Fly vs Train – Which is the Best Way to Visit Detroit?

If you’re not driving from nearby, then your best options are to fly into Detroit Metro Airport or take the Amtrak train. Train travel, in particular, is making a comeback due to increased interest in “greener” ways to travel, combined with rising flight and baggage prices on popular airlines.Whether you prefer to jet-set or travel by rail, here’s everything you need to know about getting to Detroit by plane or train.

Want to catch a flight to Detroit? Search for flights to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), which is located in Romulus, a suburb of the city. Many travelers use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals.

Flying to Detroit: What You Need to Know

Want to catch a flight to Detroit? Search for flights to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), which is located in Romulus, a suburb of the city. Many travelers use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals.

Airlines that Fly to Detroit (and Recent Changes)

Delta is the main airline that serves Detroit, operating over 70% of the flights into DTW. This does mean that Delta prices into Detroit can be inflated (DTW was ranked as the fifth most expensive airport in the country this year, and Delta recently rolled out AI-pricing). However, Delta does have stellar safety and passenger experience ratings.

Southwest is another major airline that serves Detroit, but they recently announced increases in baggage fees. Historically, Southwest was one of the only airlines that let you check bags for free. However, now you will be charged $35 for your first bag and $45 for your second bag, if you choose to check one, so consider embracing the carryon-only lifestyle if you fly (or traveling by train – more on that below!).

Other airlines that fly into DTW include:

• AeroMexico
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Avelo
• Frontier
• IcelandAir
• Jet Blue
• Lufthansa
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• Spirit
• Sun Country Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• United
• WestJet

Despite rising flight prices nationwide, DTW remains one of the cleanest and most efficient airports in the country. In the McNamara terminal, follow Detroit tradition and throw a coin in the fountain for good luck (the fountain’s intercrossing spouts of water are meant to replicate lines on a flight map!). You’ll also have plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from, and pick up any Detroit souvenirs, of course!

Taking the Train to Detroit: What You Need to Know

While Detroit may be famous for its car production and history, did you know that it’s also a train-friendly hub? This makes Detroit a perfect destination to add to multi-city trip itineraries. Want to visit New York City, Chicago, and Detroit all in one trip? That’s possibly by train!

Train travel is undeniably more environmentally-friendly than traveling by air, and in some cases it’s more convenient and relaxed, too. You don’t need to check in hours in advance and go through the hassle of TSA security, and you can watch the country go by out your window as you travel.

Cities that Connect to Detroit by Train

Detroit is served by Amtrak, the national rail network. It’s part of Amtrak’s Wolverine Line, with three round trip stops per day. Major cities that connect directly to Detroit through Amtrak’s Wolverine Line include:

Chicago: 5 hours 40 minutes (with a one-hour time zone change)
New Buffalo: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kalamazoo: 3 hours 10 minutes
Jackson: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ann Arbor: 1 hour

There are also several stops in the metro Detroit area, like Royal Oak, Troy, and Dearborn.

You can also reach Detroit on an Amtrak train that connects from another line. Some popular destinations include:

Milwaukee: 8 to 12 hours, with a change in Chicago
New York City: 16 to 20 hours, with at least one change, likely in Chicago (great for a multi-day, multi-city trip!)
Toronto: There is no direct train connecting Detroit and Toronto (yet!), but you can easily take a bus to Windsor, and from there take the Canadian VIA rail to Toronto, and elsewhere in Canada. You can search routes and connections, and book your journey, on the Amtrak.

Stay tuned for even more connections in the future. Amtrak has announced plans to develop a direct rail connection between Detroit and Toronto (passing through Windsor), and Detroit and Toledo, in the coming years.

How to get to Detroit from the Train Station

Good news for train enthusiasts: the Amtrak station is in the heart of Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. This is an area just north of downtown where you’ll also find the Motown Museum, Fisher Theatre, and some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants (check out Baobab Fare).

From the Amtrak station, it’s just a one minute walk to hop on the QLINE (a free public streetcar that runs a 3.3 mile loop around central Detroit) from its Baltimore Street station. You can also walk or uber to your hotel, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re really interested in train travel, consider adding some other train-themed activities to your Detroit itinerary. Michigan Central, in Corktown, is a must-visit. This formerly abandoned train station has recently been restored to its former glory, but now serves as a tech and mobility hub for Ford Motor Company. The Henry Ford, Detroit Historical Museum, and even the Detroit Zoo also have train-themed exhibitions and experiences.