Drive or fly from NoVa to U Michigan in winter?

[Anonymous]

Going to UMich for Campus Day in late February. Thinking of driving instead of flying. Coming from Tysons Corner, VA. Is driving nuts? Should we fly into Detroit instead? Those who have tried both, what’s your advice?

[Anonymous]

Do not drive. Fly to DTW. Only for move-in might you drive.

[Anonymous]

We are driving in a few weeks for a visit. But we are also visiting other schools along the way. I’d fly if we weren’t and I’d make sure to get there early the day before to avoid any potential travel issues.

[Anonymous]

Michigander here, who has done the drive when I couldn't afford to fly. It's a long enough drive that I'd just fly if you have the money to do so. It's long enough of a drive to be uncomfortable in the car for that long, but not long enough to break it up into two days of driving if your visit is a short one. If you love driving and car trips, maybe it would be fine for you, but absent that, just fly.

[Anonymous]

Fly if you can

[Anonymous]

I live in Michigan and am originally from Maryland. I have driven it many times throughout the years. To me it's an easy drive (pending bad weather of course). I usually leave early in the morning and I'm there by mid afternoon. On the other hand the Detroit airport is fantastic and very easy to get in and out of.

[Anonymous]

I’m guessing the worry is inclement weather in late February which is a possibility. I figured typically the last big snow here is President’s weekend so I was willing to take a chance after that date and also figured if we get some big snow in the region, we wouldn’t get out by flight anyway.

As far as breaking up the trip, we went Thursday - Saturday. From Rockville, we left Thursday morning early, stopped near Pittsburgh or close to PA/OH border for lunch and gas then arrived in Ann Arbor late afternoon. Attended the admitted student event on Friday. Left Ann Arbor after dinner and drove 2-3 hours and stayed in Ohio overnight. Departed by 9am Saturday for home and back by late afternoon with one stop along the way. If you haven’t already done so book your hotel. I’ve found Ann Arbor hotels are often expensive and sometimes sold out. We’ve stayed 30-60 minutes away due to price/availability.

[Anonymous]

We’re in Philly with kid at Michigan (even farther) and flights have gotten so expensive we sometimes drive, it’s not that bad!

[Anonymous]

I am a Michigander who moved to MI from MoCo. I'm very familiar with the route.

January and February are peak snowy season. The unsafe/trouble spots are the PA mountains from Breezewood to Somerset (in snow/ice/heavy rain) and the Ohio Turnpike (in slick/blizzard/whiteout conditions). If either area has issues, you will regret driving. However, they are fine most of the time.

I drove from Detroit to Baltimore for a Friday wedding in early March a few years back. It was the best logistical and financial solution because I didn't want to miss the wedding if flights got cancelled but I had a few white knuckle moments during a snow squall in the PA mountains on the way back.

It's not a bad drive for the amount of time it takes. Unless the road conditions are dangerous.

So I think on balance flying is better.

A couple of further thoughts. 1) I think if you fly Southwest, you could maybe change your mind and drive if weather conditions are fine. 2) Admitted students day partly duplicated Orientation for incoming Class of 28. 3) If you're concerned about missing the scheduled events, do come in the night before and stay somewhere in Ann Arbor. There are lots of places to stay besides Ann Arbor but you'll have more fun and less weather worries if you stay local.

Check for on campus concerts the night of your visit or other academic events at events.umich.edu. Grab a sandwich and shake at Frita Batidos if it's not too crowded. Or eat at Cafe Zola.

[Anonymous]

Fly unless you're taking a ton of stuff.

[Anonymous]

For Campus Day, I suggest flying. It's such a quick flight and there are multiple options out of DCA and IAD and there is a quick shuttle to the rental cars. The hotels near campus are going to be overpriced and you are going to have to pay for parking. It's convenient to stay at The Graduate and walk around State Street, but the Residence Inn isn't too far away and a lot less expensive. The better deal is to stay at one of the hotels at Briarwood Mall. You don't pay for parking and it's not too far from campus.

I've done the drive more times than I expected and it's not too bad for me. I'm OK going 8 hours with 1 stop, but I usually get fed up with it right before Toledo. It's not Ohio hate, but the flatness of the turnpike wears on me.

For a quick trip, book the flight.

[Anonymous]

How do you get from the airport to Ann Arbor? We are going in February but I don’t want to rent a car and drive if icy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you get from the airport to Ann Arbor? We are going in February but I don’t want to rent a car and drive if icy

https://www.michiganflyer.com/- affordable and convenient!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you get from the airport to Ann Arbor? We are going in February but I don’t want to rent a car and drive if icy

https://www.michiganflyer.com/

Plus the usual suspects like taxis, car services, Uber/Lyft.

[Anonymous]

This is all great advice. Go Blue!