Detroit Metropolitan Airport Guide (DTW) – Detroit

Airport Overview

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary commercial airport for Southeast Michigan and serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, handling approximately 35 million passengers annually. Located 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit in the city of Romulus, Michigan, DTW is notable for serving the critical automotive corridor between Detroit and cities across the U.S. and Canada. The airport also benefits from its proximity to Canada, with numerous passengers using it to connect to Toronto and other Canadian cities via nearby Windsor.

DTW is home to the acclaimed McNamara Terminal, which opened in 2002 and features one of the longest airport light tunnels in North America — a 1,100-foot illuminated underground walkway connecting Concourse A and Concourse B with a mesmerizing animated light show. The airport is recognized for its operational efficiency and was one of the first major U.S. airports to introduce automated border control kiosks to speed up international arrivals processing.

Terminals

DTW operates two main terminals: the McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal, separated by the airport's tarmac.

• McNamara Terminal – Concourse A: Delta Air Lines hub operations — the vast majority of Delta's flights, both domestic and international; Gates A1–A75; features the famous light tunnel to Concourse B
• McNamara Terminal – Concourse B: Delta regional jet operations (Delta Connection carriers); Gates B1–B20
• North Terminal: All non-Delta airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, Frontier, Spirit, and all international non-Delta carriers; Gates A1–A20 (North) and B1–B10 (North)

WiFi Availability

DTW provides free WiFi throughout both terminals via the "DTW Free WiFi" network. Connect by selecting the network and accepting the terms of service — no password or time limits required. Coverage is excellent throughout the McNamara Terminal's extensive Concourse A, particularly in the recently upgraded gate areas. The North Terminal also has full WiFi coverage. Charging stations and USB ports are available at gate areas throughout both terminals.

Transport to City Center

SMART Bus Route 261

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) Route 261 provides bus service between DTW and downtown Detroit. Buses depart from the Ground Transportation Center of the McNamara Terminal. The journey to downtown Detroit takes approximately 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and costs $2.00. Service operates from early morning to late evening on weekdays with reduced weekend schedules.

Private Shuttle and Car Services

Metro Cars, Carey, and other car services provide scheduled sedans and SUVs from DTW. Shared van shuttle services to downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and other destinations operate from the Ground Transportation Center. Pre-arranged corporate car services are widely used given the heavy business travel market at DTW.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available at the Ground Transportation Center. A taxi to downtown Detroit typically costs $50–$70 and takes 30–45 minutes. Rideshare fares run $30–$50. I-94 and I-96 can have significant congestion during rush hours. DTW is also only about 45 minutes from downtown Toronto via the Ambassador Bridge when border wait times are short.

Airport Lounges

DTW's lounge options are anchored by Delta's extensive Sky Club presence in the McNamara Terminal, with good options for other airline passengers as well.

• Delta Sky Club – McNamara Terminal, Concourse A (Gate A40): Delta's primary DTW lounge with hot food, cocktail bar, and shower facilities; for SkyMiles Medallion members and Sky Club cardholders
• Delta Sky Club – McNamara Terminal, Concourse A (Gate A65): Second Sky Club location at the international end of Concourse A
• American Airlines Admirals Club – North Terminal: For AAdvantage status members and Admirals Club cardholders departing from the North Terminal
• United Club – North Terminal: For MileagePlus Premier members and United Club cardholders in the North Terminal
• The Escape Lounge – McNamara Terminal: Priority Pass–accepting independent lounge; also available via day pass for non-members

Hotels Near the Airport

Several hotels surround DTW with shuttle service to both terminals, making overnight stays practical for early morning departures or late arrivals.

• Westin Hotel at Detroit Metropolitan Airport: Connected directly to the McNamara Terminal via a covered walkway — zero commute to Delta flights; full-service hotel with spa and dining
• Hilton Detroit Airport: Complimentary shuttle to both terminals, about 1 mile from McNamara; full service with restaurant and fitness center
• Marriott Detroit Airport: Adjacent to the airport with complimentary shuttle, restaurant, and conference facilities
• Embassy Suites Detroit Airport: Complimentary full breakfast and evening reception; all-suite format ideal for layovers
• Hyatt Place Detroit/Romulus: Budget-friendly option near the airport with free shuttle and breakfast, 3 minutes from the terminal

Food and Restaurants

DTW offers a well-developed airport dining program, with Michigan-inspired options and local Detroit favorites featured in the McNamara Terminal.

• Andiamo Italian Grille (McNamara Terminal, Concourse A): Metro Detroit's beloved Italian dining institution with house-made pasta, veal dishes, and an extensive Italian wine list
• Chili's (McNamara Terminal): Reliably popular chain with Southwest American fare and full bar service
• Detroit Brewing Company (McNamara Terminal): Local Michigan craft beer bar celebrating Detroit's brewing heritage with Michigan ales and lagers on tap
• Hudson's Burger (McNamara Terminal): Named after Detroit's legendary department store, serving gourmet burgers with Michigan beef
• Jet's Pizza (North Terminal): Michigan's famous Detroit-style deep dish square pizza chain
• Starbucks (Multiple locations): Available in McNamara Terminal and North Terminal

Travel Tips

• Arrive 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours for international — McNamara Terminal security can have lengthy queues during Delta's busy morning departure banks.
• TSA PreCheck is available at both the McNamara Terminal and North Terminal checkpoints; CLEAR is available at McNamara Terminal.
• Michigan winters are severe — blizzards, ice, and heavy snow can significantly impact operations from November through March. Monitor flight status closely and allow generous buffer time.
• The Westin hotel's direct terminal connection to McNamara makes it the ideal choice for early Delta departures — you can roll out of bed and be at your gate in under 10 minutes.
• DTW has no direct light rail or subway connection to downtown Detroit — taxis and rideshare are your primary options outside of bus service.
• For Canadian travelers connecting through DTW, the North Terminal has Air Canada and WestJet operations for easy Toronto and other Canadian city connections.
• The light tunnel show in Concourse A is a unique DTW feature — walk through it even if your gate is on the tram; it's a remarkable piece of airport art.