Detroit to St. Louis by Bus or Train: Routes, Transfers & Costs
No direct bus or train links Detroit and St. Louis. Every option requires a Chicago or Toledo connection. Here's the 2024 reality check.
Option 1: Greyhound via Toledo
- Detroit → Toledo: 2h15m, ~$25.
- Toledo → St. Louis: 7h35m, ~$60.
- Total: ~9h50m, ~$85. 1–2 daily departures.
Option 2: Amtrak via Chicago
- Detroit → Chicago (Wolverine): 5h40m, ~$45–$80.
- Chicago → St. Louis (Lincoln Service): 5h55m, ~$35–$70.
- Total: ~11h35m, ~$115. 2–3 daily frequencies.
Option 3: Hybrid (Drive + Train)
Drive Detroit → Ann Arbor (45 min), board Wolverine → Chicago → St. Louis. Saves first-leg bus hassle.
Comparison Matrix
| Bus | Train |
|---|
| Time | ~10 hrs | ~11.5 hrs |
| Cost | $70–$100 | $90–$150 |
| Comfort | Basic | Spacious, Wi-Fi, café |
| Reliability | Traffic-dependent | Weather/rail-traffic delays |
| Baggage | 1 carry-on + 1 checked | 2 carry-on + 2 checked free |
Pro Tips
- Book 2+ weeks ahead for saver fares.
- Amtrak: Select "Business Class" on Lincoln Service—worth $20 for legroom/outlets.
- Greyhound: Download app for real-time tracking; Toledo station is bare-bones.
- Consider flying DTW→STL (1h20m, often <$150) if time > money.
Neither mode is glamorous, but both deliver you to the Arch.
Wanderlust World