Cheap Flights from Detroit to Traverse City (DTW-TVC)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $209 for one-way flights and $279 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC)
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From $199 - $337 per traveler.
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Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC) at a glance
Travel between Detroit (DTW) and Traverse City (TVC) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore various choices, from budget-friendly to full-service carriers, to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans as you discover Traverse City's renowned attractions. Check out the key details for flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Cherry Capital Airport.
Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
Route distance: roughly 200 miles (320 km)
Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$455, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Detroit to Traverse City, focusing on non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for flights with layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), which typically has about a 1-hour and 15-minute wait. This allows you to mix and match pricing, total travel time, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary.
Delta: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, dominating about 95% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally range from $110 to $440, with a total travel time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How to find the best prices for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Detroit to Traverse City is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book within two weeks. Evening departures between 6 PM and 12 AM often provide lower prices and are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesdays tends to be cheaper, while Fridays are the most sought-after travel days.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Cherry Capital Airport from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Traverse City welcomes travelers from Detroit with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Traverse City efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Traverse City, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
Car rental: Renting a car from Cherry Capital Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cherry Capital Airport on Expedia.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Public transportation: From Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City Seaport, a seaport, is located about 3.4 miles from the airport by car, while Downtown Hall Street Transfer Station, a bus station, is situated approximately 5.4 miles away, also most conveniently accessed by car.
Detroit to Traverse City Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Detroit to Traverse City
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Detroit to Traverse City are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Detroit to Traverse City with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Detroit to Traverse City
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Detroit to Traverse City: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Detroit to Traverse City
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Detroit to Traverse City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $209 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Detroit to Traverse City flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Detroit to Traverse City airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $209 and cheap return flights $279 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $178 and $702, and roundtrip flights usually range from $310 to $1548. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
The cheapest month to fly from DTW to TVC is December when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
You can fly direct from DTW to TVC on Delta, with around 26 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC), with round-trip tickets starting from around $465. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
To find a cheap flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
The best airline to fly with from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Traverse City, MI (TVC) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Delta typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from DTW to TVC, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
You can find approximately 4 nonstop flights per day from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Cherry Capital (TVC). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
The earliest flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, allowing you to enjoy a full day in the scenic beauty of Traverse City. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Traverse City (TVC) are in the late morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 24% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to travel after a relaxed morning.
How long does it take to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
Direct flights from DTW to TVC usually take about 1 hour 20 minutes, traveling roughly 207 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 5 hours 10 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
You can fly first class between DTW and TVC. First class cabins are available on:
American Airlines
United Airlines
Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Traverse City from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?
If you're planning to travel to Traverse City from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), you can fly into Cherry Capital (TVC) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) before reaching Traverse City. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) Traverse City Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)?
If you booked your Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.