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Washington, DC, USA to Detroit, MI, USA from $28: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Washington, United States of America
to
Detroit, United States of America

How to Get from Washington to Detroit: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  8m
Estimated price
$112-355
Recommended
Company
Amtrak, Greyhound
Train
Bus
Average Duration
15h  8m
Estimated price
$28-222
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 639 km
Duration: 4h 8m

See more options

Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
14h  35m
Estimated price
$64-1120
Company
Amtrak, various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  21m
Estimated price
$72-595
Company
various
Subway
Plane
Average Duration
4h  38m
Estimated price
$103-278
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  44m
Estimated price
$1121-1122
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Washington to Detroit

The journey from Washington to Detroit features a fascinating contrast, with Washington's historical landmarks and political energy juxtaposed against Detroit's vibrant arts scene and automotive heritage.

Best Neighbourhoods in Detroit

Detroit offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and energy.

Midtown
• Home to the Detroit Institute of Arts.
• Vibrant dining and nightlife options abound.
Greektown
• Known for its lively casinos and entertainment.
• Authentic Greek restaurants and rich cultural history.
Corktown
• Features historic architecture and trendy boutiques.
• A growing hub for art and music scenes.

Best Times To Visit Detroit's Attractions

Knowing the right times to visit Detroit's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Detroit Institute of Arts
Visit on weekdays after lunch to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Motown Museum
Early mornings on weekdays offer fewer crowds and more personal tours.
Henry Ford Museum
Late afternoon visits during weekdays make for a more relaxed exploration.

Detroit Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Detroit experiences a four-season climate, with cold winters and warm summers that can influence your travel plans. The best times to visit are typically late spring and early fall, when mild temperatures make exploring the city enjoyable.

Dining in Detroit: A Culinary Experience

You can't visit Detroit without trying the iconic Detroit-style pizza, known for its rectangular shape, thick crust, and caramelized cheese edges, offering a delightful contrast to Washington's more traditional styles. Enjoy this dish at Buddy's Pizza, where the vibrant atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients create a dining experience that's distinctly rooted in Detroit's rich culinary heritage.

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.

Plane Show flights
Website
delta.com

Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Detroit (DTW)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$112-355
Website
aa.com

Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Detroit (DTW)

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$112-355
Website
united.com

Plane from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Detroit (DTW)

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
$112-355
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Baltimore (BWI) to Detroit (DTW)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$112-355
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall

Average Duration
26m
Estimated price
$280-355600

Train from Washington Union Station to Toledo

Average Duration
13h 3m
Estimated price
$35562-28190
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall

Average Duration
20m
Estimated price
$2818-355940
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Washington Union Station to Cleveland Bus Station

Average Duration
9h 55m
Estimated price
$35585-1125

Bus from Cleveland Bus Station to Detroit Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$2818-1127
Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823
Website
baronsbus.com

Bus from Toledo to Detroit

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$284-35580

Washington 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 operates trains between the cities, with prices ranging from $27 to $230 depending on the type of ticket and class. The journey takes approximately 15 hours and 8 minutes. Alternatively, there are also bus services available at a lower cost, but the travel time may be longer.
The fastest way to travel from Washington to Detroit is by flying. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes. However, the travel time may vary depending on the airline and any layovers. It is advisable to check for direct flights to minimize travel time and ensure a quicker journey.
It is approximately 397 miles from Washington to Detroit. The road distance is slightly longer, measuring about 524 miles. This distance can be covered by car or bus, and typically takes around 7-8 hours depending on traffic and rest stops along the way. Alternatively, there are also direct flights available between the two cities, which takes around 1.5-2 hours.
The best way to travel from Washington to Detroit without a car is by bus. There are direct bus services available that take approximately 14 hours and 48 minutes and cost between $35 and $150. One popular route is to take a bus via Pittsburgh. It is recommended to check the schedules and fares of different bus companies to find the best option for your trip.
The shortest route from Washington to Detroit takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes, including transfers. The duration may vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen and any layovers or delays along the way. Factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and the chosen departure time can also affect the total travel time. It is advisable to check with the specific transportation provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the travel duration.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Detroit. There are over 325 hotels to choose from in the area. The prices for these hotels start at around $60 per night. You can find a wide range of options to suit your budget and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Washington to Detroit. The driving distance is approximately 524 miles, and it typically takes about 8 hours and 44 minutes to complete the journey. However, it's important to consider factors such as traffic, road conditions, and rest stops along the way when planning your drive.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Washington and Detroit. However, you can take a bus from Washington Union Station to Toledo Bus Stop and then transfer to a bus that goes to Detroit Bus Station. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Washington to Detroit at the Washington Union Station. This is the main bus terminal in Washington and is conveniently located in the heart of the city. Greyhound USA operates the bus service and they have regular departures from this station. Make sure to arrive at the station a little early to ensure a smooth boarding process.
The bus from Washington to Detroit arrives at the Detroit Bus Station. The Detroit Bus Station is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Detroit, making it easy to access various attractions and accommodations in the city. From there, travelers can easily explore the city or transfer to other forms of transportation to continue their journey.
To get from downtown Washington to Reagan Washington Airport, you can take the subway, specifically the Yellow Line. The journey takes approximately 16 minutes and the fare ranges from $1 to $4, depending on the time of day and whether you're using a SmarTrip card or purchasing a paper fare card. The Yellow Line has a station specifically for the airport, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers heading to Detroit.
Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines offer flights between Washington and Detroit. Southwest Airlines operates flights from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport. Delta operates flights from Reagan Washington Airport and Baltimore/Washington Airport to Detroit Airport. American Airlines offers flights from Reagan Washington Airport to Detroit Airport as well.
The fastest way to travel from Washington to Detroit is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines operate this route. The prices of flights between Detroit and Washington typically 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 on a direct flight. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific airline, weather conditions, and air traffic. It is advisable to check with the airline for the most accurate and up-to-date travel information. It is also worth noting that indirect flights or layovers may have longer travel times.
The cost of a flight from Washington to Detroit can vary depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the class of travel. On average, prices for this route range from $92 to $356. It is recommended to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal. Additionally, booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help secure lower fares.
The cost of a bus ticket from Washington to Detroit can range from $39 to $149, depending on factors such as the bus company, time of travel, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. Prices may slightly vary, so it is recommended to check with different bus providers for the best deals. Additionally, discounts may be available for seniors, students, or members of certain organizations.
The cost to drive from Washington to Detroit by car can range from $95 to $140, depending on factors such as gas prices, tolls, and the type of vehicle. This cost includes expenses such as fuel, tolls, and potentially parking fees. It is important to consider additional expenses like meals and accommodations during the journey. Overall, driving can be a cost-effective option for those who prefer the flexibility and convenience of having their own vehicle on the trip.

Trips from Washington

Trips to Detroit