Driving Time from Chicago to Detroit
Driving from Chicago to Detroit is about 291 mi and takes roughly 5 hr 12 min. See the fuel-cost estimate, distance and route tips.
Chicago and Detroit are about 238 mi (384 km) apart in a straight line. By road that works out to roughly 291 mi (468 km), a drive of about 5 hr 12 min. A nonstop flight covers the great-circle distance in approximately 56 min.
| Straight-line distance | 238 mi / 384 km |
| Road distance (est.) | 291 mi / 468 km |
| Driving time (est.) | 5 hr 12 min |
| Nonstop flight (est.) | 56 min |
| Driving fuel (est., 1-way) | $36 |
| Typical flight fare | $80–$250 |
| Geographic midpoint | 42.114, -85.357 |
How these estimates work
Straight-line distance uses the haversine formula on each city's coordinates. Road distance applies a circuity factor (~1.2–1.4×) and driving time a blended average speed. Flight time uses typical jet cruise speed plus ~30 minutes for taxi, climb and descent. Treat all figures as planning estimates.
Frequently asked questions
Chicago to Detroit is about 238 mi (384 km) in a straight line, and roughly 291 mi (468 km) by road.