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How to get fromDetroit to Santa Monicaby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound), car, bus, or train

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There are 7 ways to get from Detroit to Santa Monica by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound), car, bus, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Detroit to Los Angeles International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DTW - LAX
    8h 12m
    $196–248

  2. Bus to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, fly to Los Angeles International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Detroit Bus Station to Cleveland Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Fly from Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane CLE - LAX
    10h 58m
    $186–371

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Detroit to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Wolverine
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train Southwest Chief
    2d 3h
    $1,365–2,152

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Detroit to Indianapolisbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2d 5h
    $408–686

  5. Drive  2,294.1 mi

    1. Drive from Detroit to Santa Monicacar car 2,294.1 mi
    36h 11m
    $379–548

  6. Fly Detroit to Burbank Bob Hope Airport

    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)plane plane DTW - BUR
    10h 23m
    $236–1,006

  7. Fly Detroit to John Wayne Airport Orange County, train

    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DTW - SNA
    2. Take the train from Santa Ana to Los Angelestrain train
    11h 7m
    $246–1,038

Detroit to Santa Monica by train, subway, and tram (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration2d 3hAverage Duration
Ticket$1,365Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Detroit to Santa Monica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,015.1 mi
  • Duration: 8h 12m

What companies run services between Detroit, MI, USA and Santa Monica, CA, USA?

Frontier Airlines, Delta, and three other airlines fly from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Detroit to Downtown Santa Monica Station via Chicago Union Station, Fullerton Amtrak Station, Fullerton, L.A. Union Station, Union Station - Metro B & D Lines, 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro B & D Lines, and 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines in around 2d 3h.

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Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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