The 3 Closest Airports to u michigan
The 3 Closest Airports to U Michigan
Planning a trip to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor? Knowing the best airport options is key. Several airports serve the southeastern Michigan region, offering varying levels of convenience, flight options, and travel times to campus.
Here are the three most relevant commercial airports for travelers heading to U-M:
1. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
This is the largest and closest major airport to the University of Michigan. Located in Romulus, it’s the primary international gateway for Michigan and a major hub for Delta Air Lines. Its proximity and extensive flight options make it the most popular choice for visitors to Ann Arbor.
- Distance to U Michigan: Approx. 25-30 miles (30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic)
- Address: 1 Detroit Metro Airport, Romulus, MI 48242
- Pros: Closest major airport, numerous domestic & international flights, extensive amenities, easy shuttle/ride-share options to Ann Arbor. | Cons: Can be very busy, potentially longer security lines, parking/transport can be expensive.
- Airlines: Delta (hub), Spirit, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air France, many others. | Car Rental: All major agencies available (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, etc.).
- Official Website: https://www.metroairport.com/
- Phone: (734) 247-7678
- Rating: Approx. 4.2/5 (Google Rating)
2. Bishop International Airport (FNT)
Located in Flint, north of Ann Arbor, Bishop International is a smaller, regional airport. While further than DTW, it can sometimes offer competitive fares (especially on limited carriers) and is known for being easier and quicker to navigate than larger hubs.
- Distance to U Michigan: Approx. 50-55 miles (60-75 minute drive)
- Address: 3425 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507
- Pros: Smaller, less crowded, potentially faster security, sometimes cheaper fares on specific routes. | Cons: Significantly fewer flight options/destinations, fewer amenities, longer drive to Ann Arbor than DTW.
- Airlines: Allegiant, American Eagle, United Express. (Check current service) | Car Rental: Major agencies available (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo).
- Official Website: https://www.bishopairport.org/
- Phone: (810) 235-6560
- Rating: Approx. 4.6/5 (Google Rating)
3. Toledo Express Airport (TOL)
Situated south of Ann Arbor in Swanton, Ohio, Toledo Express is another smaller airport option. It primarily serves northwestern Ohio but can be considered for travel to Ann Arbor, especially if finding convenient flights on its limited carriers.
- Distance to U Michigan: Approx. 55-60 miles (60-80 minute drive)
- Address: 11013 Airport Hwy, Swanton, OH 43558
- Pros: Small and easy to navigate, potentially quick security, less congestion. | Cons: Very limited flight options/destinations, out of state (Ohio), fewer amenities, longer drive than DTW.
- Airlines: Allegiant, American Eagle. (Check current service) | Car Rental: Major agencies available (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National/Alamo).
- Official Website: https://www.toledoexpress.com/
- Phone: (419) 865-2351
- Rating: Approx. 4.3/5 (Google Rating)
Conclusion
While Ann Arbor has its own municipal airport (ARB), it does not serve commercial passenger airlines and is therefore not practical for most visitors.
Of the commercial airports, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is both the closest airport (approx. 25-30 miles) and the closest major airport to the University of Michigan, offering the most flight options and convenient ground transport to Ann Arbor. FNT and TOL are significantly further but can be secondary options depending on specific flight availability or cost.