Michigan is a pretty big state (3% larger than the United Kingdom, as it turns out), so getting around can sometimes be a chore. Particularly when traveling between its two biggest, most populous cities: Detroit, the de facto capital, and Grand Rapids, a.k.a. Beer City, USA. Located on opposite sides of the state, it can sometimes be a hassle for travelers to figure out how to get from one to the other, especially in the winter months, when roads become slick, and locals seemingly forget how to drive (kidding, kidding!).
Since Detroit and Grand Rapids are home to the state’s biggest airports (Detroit Metro and Gerald R. Ford International, respectively), it’s no stretch to assume that anyone flying into the state will arrive in one of these two cities. They’re perfect homebases to begin exploring Michigan, while also being impressive travel destinations in their own right. You’ll definitely want to fit them both into your Michigan itinerary, so knowing how to get between the two is imperative.
It’s also worth mentioning that, obviously, these tips work if you want to travel from Grand Rapids to Detroit.
How to get from Detroit to Grand Rapids by Bus
Generally the cheapest option, traveling by bus from Detroit to Grand Rapids would be my personal recommendation. Aside from the fact that using public transportation is WAY better for the environment, you also save a ton of money when it comes to gas and rental. The only con is the increased travel time.
Indian Trails is Michigan’s leading bus operator, and they’ve got routes stretching all over the state. They also offer airport transportation to the Detroit Metro Airport from Lansing, Brighton, and Ann Arbor, for those looking to get out to DTW. But I digress. Their route from Detroit to Grand Rapids runs twice daily from the Detroit Bus Station at 1001 Howard St., typically at 10:00 AM and 12:35 PM. The ride lasts 5 hours, and you’ll arrive at The Rapid Central Station at 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW at roughly 3:00 PM or 5:35 PM, depending on what bus you took.
The price for the average passenger is $34, but there are discounts for children (ages 2-16), students, and seniors, some of which can knock $20 or more off of the ticket price. For more information, you can check out their website at www.indiantrails.com.
How to get from Detroit to Grand Rapids by Car
Getting to Grand Rapids by car is the fastest option, short of hopping on another flight and just flying there. However, the cost can be much higher, depending on how you go about it. For one, fuel prices in this day and age are still on the rise, so you can expect to fork over at least $40 alone for gas-ups over your 150+ journey. And that doesn’t include any possible rental costs or fees you might encounter, so keep that in mind.
The trip can last anywhere from 2 hours and 15 minutes to a solid 3 hours depending on your route of choice. Having made the drive several times myself, I would recommend taking I-96 the entire way. It’s one of the most well-maintained roads in the state and goes straight through Grand Rapids to hook up with I-196, which leads all the way to Chicago. So, if you’re looking to continue your trip with an excursion to the Windy City, this is a strategic way to do it.
Final Thoughts
Detroit and Grand Rapids are two of Michigan’s most spectacular cities, and I can assure you firsthand that they both offer can’t-miss experiences and plenty of good times. Getting between the two of them doesn’t have to be difficult, and you don’t have to break the bank doing it. All it takes is a little bit of patience and a full tank of gas.
I appreciate you coming all the way out to my blog. If you want to check out some more posts, click here. I’m hoping to go from making nothing with this “blogging” thing to traveling the world full-time, and I’m documenting my entire journey here. And I’m inviting YOU to join me! Yes, you, reading this article! Consider it, won’t you? I promise it’ll be worth your while!
