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DTW to Birmingham, Michigan

How do I get from DTW to Birmingham, MI without breaking the bank. According to google, Taxi/Ubers are extreme in cost. Buses take forever - up to nearly 3 hours? And it's only a 35min drive. The hotel doesn't have a shuttle. Thanks

Traveling from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Birmingham, Michigan can be a bit tricky if you're trying to avoid the high costs of taxis or ride-shares, and the long duration of public buses. Since the distance is only about 20 miles (roughly a 35–40 minute drive under normal traffic), there are a few cost-effective options you can consider.

Options for getting to Birmingham from DTW:

  • Ride-share alternatives: While a direct Uber or Lyft may be expensive ($50–$70), you can try shared-ride options like Uber Pool or Lyft Shared if available, which can reduce the cost.
  • Airport shuttle services: Some private shuttle services operate between DTW and suburban Detroit areas including Birmingham. Companies like Suburban Express, Detroit Airport Shuttle, or local limo/shuttle services may offer rates in the $25–$40 range per person. Advance booking usually helps secure lower rates.
  • Public transit combination: While buses can take longer, a combination of the SMART bus and local connector buses can be used. For example, taking SMART Bus Route 125 or 450 toward Detroit suburbs and then a local route to Birmingham. This may take 2–3 hours but can be very inexpensive ($2–$4 per leg).
  • Car rental: If you’re planning to explore the area beyond Birmingham, renting a car might actually be the most convenient and cost-effective solution for multiple days, starting around $40–$50 per day for a compact car.

Additional tips:

  • Check with your hotel; sometimes they can arrange discounted private shuttles or rides to and from DTW even if they don’t offer a regular shuttle.
  • If traveling with multiple people, splitting an Uber or Lyft may actually be cheaper than individual shuttles.
  • Consider combining public transit with a short ride-share for the last few miles to reduce costs and avoid long bus times.

Overall, for a balance of cost and time, a private airport shuttle or shared-ride service tends to be the most efficient and affordable choice if you want to avoid a long bus trip.

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