Bus Tours

Bus tours in Michigan are the go-to choice for travelers who want to explore wine regions, lakeshores, or city highlights without the hassle of driving. With 62 bus tours—nearly a quarter of all tours in Michigan—there’s an option for nearly every interest and group size.

Most visitors book these tours for group outings, celebrations, or to sample local wines safely. The category median price is $63, matching other popular options like walking and historical tours, but with the added comfort of air conditioning and the convenience of curated itineraries.

Bus tours make up 23% of Michigan’s tour offerings, with 62 products out of 265. Prices start as low as $52 per person for shared wine tours, with the median at $63—identical to walking, historical, and private tours in the region. However, 15 of these bus tours are priced above $250, reflecting private group or luxury options that can skew the median.

Most bus tours focus on Traverse City’s wine country, but there are also sightseeing routes to places like Sleeping Bear Dunes and private driver services. Compared to other categories, bus tours offer a broader range of group sizes and experiences, from self-guided audio drives at $11 to all-inclusive private charters at $527.

Only 2% of Michigan bus tours are rated below 4 stars, making this one of the most consistently well-reviewed categories in the state.

For travelers on a budget or those visiting solo or as a couple, shared wine tours around Traverse City offer the best value. Options like the NON-BUS 4 Winery Tour or the 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour run from $52 to $59 per person and include air-conditioned vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and stops at several wineries. These tours consistently receive high marks for personable hosts and well-chosen itineraries. However, some guests have been disappointed when the actual stops did not match the advertised itinerary or when included samples were inconsistent—both issues noted in reviews of group wine tours.

Private group tours, such as the Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour at $527 (for up to 14 people), suit larger parties or celebrations. These tours handle all reservations and logistics, which many reviewers found helpful, especially for bachelorette parties. However, critical feedback points to communication problems and last-minute itinerary changes, so flexibility may be required.

For those who want full control but don’t want to drive, designated driver services (from $278) are a middle ground. They plan custom routes in your own vehicle. While most guests praise the relaxed experience and friendly drivers, several reviews cite last-minute cancellations and unreliable communication as drawbacks.

If wine isn’t your focus, sightseeing tours like the Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes ($127 per person) include transportation, lunch, and entry fees. These are praised for knowledgeable guides and scenic routes, but some guests have experienced abrupt cancellations or concerns about health safety protocols. Across the board, wine tastings and food are rarely included in the base price, so expect to pay extra at each stop.