detroit toronto train

A train route from Toronto to Detroit could return

Toronto may soon be reconnected to the Motor City for the first time in almost 60 years, if funding is approved for an Amtrak connection between the two cities. 

Curbed Detroit, a planning and development site similar to Urban Toronto, has reported that Amtrak has submitted funding requests to Congress for the fiscal year of 2020 containing a line for "restoration of the Detroit-Toronto Service." 

Although there is bus service between Detroit and Windsor, and then VIA Rail between Windsor and Toronto, a direct train connection has not existed between the two cities since the late 1960s. 

The amount of funding was not given, simply labelled "TBD." But, in 2015, Congress allocated $1.8 billion for Amtrak over five years, ending in 2020. 

Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari told Curbed Detroit "a Chicago/Western Michigan-Detroit-Toronto corridor is one of the services where we see promise." 

A timeline was also not set for the construction or development of the line, but Amtrak is set to submit more specific proposals for funding later this year. 

Lead photo by

Nicoli OZ Mathews


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Work has started on 'missing link' tunnel connecting two Toronto transit stations

Here's why a fancy new Toronto bridge leads literally nowhere

People keep thinking they've seen deadly 'murder hornets' in Ontario

Tunnelling is now complete for Toronto's next huge transit project

People spotting Toronto's fancy Roombas for cutting grass in parks are enthralled

Ontario just got hit with an earthquake and officials blame this mine

TTC workers are gearing up to go on strike and here's what you need to know

Here are the highest and lowest paying gig jobs at the City of Toronto right now