Getting There & Away: Traverse City And Leelanau Peninsula

Air Travel

Cherry Capital Airport TVC

TVC the main airport for the region, delivering convenient access.

Airport Overview

Located just south of Traverse City, handling most commercial flights for the region.
Airlines: Delta, American Airlines, United, Allegiant Air, and Sun Country Airlines (seasonal) TVC.
Direct flights from major hubs like Detroit (DTW), Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis (MSP), Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and New York (LGA).

Flight Considerations

Flight options and costs vary by season, influencing your travel plans.

Seasonal Trends

Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-October) peak seasons. More direct flights available, but prices higher.
Winter sees reduced flight schedules and lower prices due to decreased demand.
Booking well in advance recommended for peak season travel.

Summer Flights

Highest demand, more direct routes, book early.

Fall Flights

Good availability, picturesque views, balanced prices.

Winter Flights

Fewer flights, best prices, plan for potential snow delays.

Airport Services & Transfers

TVC Facilities

Car rental desks for Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo located inside the terminal.
Taxi stand and designated rideshare pickup areas available outside the terminal.
Terminal also features a restaurant or bar and a gift shop.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.

Transfer Options

Rental cars maximum flexibility for exploring the region.
Taxis deliver direct transport to your destination.
Uber and Lyft services operate at TVC. Book your ride through their respective apps.
BATA Public Transit: Limited bus service links the airport to downtown Traverse City via Route 12. A budget-friendly transfer option.

Flight Booking Tips

Price Alerts

Set up fare alerts for best prices. Consider using Dollar Flight Club for deal notifications.

Flexibility

Consider flexible dates for potentially lower fares, especially outside peak season.

Comparison Sites

Use Skyscanner for broad searches across multiple airlines and dates.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Car rentals popular for exploring the scenic peninsulas.

Rental Requirements

Drivers typically 21-25+ years old (drivers under 25 may incur additional surcharges).
Valid driver's license U.S. Citizens. International Driving Permit recommended for non-US citizens planning to drive.
A major credit card also necessary.

Driving Conditions

Roads generally well-maintained, but seasonal conditions vary.

Road Network

Roads generally good condition throughout the region.
United States driving rules apply; vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
Driving in winter can present challenges due to snow and ice. Roads see regular plowing, but conditions can change quickly.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Bus travel delivers connections to major cities.

Bus Services

Greyhound links Traverse City to larger cities like Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago.
These routes often feature transfers.
The bus station near downtown Traverse City.

Other Land Transport

Additional Options

No direct passenger rail service to Traverse City. Closest Amtrak stations are in Grand Rapids or Dearborn.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals limited availability. Some specialty shops may offer motorcycle rentals. Scooters less common.
Bicycle rentals widely available from local shops.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes beyond standard airline ticket taxes (already in fare).
For domestic flights from TVC, plan to arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
During peak summer, allow closer to 2 hours due to increased passenger volume.

If returning a rental car, allow extra time for the return process and transfer to the terminal.
TVC includes check-in counters, TSA security screening, and departure gates.
A restaurant or bar and restrooms available post-security.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Traverse City not a major cruise port. Ferries serve island access.

Island Connections

The closest significant passenger ferry service from Charlevoix, approximately an hour's drive north.
This ferry links to Beaver Island.
Another ferry service operates from Leland, on the Leelanau Peninsula, giving access to the Manitou Islands.

River & Water Transport

The Boardman River for recreation, not commercial transport.

Waterways Use

No commercial river transportation available for arrival or departure.
The Boardman River flows through Traverse City but serves recreational paddling.
Limited charter services give fishing or scenic tours on Grand Traverse Bay or Lake Leelanau.

Driving Laws

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants. Cell phone use while driving restricted.

Parking Information

Paid parking common in downtown Traverse City. Several parking garages give convenient options. Most hotels free parking for guests.

Border Crossing

Not applicable for Traverse City as it sits within the United States. No international border crossings needed when traveling directly within the U.S.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Traverse City and surrounding towns invite walking exploration.

Walking Routes

Downtown Traverse City: Highly walkable, sidewalks, shops, restaurants, waterfront access.
Leelanau Peninsula Towns: Suttons Bay, Leland, and Glen Arbor are charming, walkable towns.
Sleeping Bear Dunes: Many hiking trails within the national lakeshore, though driving between trailheads often needed.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

The region a fine network for cyclists.

Cycling Network

Tart Trail: Paved, multi-use trail system throughout Traverse City, links to Leelanau Trail.
Road Cycling: Many scenic roads on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas popular with cyclists.
Safety: Helmets recommended for all cyclists. Follow all traffic laws.

Accessibility & Tours

Walking Tours

Self-guided walks easy to arrange in downtown Traverse City and small towns. Some local historical societies or tourism groups may give guided walking tours during peak season.

No-Go Areas

Generally, no specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians or cyclists. Exercise caution on busy roads without shoulders. Avoid unmarked trails or private property.

Accessibility Services

BATA Dial-A-Ride, a curb-to-curb service. Advance booking needed. This service for travelers with mobility challenges. Many newer establishments and attractions adhere to ADA standards. Always check specific venue accessibility.

Navigation Summary

Public transport covers main areas. Car rental maximum freedom. Taxis and rideshares deliver convenience. BATA accessible. Walking and cycling on trails highly enjoyable ways to explore.

Getting There & Away