Toledo Day Trip at a Glance: Quick Facts for 2025
Short on time? Here’s everything you need to know to start planning your quick getaway from Detroit to the “Glass City.”
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Detroit | ~60 miles (96 km) |
| Driving Time | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Average Day Trip Cost | $40 – $90 per person |
| Best Time to Visit | May-June & September-October |
| Known For | World-Class Glass Art, Great Lakes History, Toledo Zoo |
How to Get from Detroit to Toledo
One of Toledo’s biggest draws is its incredible accessibility from Detroit. Driving is by far the easiest and most popular choice, offering maximum flexibility for your day. A straight shot down I-75 South will get you there in just over an hour. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
| Transportation | Duration (One-Way) | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 1 – 1.5 hours | $10-$15 in gas | The most convenient and flexible option. Simply take I-75 South. |
| Bus (Greyhound/Barons) | 1.5 – 2 hours | $15 – $30 | An affordable choice, but with a fixed schedule. Book ahead online for the best prices. |
| Train (Amtrak) | ~2 hours | $20 – $40+ | Can be less direct and more time-consuming than the bus. Check schedules carefully. |
| Flying | N/A | N/A | Not a practical option. No direct commercial flights exist between DTW and TOL. |
Top 5 Things to Do in Toledo on a Day Trip
Toledo packs a surprising punch with its diverse and high-quality attractions. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or traveling with family, there’s something to fill your day. Here are our top picks:
-
Marvel at the World-Class Toledo Museum of Art
Prepare to be amazed. The Toledo Museum of Art is a cultural powerhouse with a collection that rivals museums in much larger cities. Wander through galleries filled with works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. The real showstopper is the modern Glass Pavilion across the street—a stunning architectural feat celebrating Toledo’s “Glass City” heritage. Best of all? General admission is completely FREE! (Pro Tip: Parking for non-members is typically $10, a small price for a world-class experience.)
-
Dive into History at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
Discover the dramatic and fascinating history of North America’s inland seas. This interactive museum brings to life stories of heroic rescues, legendary storms, and the massive shipping industry that built the region. The highlight is climbing aboard the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, a massive 617-foot ore freighter. You can explore the engine room, crew quarters, and the captain’s bridge. (Pro Tip: Admission is around $17 for adults and includes the ship tour, which is open seasonally from May to October.)
-
Explore the Award-Winning Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the United States, the Toledo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families. Get nose-to-nose with polar bears in the Arctic Encounter, watch hippos glide underwater in the famous Hippoquarium, and explore the beautifully renovated Aquarium. It’s a full afternoon of fun and discovery. (Pro Tip: Admission is dynamic, typically $26-$29 for adults. Check their website for current pricing and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.)
-
Stroll Through the Tranquil Toledo Botanical Garden
If you need a moment of peace and natural beauty, the Toledo Botanical Garden is your perfect escape. This gorgeous 60-acre campus features a variety of themed gardens, a thriving artist village, and a delightful sculpture park. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing walk, a picnic lunch, and some beautiful photos. The best part? Admission and parking are both free! (Pro Tip: It’s especially beautiful in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.)
-
Catch a Game or Walk the Downtown Waterfront
Experience local Toledo pride! From April to September, catching a Toledo Mud Hens (AAA baseball) game at Fifth Third Field is an amazing and affordable way to spend an afternoon. The ballpark is fantastic and right in the heart of downtown. If it’s not baseball season, take a walk through Middlegrounds Metropark. It’s right on the Maumee River and offers the best skyline views and photo opportunities of the city. (Pro Tip: The park’s walking path connects to the downtown area, making it a great starting point for exploration.)
Sample One-Day Toledo Itinerary from Detroit
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? We’ve crafted the perfect, hassle-free schedule to help you make the most of your day in Toledo.
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Art & Architecture
Leave Detroit around 9:00 AM to beat any major traffic. Your first stop is the Toledo Museum of Art. Arrive right as it opens (usually 10 or 11 AM, but check hours!) and park in their lot. Spend a solid 2-3 hours exploring the main collections and, of course, the breathtaking Glass Pavilion.
Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:45 PM): A Taste of Toledo
You’ve worked up an appetite! Drive a few minutes to the legendary Tony Packo’s. This Toledo institution, made famous by the TV show M*A*S*H, serves up iconic Hungarian hot dogs, chili, and fantastic fried pickles. It’s a delicious and historic experience.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Choose Your Adventure
Now it’s time to pick your main event for the afternoon. We suggest one of these two fantastic options:
- Option A (For History Buffs): Head to the riverfront to explore the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Tour the museum and the massive Schoonmaker ship.
- Option B (For Families/Animal Lovers): Make your way to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium for a wild afternoon visiting some of the world’s most incredible animals.
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Scenic Views Before You Go
Before hitting the road back to Detroit, make one last stop at Middlegrounds Metropark. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy the river breeze, and snap some fantastic photos of the Toledo skyline as your souvenir.
Where to Eat in Toledo (Fuel for Your Day Trip)
From iconic cheap eats to scenic waterfront dining, Toledo’s food scene has you covered.
Budget-Friendly Bites ($)
- Tony Packo’s: The essential Toledo food experience. Famous for its hot dogs and celebrity-signed buns on the walls.
- Maumee Bay Brewing Co.: Located in a historic hotel, serving great pub food and a wide selection of locally brewed beers.
Mid-Range Meals ($$)
- The Beirut: A local favorite for decades, offering authentic and highly-rated Lebanese cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Real Seafood Company: Situated at The Docks, providing fresh seafood with beautiful waterfront and city views.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips for a Perfect Toledo Day Trip
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Check opening times! A golden rule for any day trip. Many of Toledo’s museums are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Book in advance. If you’re taking the bus, book your tickets online a week or two ahead for the best prices.
- Use a parking app. For downtown street parking, the ParkMobile app is widely used and makes paying for your spot simple.
- Pack a picnic. Want to save a few dollars? Pack your own lunch and enjoy it at the beautiful Toledo Botanical Garden or one of the many Metroparks.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, whether it’s through a museum gallery or the expansive zoo grounds. Your feet will thank you!
- Look for special events. Check the city’s event calendar for 2025. You might be in town during the Old West End Festival (June) or the German-American Festival (August).
What to Pack for Your Trip
You don’t need much for a day trip, but here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re prepared:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Weather-appropriate clothing (sunscreen/hat in summer, a light jacket in spring/fall)
- Driver’s license and a credit/debit card
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Toledo is an incredibly affordable day trip destination. Here’s a sample breakdown of what you can expect to spend per person.
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation (Gas) | ~$15 | ~$15 |
| Attractions | $0 (Art Museum) | ~$29 (Zoo) |
| Food (Lunch) | ~$15 (Tony Packo’s) | ~$30 (The Beirut) |
| Parking/Misc. | ~$10 | ~$15 |
| Total per Person | ~$40 | ~$89 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some day trips from Detroit?
Toledo, Ohio is one of the best and easiest day trips from Detroit due to its short drive and world-class attractions. Other popular options include the college town of Ann Arbor, MI; the Bavarian-themed village of Frankenmuth, MI; and the city of Windsor, ON, in Canada (remember to bring your passport!).
How many miles are there between Toledo and Detroit?
The distance between downtown Detroit and downtown Toledo is approximately 60 miles (or about 96 kilometers) via the I-75 highway.
How long does it take to fly from Detroit to Toledo?
It is not practical to fly between Detroit and Toledo. There are no direct commercial flights available for this route. Driving is significantly faster and more economical, taking only about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes.
How much is a bus ticket from Toledo to Detroit?
In 2025, a one-way bus ticket on carriers like Greyhound or Barons Bus typically costs between $15 and $30. Prices are usually lowest when you book online in advance and can fluctuate based on demand, day of the week, and how close you are to the travel date.
TLDR: Your Perfect Toledo Day Trip in a Nutshell
In a hurry? Here’s the ultimate summary:
- Getting There: Drive 1-1.5 hours south on I-75. It’s the easiest and most flexible way to go.
- Must-Do: The Toledo Museum of Art is non-negotiable. It’s world-class and FREE to enter.
- Choose One More: Pick between the National Museum of the Great Lakes (for history) or the Toledo Zoo (for families/animals).
- Must-Eat: Grab a famous hot dog at Tony Packo’s for an authentic taste of Toledo.
- Best Photo Op: Head to Middlegrounds Metropark for an excellent shot of the city skyline before you head home.
