Planning a trip to Traverse City and wondering how to get around without a car? Whether you’re flying in, riding the bus, or simply opting for a car-free vacation, the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) has all your transportation needs covered—conveniently, affordably, and sustainably.

Welcome to Traverse City—No Car Required

Traverse City is known for its stunning views, charming downtown, and access to some of Michigan’s most beautiful natural attractions. But here’s the best part: you don’t need a car to enjoy it all. With BATA’s network of reliable transit services, it’s easy to explore the region without ever getting behind the wheel.

Your Transit Options with BATA

Ride the Bayline (It’s Free!)
The Bayline is Traverse City’s free, high-frequency bus route that runs every 15–17 minutes along a six-mile corridor. It connects key locations like Downtown TC, the Grand Traverse Commons, Northwestern Michigan College, and Munson Medical Center. It’s perfect for visitors staying in town who want to move around quickly and efficiently.

Link On-Demand
Think of Link On-Demand as your local Uber or Lyft—but operated by BATA and super affordable. With just a few taps in the mobile app (or a quick call), you can book a ride anywhere within the Traverse City service zone. It’s great for those hard-to-reach spots or when you’re heading out later in the day.

Village Loop & City Loops
BATA’s fixed-route services run between Traverse City and surrounding communities like Acme, Williamsburg, and Interlochen. They’re a great way to get out of town and explore without the stress of parking or navigating.

Bike & Ride Friendly
Want to combine biking and transit? All BATA buses are equipped with bike racks, so you can bring your bike and ride the TART Trail or other local paths, then hop on the bus when you’re ready to rest.

Airport Connections

Flying into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)? BATA has routes that connect the airport to the city and nearby hotels, making it easy to skip the rental car counter altogether.

Environmentally Friendly Travel

Choosing BATA isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s good for the planet. BATA is committed to sustainability, with a growing fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles and a mission to reduce carbon emissions throughout the region.

Plan Your Car-Free Adventure

With user-friendly tools like the Tranist app, real-time bus tracking, and helpful trip planning resources on our website, getting around has never been easier. Whether you’re here for a weekend of wine tasting or a week-long beach getaway, BATA makes it simple to enjoy the best of Traverse City—no car keys needed.

So go ahead—leave the car at home and let BATA be your guide to a stress-free, scenic, and sustainable Traverse City adventure.

Have questions? BATA’s customer service team is happy to help! Call 231-941-2324 or visit bata.net for more information.