Chicago to Detroit: sedan from $650, SUV from $910, allow 4.5 to 6.5 hours
A private sedan from downtown Chicago to Detroit starts at $650. An SUV starts at $910 and is useful for extra luggage or small groups. Door-to-door time usually runs 4.5 to 6.5 hours. Interstate 94 is the main corridor, and it crosses the entire state of Michigan. MDW Car Service is based in Chicago and arranges this route through vetted local operators.
Roads we use
Most runs head east on Interstate 80 from the Dan Ryan Expressway, then continue on Interstate 94 through Indiana and Michigan to Detroit. An alternative is to take Interstate 80 to the Ohio Turnpike and then Interstate 75 north, but that route is usually longer. I-94 is the most direct option and passes through Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson, and Ann Arbor before reaching Detroit.
Traffic reality by time of day
Morning rush eastbound peaks from 7:00 to 9:00 AM around Gary and Hammond. Evening westbound congestion builds from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The Indiana Toll Road and I-94 in Michigan are frequent construction zones. Winter storms off Lake Michigan can create dangerous conditions near the Indiana-Michigan border. Detroit metro traffic can be heavy during morning and evening commutes.
When to add a buffer
For flights out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, leave downtown Chicago at least six hours before departure. For business meetings in downtown Detroit, add 45 to 60 minutes during rush hour. Detroit is about 280 miles from Chicago, and the final approach through Detroit suburbs can take longer than the open highway. Weather is a real risk from November through March.
Fleet and pricing
Sedans start at $650 for this route. SUVs start at $910 and are useful for extra luggage, ski gear, or small groups. Larger vans and executive sedans are available on request. Base rates are point-to-point and include luggage assistance and gratuity. Tolls are billed as incurred. Tell us about oversized bags so we can send the right vehicle.