16th International Workshop on Top Quark Physics (TOP2023)

Travel

A few pointers and helpful advice on how to get to Traverse City, which is located in upper Michigan state. In general, be aware that there is no regular fast train service from major airport hubs like Chicago or Detroit to Traverse City and it takes 4-6 hours to drive by car. More information provided below.

 

COVID restrictions

We link the CDC webpage here but please note that the Biden administration has announced to lift all COVID restrictions for international air travel on May 12th. From that announcement it is stated that any travel after that does not require to be vaccinated anymore. Be aware that the situation can chance and that different rules could apply to your country of origin. The CDC webpage will only confirm this beyond May 12th, currently (May 4th) it still explains mandatory vaccinations. 

 

 

Cherry Airport

The Traverse City airport (TVC) is a small regional airport with several daily flights to and from connecting hubs in Chicago and Detroit. It is only a short (10 minute) shuttle ride from the airport to the hotel. 

 

 

Grand Rapids Airport

The Gerald R Ford airport in Grand Rapids (GRR) is a 2.5 hour drive from the hotel. It has more options for flights to connecting hubs, but you will need to rent a car or coordinate with others to reach the workshop from the airport. Contact the workshop organizers in that case.

 

 

Lansing Airport

The Capital Region airport (LAN) is a 3.25 hour drive from the hotel. Similar to GRR, it has more options for flights to connecting hubs.  This airport serves Michigan State University; contact one of the MSU workshop attendees if you want to ride together from the Lansing area to the workshop.

 

 

Detroit Airport

The Detroit metro airport (DTW) is a major airline hub and the first point of entry for many travelers to the US, especially for Delta Airlines and the SkyTeam alliance partners. It takes over 4 hours to drive from DTW to the workhsop hotel. It will be much easier for you to book a connecting flight from Detroit to Traverse City.

 

 

Chicago airport

Similar to DTW, the Chicago O'Hare airport (ORD) is also a major airline hub and a first point of entry for many travelers to the US, especially for United Airlines and the Star Alliance partners. It takes over 5 hours to drive from ORD to the workhsop hotel. It will be much easier for you to book a connecting flight from Chicago to Traverse City.

 

 

Driving your own car

If you come from Michigan or nearby, then the easiest transport option is your own car. For example, driving from Chicago or Fermilab or O'Hare airport to Traverse City takes a little over 5 hours.

 

 

Bus service

Greyhound and Amtrak connect Traverse City with other bus and train routes in Michigan and beyond. The BATA bus terminal is only 1.1 miles (2 km) from the hotel. Expect the bus ride to take many hours but be affordable. For example, the route Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids (by train) to Traverse City (by bus) goes along the lake, but takes 12 hours. There is no direct train service.