University of Michigan Filter: Can someone recommend at reliable taxi service from the University of Michigan to the DTW airport?

February 6, 2010 9:39 AM

Can someone recommend at reliable taxi service from the University of Michigan to the DTW airport?

University of Michigan Filter: I have an interview at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I am arriving at the DTW Airport and plan to stay over night at a hotel. The school mentioned that there is a shuttle service available. First, does anyone know more information about the shuttle service on campus? Is it reliable, and what is the specific website for this? Second, I am considering taking a taxi because it is an important day. (But I still want to know about the shuttle service in terms of cost because if taking a taxi for 26 miles costs a lot, I may reconsider.) In terms of the taxi, can someone recommend a taxi service that is reliable?I have searched websites but that does not give me a sense of what I can count on to deliver. In another city I have visited, the taxi service was not on time and it seriously was nerve wracking to be on time, which is why I asking.

So basically,
-Can someone recommend a taxi service in the Michigan area?
-How long is the ride from the school to the airport? And what is the anticipated cost? ( I want to keep costs down.)
-Anything else I should see at the school?

I'm asking anonymously because professionally, I haven't been accepted at the school and do not want anything linking me. Thanks!

posted by anonymous to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

I have taken the Michigan Flyer from Detroit to Ann Arbor. It's a nice bus [with wifi!] that runs on schedule and I think it's $30. It drops you off at the Sheraton which is about a half mile from the bulk of the University of Michigan. It is not the shuttle service, it's a different company. The trip takes a little more than half an hour.
posted by jessamyn at 9:47 AM on February 6

When I was at U of M, I used the Ann Arbor Airport Shuttle. It was reliable. There are lots of private shuttle services and they all cost about the same, about $30 one-way. The only University shuttle service I know of is airBus, but it's only for students (you need to swipe your U of M ID).

As for things to see... Ann Arbor has an abundance to explore in the downtown. The Wikipedia article is a good start.
posted by mnemonic at 10:02 AM on February 6

Check out the UM Museum of Art and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, both recently renovated/expanded. The Kelsey now has a room with reproductions of the frescoes from the Villa of the Mysteries (Pompeii) -- very cool.
posted by philokalia at 10:13 AM on February 6

In getting from DTW to Ann Arbor there will be taxis waiting at the airport so there should be no delay in getting one. I would expect a cab to be about $50.

A private car service (metrocars for example) about $60.

Shuttles will be cheaper, but a cab or hired car will take you right to your destination. The Shuttle may just drop you at a central area where you would have to get a cab or make other arrangements to get to your final destination.
posted by dzot at 10:19 AM on February 6

Seconding the Michigan Flyer. I've never ridden it personally, but have heard nothing but rave reviews.
posted by emilyd22222 at 11:40 AM on February 6

If you have time to make arrangements (24 hours before arriving in Detroit), I have had good service from Custom Transit's airport shuttle.

You may also need cab service while you're in town, if you're staying at one of the hotels by the highway - it's more than 3 miles to campus. Ann Arbor is not a town where you can hail a cab on the street.
posted by shiny blue object at 11:46 AM on February 6

Exit luggage pick-up area at DTW, cross to parking structure, follow signs to taxi/limo area, fleet of corporate-style limos waiting 24/7, a bit over $50 to AA - fast, professional service in my experience but can't recall the name (no reservations needed).
posted by 5Q7 at 12:01 PM on February 6

My partner used to travel a lot for business and used the Michigan Flyer. Very plush buses, Wi-Fi, etc.
posted by not that girl at 12:30 PM on February 6

Make an appointment with Custom Transit on their website, call to confirm, call again when you land to confirm, and make sure you know where to meet the driver. They are reliable and good, and it's 30 bucks one way if you buy the return trip at the same time.

The only way you're going to save money is if you happen to land right when michigan flyer picks up. But this is unlikely as they only pick up a couple times throughout the day. If you're going to/from Lansing then michigan flyer is good, but Ann arbor is too close to the airport to make waiting for Michigan flyer worthwhile. Plus, Michigan flyer is not going to drop you off near the campus. they're going to drop you off near wolverine tower. you could catch the bus from wolverine tower to campus. it comes about every 15 mins if you know where to look. or you have to call a friend or a cab to get you closer to campus.

In your situation, Michigan flyer is not worth the trouble. Custom transit for the win. If something goes unforeseeably wrong, give three twenties to a Taxi driver waiting on the curb. that's a last resort.
posted by water bear at 4:28 PM on February 6

Careful. The Michigan Flyer drops off 2.5 miles from the main campus, not half a mile. Use the Google Maps "by public transit" option to see how to catch the Wolverine Shuttle to campus (or another city bus if the 36 isn't running that day).

Basically, water bear is right, though I do like the Michigan Flyer if it matches my schedule.
posted by whatnotever at 5:41 PM on February 6

Also, if you have other questions or just want someone to say hi to while you're in Ann Arbor, please feel free to MeMail me.
posted by shiny blue object at 8:38 AM on February 7