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

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

How to Get from Traverse City to East Lansing: 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
291 kmDistance
3h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Traverse City to East Lansing 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  40m
Estimated price
$20-117
Recommended
Company
Indian Trails
Bus
Average Duration
6h  40m
Estimated price
$20-120
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 291 km
Duration: 3h 16m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  16m
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  58m
Estimated price
$165-692
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  26m
Estimated price
$247-427
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Traveling From Traverse City to East Lansing

Your journey from Traverse City, known for its stunning lakes and vibrant wine country, to East Lansing, a hub of culture and academic energy, offers a remarkable contrast between serene outdoors and lively urban life.

Best Neighbourhoods in East Lansing

East Lansing boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Downtown East Lansing
• Vibrant shops and restaurants line the streets.
• Close to Michigan State University's campus.
Michigan State University Area
• Home to beautiful campus landscapes.
• Offers cultural events and student art galleries.
Old Town
• Features unique boutiques and antique shops.
• Known for its local art scene and studios.

Best Times To Visit East Lansing's Attractions

Maximize your enjoyment with these timely tips for East Lansing's highlights.

Michigan State University
Visit during late spring for vibrant campus blooms and fewer crowds.
Potter Park Zoo
Early mornings on weekdays offer a quieter wildlife experience.
MSU Museum
Plan visits on Sundays to enjoy less foot traffic and relaxed exploration.

East Lansing Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

East Lansing experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, influencing your travel plans throughout the year. The best times to visit are late spring and early fall, when mild temperatures enhance outdoor activities and campus events.

Dining in East Lansing: A Culinary Contrast

For a distinct dining experience, try Red Haven Farm to Table, where the farm-fresh ingredients lend themselves to innovative dishes, showcasing bold flavors native to Michigan's agricultural bounty. This lively atmosphere and focus on locally sourced ingredients offer a refreshing contrast to the farm-to-table emphasis on wine pairings found in Traverse City.

Traverse City - East Lansing operators

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

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

Bus from Traverse City, MI to Grand Rapids, MI

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
20-117

Bus from Grand Rapids, MI to East Lansing, MI

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
20-117
Contact phone
+1 517-333-0400
Website
michiganflyer.com

Bus from Detroit Metro Airport to East Lansing, MI

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
178-300
Plane
Website
delta.com

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

Average Duration
4h 21m
Estimated price
202-203

Plane from Traverse City (TVC) to Detroit (DTW)

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
204-205
Website
aa.com

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

Average Duration
4h 11m
Estimated price
206-207

Plane from Traverse City (TVC) to Reagan Washington

Average Duration
6h 3m
Estimated price
200-208

Plane from Traverse City Airport to Lansing Airport

Average Duration
4h 21m
Estimated price
202-203

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

Traveling between Traverse City and East Lansing 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.

🚗 Traverse City to East Lansing is a scenic drive covering 181 miles, taking around 3 hours and 16 minutes to reach your destination. Enjoy the picturesque views as you journey across Michigan. 💰 Depending on factors like gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the cost of traveling from Traverse City to East Lansing by car typically ranges between $30 to $50. Plan your budget accordingly for a smooth road trip experience.
Average price
$30 - $50
🚂 The scenic train journey from Traverse City to East Lansing takes approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes covering a distance of 227 miles. There is one transfer involved in the trip. 🚌 The first step of the route involves a bus ride towards Grand Rapids which takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. The bus operated by Indian Trails departs from Traverse City and arrives at the Greyhound Terminal in Grand Rapids. 🛤️ The second part of the journey includes another bus towards Detroit with a duration of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This bus departs from Grand Rapids and travels through Flint and Lansing before reaching the final destination, East Lansing Station.
🛫 When traveling from Traverse City to East Lansing by plane, you'll find that there are no direct flights available. The quickest option involves a 3 hour and 34-minute journey with one stopover along the way. ✈️ Major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines operate flights from Traverse City Airport to Lansing Airport, making it convenient to reach your destination. Flight durations typically range from 6 to 7 hours, depending on the airline and stopover. 🛬 Prices for flights between East Lansing and Traverse City can vary from $247 to $427, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget considerations. Planning ahead and comparing prices can help you find the best deal for your trip.
Departure Point
Traverse City Airport
Arrival Point
Lansing Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 34m and has one stopover
🚌 In order to travel from Traverse City to East Lansing by bus, you will need to make a transfer in Grand Rapids. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. 🛣️ Route 1 involves a total travel time of 5 hours and 35 minutes, covering a distance of 227 miles. The first step is a bus towards Grand Rapids, taking about 4 hours and 10 minutes. The second step takes you on a bus towards Detroit, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. 🛤️ For Route 2, the journey takes around 18 hours and 15 minutes over a distance of 287 miles. The first leg is a bus towards St. Ignace, lasting approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The second leg involves a bus towards East Lansing, with a travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Departure Point
Traverse City, MI station
Arrival Point
East Lansing, MI station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Traverse City and East Lansing is approximately 152 miles. By plane, it takes about 6 hours and 11 minutes to travel from Traverse City to East Lansing. Alternatively, if you choose to drive, the typical travel time is around 3 hours and 16 minutes. Taking a bus from Traverse City to East Lansing can take about 6 hours and 40 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Traverse City to East Lansing is by bus, which typically costs between $20 and $120. It takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete the journey by bus. If time is of the essence, driving is the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 16 minutes and costing approximately $30 to $50 in fuel expenses.
The prices for a bus ticket between East Lansing and Traverse City can vary depending on the specific service and the time of booking. On average, the prices for a one-way bus ticket range from $20 to $117. It is recommended to check with different bus operators and compare prices to get the best deal.
To travel from Traverse City to East Lansing without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is about 181 miles, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes to drive. The cost of driving varies, but it is estimated to be between $30 and $50 round trip.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Traverse City to East Lansing is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes and the ticket prices range from $20 to $120. It is a convenient and affordable option for those without their own transportation.
Unfortunately, there is no direct link between Traverse City and East Lansing by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers in Grand Rapids. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. The bus services, operated by Indian Trails, depart from Traverse City and arrive at East Lansing.
The flight duration between Traverse City and East Lansing typically ranges from 3 hours and 24 minutes to longer depending on the specific flight and stopover. However, there are no direct flights available between the two cities, which means passengers will have to make at least one stopover. The cost of a flight between East Lansing and Traverse City varies, with prices typically ranging from $187 to $807. These prices can be influenced by factors such as the airline, season, and booking time.
There are over 60 hotels available in East Lansing offering a range of options for accommodation. Prices start at $56 per night, making it accessible for different budgets. Some popular hotels in the area include the Marriott East Lansing at University Place, the Hilton Garden Inn East Lansing, and the Candlewood Suites East Lansing. With a variety of hotels to choose from, visitors can find a comfortable stay near East Lansing.

Trips from Traverse City