Navigating the Michigan Flyer at the Detroit Metro Airport
- Deborah Guthrie
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
On my trip home from Rome, I flew through the Detroit Metro Airport and took the opportunity to videotape navigating the Michigan Flyer at the McNamara Terminal. I have flown through this airport for the last 28 years and am a frequent, highly experienced traveler. I know this airport.
So when I flew home on this trip, I wanted to video tape and explain what it was like to take the Michigan Flyer home. See my video below. This point of view video walks you through the airport to where the Michigan Flyer picks up passengers. This blog provides details about this public transit service to help you decide if this is the right transportation option for you.
5 Reasons Why the Michigan Flyer might be a good option for you
The Michigan Flyer is a bus transportation service providing bus service for passengers to and from the Detroit Metro Airport, to and from the cities of East Lansing, Brighton, and Ann Arbor. The Michigan Flyer could be an option for you if;
You are traveling in and out of the Detroit Metro Airport
Want to save money on parking at the airport
Want to save the stress of parking at the airport
Want to save the stress of traveling to and from the airport
Need a way to get to and/or from the airport
As of the writing of this blog, and one of the reasons that inspired me to write a blog and do a video, is that the website for Detroit Metro Airport does not have specific information about this option. You can find out other ways to get to and from the airport on their website.
Who can Ride the Michigan Flyer?
Ticketed riders do not have to be from the cities of East Lansing, Brighton, or Ann Arbor to take the Michigan Flyer. Riders also do not have to be ticketed airline passengers. Anyone who wishes to travel in between these three cities and the Detroit Metro Airport can purchase a ticket and ride the Michigan Flyer.
How do you get on the Michigan Flyer at the Detroit Metro Airport?
The first time I rode the Michigan Flyer, I was unsure of where to go at the airport and what to expect. This is what led me to create a video on navigating the Michigan Flyer at the Detroit Metro Airport and writing this blog. In the video, I walk you from baggage claim at the McNamara Terminal to where the Michigan Flyer picks up passengers. I also bring you along on the bus with me to show you what the inside of the bus looks like.
On this particular trip, I was flying back from a 7 day stay in Rome and rather than paying for long term airport parking at $32 per day (at the time), I chose to ride the Michigan Flyer. My husband dropped me off at the airport for my departure so I only needed a one way rider ticket home. After picking up my bag at baggage claim, I took two sets of escalators up to the Michigan Flyer waiting area across from the International Check-in Counter. Once I got to my destination, I took a car service home for only $5.
Public Transit Area:
The first set of escalators from level 1 baggage claim takes you to level 2 where the gates and the skybridge to parking are located. Once you get off the escalator on level 2, you will see another escalator directly across from this one that takes you to level 3.
You will take this second set of escalators to level 3 and immediately turn to your right, making a U-turn and you will walk all the way down the hall. International check in will be on your left and a sign that reads Public Transit will be in front of you, pointing at the door. This is where you will want to wait for the Michigan Flyer bus.
How to purchase and use your ticket:
I purchased my ticket in advance, online through the official Michigan Flyer site. Be sure to use the official site when purchasing your ticket. If you are an OMIO user, at the time of this blog, the Michigan Flyer is not available on that app.
The cost for my one-way ticket was $35.00. I received confirmation for my purchase and my digital ticket via email which I used to get on the bus. While waiting for the Michigan Flyer to arrive, a bus attendant confirmed my ticket and gave me a paper slip to show before boarding the bus. When the bus arrived and was ready to load passengers, I gave my paper ticket to her, the bus driver loaded my suitcase into the baggage area, and I chose my seat. Once everyone was loaded onto the bus, we took off to our final bus destinations.
What is this experience like?
Watch my point of view video for what this experience is like and how to navigate the airport to get to the Michigan Flyer waiting area. It is very easy to use this service, and fairly inexpensive, especially compared to daily parking and having to purchase gas. It is also a much less stressful way to travel to and from the airport. If you flight is canceled and you have to change your ticket, you can purchase insurance. If you did not purchase insurance and have to purchase a new ticket due to a flight cancelation or serious delay, you can try and get reimbursed by the airline and the ticket is so relatively cheap compared to parking at the airport, you will probably still be ahead of your budget.
Riding the flyer is a nice experience. The bus is very smooth, corners smoothly, with comfortable seats. I have also never found the bus to be loud or noisy. The bus driver does make an announcement at the beginning of the ride to be mindful of other riders with noise level, etc. There is a bathroom at the back of the bus. I have not used that so cannot provide a review on that aspect. Please watch my video for the user experience of navigating the Michigan Flyer at the Detroit Metro Airport and leave a comment if you have used this service and what your experience has been.
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