How much is a taxi from DTW to downtown Detroit?

Taxi fares: about $55–$70. The ride takes 25–40 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from DTW?

Airlines at DTW include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave DTW on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h 30 min: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown Detroit, an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at DTW?

Delta Sky Clubs (McNamara Terminal).

Is there a hotel at DTW?

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, inside the McNamara Terminal.

How long do I need to connect at DTW?

We recommend at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our DTW connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at DTW?

Big Blue Deck, the cheapest garage. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at DTW?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection.

How do I find cheap flights from Detroit?

Add DTW as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Detroit drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Detroit · airport guide

DTW Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at DTW?

Yes. McNamara's three concourses connect inside security, with an express tram along Concourse A. McNamara and Evans are linked by a shuttle bus outside security, so switching means another TSA check.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has McNamara Terminal (Delta, Concourses A, B and C) and Evans Terminal (most other airlines). The quickest way from DTW to downtown Detroit is the SMART FAST Michigan bus (about 50 minutes, $2).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Detroit

50 min

SMART FAST Michigan bus, $2

Taxi

25–40 min

about $55–$70

Connecting here

50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h 30 min+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from DTW to downtown Detroit is the SMART FAST Michigan bus (about 50 minutes, $2). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Delta, American, United, Southwest and Alaska.

Terminals: McNamara Terminal (Delta, Concourses A, B and C) and Evans Terminal (most other airlines)
Taxi: 25–40 min, about $55–$70
Connecting: At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: Delta Sky Clubs (McNamara Terminal)
Hotel: The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, inside the McNamara Terminal

Getting from DTW to downtown Detroit

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

SMART FAST Michigan busto downtown Detroitabout 50 min$2
Taxi or rideshare25–40 minabout $55–$70

Inside DTW

Terminals and connections

McNamara's three concourses connect inside security, with an express tram along Concourse A. McNamara and Evans are linked by a shuttle bus outside security, so switching means another TSA check.

How long a layover you need at DTW

Lounges

•Delta Sky Clubs (McNamara Terminal)

Sleep, showers and hotels

•The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, inside the McNamara Terminal

Parking at DTW

•Big Blue Deck, the cheapest garage
•McNamara garage and Green Deck (Evans Terminal), next to the terminals

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check DTW's official site.

DTW tips

•Concourse A is about a mile long; the express tram saves time.

Can you leave DTW on a layover?

With at least 3 h 30 min between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown Detroit and back, the fastest way50 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h 30 min

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at DTW

Major airlines that fly from DTW (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Air France Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees

DTW airport FAQ

The quickest option is the SMART FAST Michigan bus to downtown Detroit: about 50 minutes for $2. A taxi takes 25–40 min (about $55–$70).

Cheap flights from Detroit (DTW)The latest fare drops we've found from DTW.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Cheap flights from Detroit

Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime