How to get to Bavarian Inn from nearby airports
Fly into Saginaw MBS International Airport (MBS) or Bishop International Airport (FNT) and drive or take ground transport to Frankenmuth. MBS is the closest major airport (about a 40–50 minute drive); FNT in Flint is a similar drive time depending on traffic; Detroit Metro (DTW) is farther and usually requires about 1.5–2 hours driving.
In this guide
Nearest airports and typical travel times
Saginaw MBS International Airport (MBS) is the closest commercial airport to Frankenmuth and is typically the shortest drive to Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth.
Bishop International Airport (FNT) in Flint is the other nearby regional airport used by many visitors. Detroit Metro (DTW) is a larger airport option but sits farther away; plan for a longer drive time from DTW.
- Saginaw MBS International (MBS) — generally the shortest driving time to Frankenmuth.
- Bishop International (FNT) — similar regional option; drive times vary with traffic.
- Detroit Metro (DTW) — larger airport with more flight options but a longer drive.
| Airport | Typical travel time by car |
|---|---|
| Saginaw MBS International (MBS) | About 40–50 minutes (varies) |
| Bishop International (FNT, Flint) | About 45–60 minutes (varies) |
| Detroit Metro (DTW) | Longer — roughly 1.5–2 hours driving depending on route and traffic |
Driving directions (simple routes)
Most visitors drive north or northwest from their arrival airport toward I-75 or state highways and follow regional signage to Frankenmuth. Exact turns depend on which airport you use and current traffic conditions.
The Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth sits at 1 Covered Bridge Ln beside the Holz Brücke covered bridge; once in downtown Frankenmuth follow local signs to the hotel or to River Place Shops and the covered bridge.
- From MBS: generally take local highways to I-75 or surface roads toward Frankenmuth; follow signs to downtown/riverfront.
- From FNT: follow I-75 northbound or a combination of US/State routes toward Frankenmuth depending on traffic and GPS directions.
- From DTW: use I-75 north toward Flint/Saginaw area, then regional routes into Frankenmuth; allow extra time for traffic.
| From | What to expect |
|---|---|
| MBS | Shortest distance and quick local route options |
| FNT | Good regional option with several highway choices |
| DTW | More flight choices; longer drive time |
Ground-transport options (shuttle, rental car, taxi/rideshare)
Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring Frankenmuth and nearby attractions like Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland or Birch Run Premium Outlets. The hotel offers free self-parking on site.
If you prefer not to drive, check shuttle, taxi, or rideshare availability from your arrival airport; availability varies by airport and time of day.
- Rental car — best if you plan to visit area sights or travel outside Frankenmuth.
- Airport shuttle — some listings show complimentary shuttle service as an amenity; confirm schedules with your airline or airport and with Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth ahead of arrival.
- Taxi / rideshare — available at major regional airports but may be limited late at night; fares depend on distance and surge pricing.
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Rental car | Exploring region, flexible arrival/departure times |
| Airport shuttle / hotel shuttle | If available and timed with flights — confirm in advance |
| Taxi or rideshare | Short stays or one-way transfers; check availability |
Arriving at Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth — parking and check-in
The hotel address is 1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Free self-parking is available on site; the property also lists an electric vehicle charging station among parking amenities.
Check-in time is listed as 4:00 p.m. and check-out at 11:00 a.m.; guests must present photo ID and a credit card at arrival. Waterpark wristbands are distributed at check-in and remain valid for the length of stay.
- Parking — free self-parking on site; EV charging station available.
- Check-in — typically begins at 4:00 p.m.; show photo ID and credit card.
- Wristbands — waterpark wristbands given at check-in; lost wristband replacement fee is listed by the property.
| Arrival item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 4:00 p.m. (standard) |
| Check-out time | 11:00 a.m. (standard) |
| Waterpark access | Wristbands issued at check-in for registered overnight guests |
Rooms and on-site layout to know on arrival
Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth offers room types listed as Whirlpool Suite w/Spa Bath, Premium Room, Deluxe Room, Standard Room, and Family Suite, Multiple Beds. Every room includes a mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, iron and ironing board, and a hair dryer.
If you arrive by vehicle, park and use the main entrance; hotel staff can direct you to luggage assistance, the lobby, and the front desk where you will complete check-in.
- Room types to request by name: Whirlpool Suite w/Spa Bath; Premium Room; Deluxe Room; Standard Room; Family Suite, Multiple Beds.
- Ask front desk about early check-in or late check-out fees and availability.
- Registered overnight guests receive included access to the indoor waterpark and pools.
| Room name | Bed setup (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool Suite w/Spa Bath | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Premium Room | 1 King Bed |
| Deluxe Room | 2 Queen Beds |
Practical tips for airport-to-hotel travel
If you have a tight itinerary or are arriving late, renting a car at your arrival airport is the simplest option — public transport between the airports and Frankenmuth is limited. Confirm shuttle availability with the hotel before relying on it.
Winter driving conditions in Michigan can change quickly. If you’re visiting during winter, allow extra travel time, check road conditions, and confirm any shuttle schedules before you travel.
- Confirm shuttle service and schedules with Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth or your booking agent before travel.
- Allow extra time when driving from DTW because it’s the farthest airport listed.
- Keep your hotel phone number handy: BookResorts agents (24/7) for this property are +1 (888) 605-1350.
| Scenario | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Short visit and no car needed | Use shuttle/taxi/rideshare if available; confirm schedules |
| Exploring region or multi-stop trip | Rent a car for flexibility |
| Winter arrival | Allow extra driving time; check road conditions |
