Detroit, MI, USA to Traverse City, MI, USA from $22: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Detroit to Traverse City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$22 by trainBest price
343 kmDistance
4h 31m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Detroit to Traverse City with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Detroit - Traverse City operators
Explore transport companies operating between Detroit and Traverse City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-292-3831Website
https://www.indiantrails.com/
Bus from Detroit, MI to Grand Rapids, MI
Average Duration
4h 25mEstimated price
$22-296Bus from Grand Rapids, MI to Traverse City, MI
Average Duration
4hEstimated price
$224-225Bus from Kalamazoo, MI - Amtrak to Hall St Transfer Station - Traverse City
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Detroit Bus Station to Kalamazoo Bus Stop
Average Duration
3h 40mEstimated price
$1748-17445Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Dearborn to Kalamazoo
Average Duration
2h 29mEstimated price
$22-1749Train from Kalamazoo, MI - Amtrak to Hall St Transfer Station - Traverse City
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$0-0Train from Kalamazoo, MI - Amtrak to Vernon J Ehlers Station - Grand Rapids
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$0-0Website
delta.com
Plane from Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC)
Average Duration
1h 6mEstimated price
$299-700Plane from Detroit (DTW) to Pellston (PLN)
Average Duration
1h 13mEstimated price
$1740-1741Plane from Detroit (DTW) to Saginaw (MBS)
Average Duration
51mEstimated price
$298-1742Plane from Detroit (DTW) to Alpena (APN)
Average Duration
1h 6mEstimated price
$1743-1741Other from Detroit to Traverse City
Average Duration
4h 32mEstimated price
$45-70Detroit to Traverse City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Detroit and Traverse City offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Detroit to Traverse City, covering a distance of 257 miles. The road trip promises around 4 hours and 32 minutes of scenic driving through Michigan's diverse landscapes.
⛽️ Fuel your adventure with flexible pricing options to reach Traverse City from Detroit, ranging between $45 to $70 by car. Enjoy the convenience of exploring at your own pace and making memorable stops along the way.
Average price
$45 - $70
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Detroit to Traverse City, you'll enjoy onboard catering services that typically include snack options and beverages. The Amtrak service in this region usually offers a selection of pre-packaged snacks and soft drinks, but it's advisable to check their menu on the Amtrak website beforehand. Consider bringing your own food as well, as you may have more options and can enjoy a meal during the trip.
• When traveling this route, you can choose from different seating options, including Economy Class and Business Class. Amtrak generally offers Economy seats that are comfortable and spacious, as well as Business Class for a more premium experience, which includes larger seats and additional amenities such as complimentary drinks. Check the Amtrak website to determine which seating arrangement suits your preferences: amtrak.com
• Upon arriving at the Traverse City station, note that there are limited facilities available. You can leave your luggage at the station for a few hours, which can be convenient if you want to explore the city before checking into your accommodation. However, there are no showers available. To navigate the station easily, familiarize yourself with the layout using the station map available on the website of the Michigan Department of Transportation: michigan.gov Also, expect there to be restrooms accessible in the station.
🛫 Flying from Detroit to Traverse City is a convenient option with a quick direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Delta Airlines provides flights from Detroit Airport to Traverse City Airport.
🌄 The journey from Detroit to Traverse City by plane offers a scenic route and takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes to reach the destination.
💸 Ticket prices for flights between Traverse City and Detroit can range from $154 to $655, depending on the booking time and availability.
Departure Point
Detroit Airport
Arrival Point
Traverse City Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• To make the most of your direct flight with Delta from Detroit to Traverse City, arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) at least 1.5 hours before your flight; this will give you ample time to navigate security and reach your gate, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Upon arrival at Traverse City Airport (TVC), keep in mind that navigating the airport is quite straightforward, but be sure to check the flight arrival information screens for your baggage claim area and any ground transport options as they are well-signposted and assistive.
• Expect taxi fares from Traverse City Airport to the city center to range between $15 and $25 depending on traffic; consider pre-booking rides with local services like 'Traverse City Taxi' or use app services like Uber for added convenience during your trip.
🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from Detroit to Traverse City, travelers can take a route with a transfer in Grand Rapids. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 9 hours and 25 minutes.
🛣️ Route 1 involves a bus towards Kalamazoo as the first step, taking about 4 hours and 15 minutes from Detroit to Grand Rapids. The second step is a bus towards St. Ignace, totaling about 3 hours and 50 minutes from Grand Rapids to Traverse City.
💵 The prices for this bus trip between Traverse City and Detroit can vary from $29 to $174. Indian Trails operates the bus services departing from Detroit and arriving at Traverse City making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Michigan by bus.
Departure Point
Detroit, MI station
Arrival Point
Traverse City, MI station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to book your tickets in advance on the Indian Trails website, as services can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays, and prices vary significantly from $29 to $174.
• When transferring in Grand Rapids, allow yourself some buffer time to navigate the Greyhound terminal; it can be a bit confusing with multiple bus operators, and you’ll need to locate the correct boarding area for your next bus to Traverse City.
• Upon arriving at the Traverse City Bay Area Transportation Authority station, take note of the local transportation options available, like the TC Trolley, which can take you to various destinations around the town, maximizing your exploration time.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Detroit to Traverse City.
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The distance between Detroit and Traverse City is approximately 342.8 km by direct route. The road distance is slightly longer at 413.0 km. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train and bus, the journey takes around 10 hours and 58 minutes. By plane, it takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Driving by car can take around 4 hours and 32 minutes, while traveling by bus takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Detroit to Traverse City would be to fly. The flight takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, providing a quick and convenient way to reach your destination. Although it may be slightly more expensive compared to other modes of transportation, the time saved is worth considering. Alternatively, taking a night bus and bus combination is a cost-effective option, taking approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The prices for taking a bus from Detroit to Traverse City can vary from $29 to $174.
To travel from Detroit to Traverse City without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 413.6 km, which takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes. Renting a car is an option, with prices varying from $45 to $70.
To travel from Detroit to Traverse City without a car, the recommended option is to take a night bus and then a regular bus. This journey takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $28 and $180.
Yes, there is a direct link between Detroit and Traverse City although it does require a transfer. The journey can be made by taking a bus from Detroit to Grand Rapids and then transferring to another bus that goes to Traverse City. The total travel time for this route is approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes. Indian Trails operates the bus services for this route.
The flight between Detroit and Traverse City typically takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes. However, it is important to note that flight times may vary based on factors such as weather conditions or any layovers. As for the cost, prices for flights between Traverse City and Detroit can range from $194 to $555, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Traverse City with over 328 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $42 per night, offering a range of affordable choices for travelers.