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East Lansing, MI, USA to Traverse City, MI, USA from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
East Lansing, United States of America
to
Traverse City, United States of America

How to Get from East Lansing to Traverse City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$20 by busBest price
290 kmDistance
3h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from East Lansing 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.

Company
Indian Trails
Bus
Average Duration
6h  45m
Estimated price
$20-117
Recommended
route map
Distance: 290 km
Duration: 3h 16m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
8h  7m
Estimated price
$20-120
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  16m
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  44m
Estimated price
$163-687
Company
American Airlines, Delta
Plane
Average Duration
6h  34m
Estimated price
$269-454
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Traveling From East Lansing to Traverse City

The journey from East Lansing to Traverse City offers a striking contrast between the vibrant university town atmosphere and the serene beauty of northern Michigan's coastline.

Best Neighborhoods in Traverse City

Traverse City features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Downtown Traverse City
• Vibrant shops and eateries along Front Street.
• Scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Old Mission Peninsula
• Stunning vineyards and wineries to explore.
• Peaceful countryside with breathtaking lake views.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
• Unique historic buildings repurposed as shops and dining.
• Beautiful park space perfect for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Traverse City's Attractions

Timing your visit can transform your experience at Traverse City’s top sights.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Visit in early spring or fall for fewer crowds and stunning scenery.
Traverse City State Park
Weekdays during the summer are ideal for peaceful outdoor enjoyment.
Cherry Festival
Attend on weekdays for a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter lines.

Traverse City Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Traverse City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers perfect for beach outings and snowy winters ideal for skiing and holiday festivities. Understanding the climate helps you choose the best times to enjoy outdoor activities or explore local attractions comfortably.

Dining in Traverse City

For an unforgettable experience, try the cherry-glazed duck breast at The Cooks' House, where local ingredients shine in a cozy, intimate setting. This contrasts sharply with East Lansing’s more casual dining scene, as Traverse City offers a blend of farm-to-table freshness and a focus on distinct regional flavors.

East Lansing - Traverse City operators

Explore transport companies operating between East Lansing and Traverse City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-292-3831
Website
https://www.indiantrails.com/

Bus from East Lansing, MI to Grand Rapids, MI

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$20-117

Bus from Grand Rapids, MI to Traverse City, MI

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$1171-1172
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from East Lansing, MI to Vernon J Ehlers Station - Grand Rapids

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Grand Rapids, MI to Traverse City, MI

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$1171-1172
Contact phone
+1 517-333-0400
Website
http://michiganflyer.com/

Bus from East Lansing, MI to Detroit Metro Airport

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$30-1178

Bus from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Traverse City Airport (TVC)

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$203-204
Drive

Drive from East Lansing, MI to Traverse City, MI

Average Duration
3h 16m
Estimated price
$30-50
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Lansing Airport (LAN) to Traverse City Airport (TVC)

Average Duration
4h 57m
Estimated price
$205-206
Website
https://www.delta.com/

Plane from Lansing Airport (LAN) to Traverse City Airport (TVC)

Average Duration
7h 9m
Estimated price
$200-202

East Lansing to Traverse City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between East Lansing 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 scenic road trip from East Lansing to Traverse City, covering a picturesque distance of 180 miles in just around 3 hours and 16 minutes. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of budget-friendly travel options, with car journey costs ranging from $30 to $50 for the trip from East Lansing to Traverse City.
Average price
$30 - $50
🛫 Traveling from East Lansing to Traverse City by plane involves taking a flight with a duration of approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, including one stopover. American Airlines and Delta are the primary carriers offering this route. 🌲 While there is no direct flight available between Lansing Airport and Traverse City Airport, the journey typically takes around 6 hours and 34 minutes to reach the beautiful Traverse City. The scenic landscape makes for a pleasant travel experience. 💸 The prices for flights from East Lansing to Traverse City can range from $269 to $454, depending on the airline, season, and booking time. Planning ahead can help secure the best deals for your trip.
Departure Point
Lansing Airport
Arrival Point
Traverse City Airport. The quickest flight takes 4h 50m and has one stopover
🚌 Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from East Lansing to Traverse City. Instead, travelers will need to take a bus that departs from East Lansing and make a transfer in Grand Rapids before reaching Traverse City. This journey, with transfers, typically takes around 6 hours and 45 minutes. 🎫 The bus services between East Lansing and Traverse City are operated by Indian Trails. Passengers can expect to pay varying prices for the bus tickets, ranging from $20 to $117.
Departure Point
East Lansing, MI station
Arrival Point
Traverse City, MI station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from East Lansing to Traverse City.

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The distance between East Lansing and Traverse City is 152 miles. The typical travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation. If you take a bus to Detroit and then fly, it will take approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes. If you choose to travel by plane directly from East Lansing to Traverse City, the journey will take around 4 hours and 52 minutes. Driving between the two cities takes approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes. If you prefer to take a bus, the travel time can be around 6 hours and 35 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from East Lansing to Traverse City is by taking a bus, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $120. Although it is the cheapest option, it also takes the longest time, approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. On the other hand, the fastest way to reach Traverse City is by driving, which takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes and costs around $30 to $50.
The prices of a bus ticket between Traverse City and East Lansing can range from $20 to $117. The exact price will depend on factors such as the time of booking, the bus company, and any promotions or discounts available. It is recommended to check with different bus companies or online platforms to compare prices and find the best deal for your specific travel dates.
To travel from East Lansing to Traverse City without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 180 miles. The journey usually takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes. The approximate cost of the trip by car is between $30 and $50, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from East Lansing to Traverse City without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes, and ticket prices range from $20 to $120. There are multiple bus companies that operate on this route, offering a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation for travelers.
There is no direct link between East Lansing and Traverse City. However, you can take a bus from East Lansing to Traverse City with a transfer in Grand Rapids. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. The bus services are operated by Indian Trails.
The flight duration between East Lansing and Traverse City varies depending on the number of stops. The quickest option with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes. However, there are no direct flights available between Lansing Airport and Traverse City Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities ranges from $209 to $834.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Traverse City. With over 328 hotels to choose from, there is something to fit every budget and preference. Prices start at just $42 per night, making it affordable for travelers. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly motel, you're bound to find a suitable place to stay near Traverse City.

Trips to Traverse City