have specific dietary preferences, and consider bringing along some snacks for the journey.
• On Amtrak trains, seating options include Coach, Business Class, and First Class. In Coach, you’ll find spacious and comfortable seating with ample legroom. Business Class offers larger seats, complimentary beverages, and a quieter atmosphere. First Class, available on select routes, provides premium services, including larger private seating, priority boarding, and complementary meals, making it ideal for a more luxurious travel experience.
• The route from Washington to Detroit is serviced by multiple operators, including Amtrak (amtrak.com) and possibly intercity bus services like Greyhound (greyhound.com). It’s advisable to compare options and schedules on their respective websites to choose the best time for your journey. For local transport when you arrive in Detroit, visit Detroit's SMART bus service website (smartbus.org) for up-to-date schedules.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Washington to Detroit is by taking a direct flight from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 36 minutes.
💸 Flight prices between Detroit and Washington typically range from $112 to $355, making air travel a relatively affordable and time-saving choice for those planning a trip between these two cities.
Departure Point
Reagan Washington Airport
Arrival Point
Detroit Airport
🚌 Embark on an adventurous journey from Washington to Detroit by bus with a travel time of approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. While there is no direct route, you'll make a transfer at Cleveland Bus Station before reaching your final destination at Detroit Bus Station.
💰 Prices for the bus from Washington to Detroit range from $64 to $161, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore these vibrant cities without the need for a personal vehicle. Sit back, relax, and let the bus take you on an affordable and convenient journey from Washington to Detroit.
Departure Point
Washington Union Station
Arrival Point
Detroit Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, check the Greyhound website for updated schedules and ticket prices, as variations in service and costs can affect your itinerary: Greyhound.
• Make sure to allocate enough time during your transfer at Cleveland Bus Station, as it can be busy; familiarize yourself with its layout using the station map available here: Cleveland Bus Station Map.
• Upon arrival at Detroit Bus Station, be aware of local transport options like the Detroit People Mover and city buses; download the transit app for real-time updates to ensure smooth onward travel: Detroit Transit App.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Washington to Detroit.
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The cheapest way to travel from Washington to Detroit is by taking a combination of train and bus. Amtrak offers a train service from Washington Union Station to Detroit, which typically costs between $27 and $230, depending on the time and class of travel. The journey takes approximately 13-15 hours, including transfers, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. Alternatively, taking a bus from Washington to Detroit is also an economical choice, with fares starting at around $40 for a one-way ticket.
The fastest way to travel from Washington to Detroit is by flying. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes, making it a quick option compared to other modes of transportation. The cost of a flight ticket can range from $90 to $360, depending on various factors such as airline, time of booking, and availability of discounts.
The distance between Washington and Detroit is approximately 639 kilometers. This calculation is based on the straight line or "as the crow flies" distance. If you prefer to travel by road, the distance increases to approximately 842 kilometers.
To travel from Washington to Detroit without a car, the best option is to take a bus. There are several bus routes available, with one common route being through Pittsburgh. This journey typically takes around 14 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $35 and $150, depending on the time of travel and bus company.
The travel time from Washington to Detroit can vary depending on the mode of transportation. By air, it takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for a direct flight. By train, it takes around 15 hours with transfers included. By car, the drive takes about 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Detroit. You can choose from over 325 hotels, ranging in price from $60 and up. Some popular neighborhoods to consider staying in include Downtown Detroit and Midtown, as they offer convenient access to attractions, dining, and entertainment options.
Yes, you can drive from Washington to Detroit. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 843 kilometers. The journey typically takes about 8 hours and 44 minutes, depending on traffic and the route taken.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Washington and Detroit. However, there are bus services available that require a transfer in Toledo, OH. The journey usually takes around 15 hours and 10 minutes, including the transfer. The bus departs from Washington Union Station and arrives at Detroit Bus Station.
To catch the bus from Washington to Detroit you will need to go to Washington Union Station. Greyhound USA operates bus services from this station.
The bus from Washington to Detroit arrives at the Detroit Bus Station.
Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines are the main airlines that provide flights between Washington and Detroit. Southwest Airlines operates from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport, while Delta and American Airlines offer flights from both Reagan Washington Airport and Dulles International Airport to Detroit Airport.
The fastest way to get from Washington to Detroit is by taking a direct flight. The quickest flight from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines offer flights between the two cities. The flight duration from Washington to Detroit is around 4 hours and 8 minutes, and ticket prices can range from $92 to $356 depending on the airline and time of booking.
The flight from Washington to Detroit takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. This time is for a direct flight from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport.
The cost of a flight from Washington to Detroit can range from $92 to $356.
A bus ticket from Washington to Detroit can cost anywhere between $39 and $149, depending on the bus company, time of travel, and availability.
The cost to drive from Washington to Detroit can vary depending on factors such as the distance traveled, gas prices, and the vehicle's fuel efficiency. On average, you can expect to spend around $95 to $140 for fuel on a one-way trip.