Overview
Flint sits in the heart of Michigan, about an hour north of Detroit and within easy reach of the Great Lakes. As the birthplace of General Motors, it wears its motoring heritage proudly and makes a relaxed, affordable base for a Midwest road trip. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every journey connects through a US hub; the price charts on this page show how current fares to Flint are moving.
Best time to fly to Flint
Flint has a true four-season climate. May to September is the most comfortable window, with warm days often in the mid-20s Celsius and long light evenings. September and October add crisp air and brilliant autumn colour across Michigan. Winters from December to February are cold and snowy, with temperatures regularly below freezing, though fares can ease for travellers who don't mind the chill. The When to book chart above highlights the cheapest travel dates.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop between the UK and Flint, so you take a transatlantic flight to a US hub and then a short domestic hop into Bishop International (FNT). Delta and Virgin Atlantic serve Detroit from London Heathrow in around 8 to 9 hours, with Flint just a 30-minute connection or a 70-mile drive away. American and United connect via Chicago O'Hare in a similar time. Expect 12 to 16 hours in total depending on your layover; many travellers simply land at Detroit and hire a car.
Things to do in Flint
Flint packs plenty of culture into a compact centre, with parks and historic sites a short drive out.
- Flint Institute of Arts: one of Michigan's largest art museums, with a broad collection and changing exhibitions.
- Sloan Museum of Discovery: hands-on science and local history, including Flint's carmaking story.
- Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad: a restored 19th-century village with rides on a real steam train.
- Applewood Estate: the historic Mott family home, with orchards and gardens open to visitors in season.
- Flint Farmers' Market: a lively downtown market of local produce, food stalls and independent traders.
At Bishop International Airport (FNT)
Bishop International is a small, easily navigated airport about 4 miles (7 km) south-west of downtown Flint, usually a 10 to 15 minute drive. There is no rail link to the terminal, so on-site car hire is the most flexible choice. Taxis and rideshare services wait outside, and the local Mass Transportation Authority runs a limited bus into the city. If you land at Detroit instead, Flint is roughly 70 miles (110 km) north, about 75 minutes by road or a ride on Amtrak's Blue Water line.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Flint
- Book in the sweet spot: for the transatlantic leg, roughly two to four months ahead usually brings the best value, and the When to book chart above shows the pattern for your dates.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper and quieter through the connecting hub.
- Compare hubs and carriers: price Detroit and Chicago routings side by side across Delta, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, American and United.
- Stay flexible: avoid US school holidays, Thanksgiving and peak summer, as shifting your trip by a few days can cut the fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling for tourism don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must hold an approved ESTA before you fly and a passport valid for the length of your stay. The local currency is the US dollar; cards are accepted almost everywhere, so check your bank's foreign-exchange fees against the pound and carry a little cash for tips. No vaccinations are required. US healthcare is world-class but very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance with solid medical cover is essential.
