Have you ever been nervous or unsure on how to make it from Detroit to some of the northern cities in the state?
As a student, I used to commute from Kalamazoo and Lansing to Detroit, but never far north to cities like Grand Rapids or Traverse. I wasn’t sure if there was even a bus or train available that far out! If you’re like me, and don’t feel the most confident when trying to travel regionally in Michigan, I want to share some tips to help!
1. Know what transit options are available.
Consider as many regional transit options as possible, (ie. Indian Trails, Greyhound Bus, the Wolverine / Amtrak, Michigan Flyer etc.) and compare the pros and cons of each option. This allows you to choose the route best fit for your traveling needs. When I was planning my trip to visit my friend in Kalkaska, I was on a budget, and I found that while one ticket was $100 roundtrip, another was over $200 and had additional hours in travel time. By checking all available regional transit options I was able to save over a hundred dollars and hours of my time.
2. Purchase your tickets early.
Because seats are limited, this ensures that tickets aren’t sold out when you go to book your trip. You can print out your ticket or have a digital one. Note: If you choose to print out your ticket, try to do so beforehand. Not all bus/train stations will be open/ available to print your ticket.
3. Prep for the ride.
Bring your ticket, I.D. and a light jacket/ travel blanket (the bus can be chilly). Don’t forget to bring your patience! Remember, taking regional public transportation means that depending on your destination, it may take longer than if you were to use other means of travel. It took me 8 hours to get to Traverse MI where my friend picked me up! Luckily there’s a bathroom onboard, and an overhead light at each seat for reading if you’re traveling at night. Also, most buses and trains have Wi-Fi and outlets so that you can charge devices and work on the go.
4. Arrange a ride from your drop off location.
This is crucial. If someone isn’t arranged to pick you up, you can not rely on a rideshare service being available! Lyft and Uber can be less common in rural settings or could have limited service at the time of drop-off. Take advantage of onboard Wi-Fi if your service is spotty and schedule a pick-up ahead of time!
5. Have Fun!
Take a minute to look up attractions and annual/ seasonal events in the area. Ask a local what activities are around and what they do for fun! My friend took me on a tour of her hometown, I got to see some of the small-town farm life and experience nature on a new level. There were so many animals! We went cherry-picking, and wildflower foraging, we dipped our toes in Lake Michigan and enjoyed the sounds of the countryside, over the creamiest ice cream I have ever had
It was so good I forgot to take a picture 🙂
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TRU and I hope these tips help you feel more confident when planning a trip in Michigan! If you do use these tips on your next trip tell us about at info@DetroitTransit.org!