Public Transport To Midland From Detroit

Question

Hi all,

I'm flying into Detroit on Fri 22nd July from Australia and can't seem to find public transport from Detroit to Midlands.

Can anybody point me to a website where I can book a bus or train?

Thanksk

Shauna.

Answer

Traveling from Detroit to Midland using public transportation can be a little tricky because there is no direct bus or train service between the two cities. Michigan’s public transit options between regions are limited, so most travelers use a combination of intercity bus services, rideshares, or renting a car. Still, there are workable options depending on your comfort level and schedule.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the transportation methods available, including what you can book online.

First, the important note: There is no direct train from Detroit to Midland, and no single bus that goes straight from Detroit Airport (DTW) to Midland. You’ll need either a transfer or a combination of transportation modes.

Greyhound or Indian Trails (Detroit → Flint or Saginaw) – Greyhound and Indian Trails operate intercity buses out of Detroit. You can book Detroit to either Flint or Saginaw, both of which are roughly 30–40 minutes from Midland. Once you arrive there, you would need a ride (taxi, Uber, or local shuttle) to Midland.
MichiganFlyer-AirRide (Detroit Airport → East Lansing) – This is a shuttle service that runs frequently between Detroit Airport (DTW) and East Lansing. From East Lansing, you could take a rideshare or taxi to Midland (about 1 hour). This option is often used by international travelers because of the reliability and luggage space.
Amtrak (Detroit → East Lansing → rideshare to Midland) – While Amtrak does not go to Midland, you can take a train from Detroit to East Lansing. Once in East Lansing, you would take a taxi or rideshare to Midland.

If you want simpler or more direct options, here are alternative approaches many travelers choose instead.

Rent a car from Detroit Airport (easiest and fastest) – A very common choice due to the 2-hour drive. Car rentals are easy at DTW and often cost less than the combined cost of buses + rideshare.
Private airport shuttle services to Midland – Some local companies offer pre-booked transportation from DTW directly to Midland. It’s more expensive but very convenient if you’re arriving from a long flight.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) direct from DTW to Midland – Possible, though costly for the full distance (over 2 hours), but sometimes good if you’re tired after an international flight.

To summarize, here is the recommended path if you want true public transit:

Best public-transport route: Take a Greyhound or Indian Trails bus from Detroit to Saginaw or Flint → then take a taxi/Uber to Midland. This is the closest match to “bookable public transport.”

Best practical route: Use MichiganFlyer from Detroit Airport to East Lansing → then rideshare to Midland (often the easiest with luggage and jet lag).

Overall, while Michigan doesn’t have seamless regional transit, you can definitely reach Midland without driving yourself by combining a bus or airport shuttle with a short rideshare. If you want the fastest and most comfortable option after a long international flight, a rental car or private shuttle is often the simplest solution.