Detroit to Windsor

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Seaboard92

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Joined
Dec 31, 2014
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4,698
Location
South Carolina
Hey guys!!!

In a couple of weeks I’m transferring from the AmBus from Toledo to VIA Train No. 76 (1:45 PM departure). Does anyone know the best way to get from the Detroit station,l to the VIA station. What time should I cross the border? And is there anything worth seeing in Detroit or Windsor. I would love to see Michigan Central while it’s still in ruins.

This was not my initial plan. Originally my German friend and I were going to drive down the ex N&W and Southern our of Roanoke to Chattanooga. Now we’re riding the Ocean and Capitol Limited. Believe it or not cheaper than a rental car, gas, and hotel stays.
 
Hey guys!!!

In a couple of weeks I’m transferring from the AmBus from Toledo to VIA Train No. 76 (1:45 PM departure). Does anyone know the best way to get from the Detroit station,l to the VIA station. What time should I cross the border? And is there anything worth seeing in Detroit or Windsor. I would love to see Michigan Central while it’s still in ruins.

This was not my initial plan. Originally my German friend and I were going to drive down the ex N&W and Southern our of Roanoke to Chattanooga. Now we’re riding the Ocean and Capitol Limited. Believe it or not cheaper than a rental car, gas, and hotel stays.
Detroit-Windsor crossing takes about an hour if it's peak times, or busy.

I've had times where it took me 5 minutes to cross, and times where it's taken 2 hours.

I'd suggest getting over there early.

There's things to do, stuff to see in Windsor. Nice mall, and a great casino (Caesar's) about 10 minutes from the VIA station (I used to railfan there. Telling the border agents that almost got me arrested)

Windsor used to be a stomping ground for me. Love that place.
 
If you want something to do in Detroit for a few hours the Detroit Insititute of Arts is great and also on the Q line streetcar which goes by the Amtrak station. If you like music the Motown museum Hitsville USA is about mile from the Amtrak station and has a pretty fun quick tour I thought. I have used the tunnel bus which works fine and runs often, but it is a ways from the Via Rail station so you must either take a Windsor city bus or taxi from the bus station to the train station. Have also taken a taxi straight from the Detroit Amtrak station to Windsor just to take care of the border crossing straight away and went out to eat there just to keep it simple. Hope you have a good trip.
 
It looks like you have a few hours between your bus and a safe time to arrive at the Windsor station, so here are some ideas:

1) We've talked about John King Books, right? The 4-5 story former leather glove factory that is now one of the largest used book stores in the world? Go there. Even if you don't want to carry books on your trip, it's worth stopping in.

2) Get coneys at Lafayette with a side of Better Made chips and a glass of Faygo (any flavor). You are now an honorary Michigander.

3) Head over to Corktown and see Michigan Central Station. Eat at Slow's BBQ while there.

4) For some beautiful, old architecture, check out the Guardian Building. If you want to see a bunch of different buildings for quick/cheap, hop on the People Mover. (Monorail!) It's gone up to a whopping 75 cents per ride, but you can still use coins. So retro. :) If you want a souvenir, you can buy People Mover tokens at any station. It'll give you a nice ride around the city, and you'll get to see lots of skyscrapers.

5) Walk along the river by the RenCen. You'll get a lovely view of Canada and the Ambassador Bridge. You'll be pretty close to Greektown while over that way, too.

6) Check out the Eastern Market. It's technically a neighborhood of shops, set up like a sprawling version of Pike Place Market in Seattle. There are the main "sheds" that host all sorts of vendors, surrounded by brick-and-mortar shops.

I recommend taking a taxi to Windsor. It'll be much faster than anything else. You'll want to call a cab company rather than hailing one, though, as some cabbies carry weapons and can't cross the border. If you tell the dispatcher you're going to Windsor, they'll arrange for a driver who is either not carrying or can leave it in a locker for that run.

I wouldn't recommend Lyft/Uber, as you never know if your driver has something on their record that will bar them from entry into Canada.

Crossing won't take too long that time of day, especially if it's a weekday. I'd say about 10-15 minutes, including driving across the bridge or through the tunnel. You can always consult this webpage: https://travel.gc.ca/returning/border-times

If the Tigers are playing at home that day, you may run into more traffic downtown.
 
You’re making this so hard Sarah as everything seems wonderful. And like something I could enjoy spending several days doing. Especially the book store if it’s similar to Powell’s.
 
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