By Water
The Pine River winds through Alma, connecting many hamlets and cities throughout the region that once depended on the river for industry. The occasionally narrow river is conducive to paddle sports and no-wake motor boating. The Bushwhacker Challenge is a major canoe challenge that takes paddlers up to 150 miles from Alma to Midland and back, connecting with the Chippewa River. A local livery, Pine River Outfitters, offers canoe, kayak, and pontoon rentals for tourists and area residents.
By car
Centrally located near the crossroads of US-127 and M-46, the city of Alma is easily accessible from all parts of the state of Michigan by car.
By bus
Alma is served by both Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines with connections to the larger metropolitan areas of Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. There is a local bus service known as Dial-A-Ride Transit DART that provides service throughout Alma and neighboring St. Louis.