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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Great Lakes, USA

Air Travel

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport DTW

DTW is about 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit in Romulus. It is the main airport for both domestic and international flights, a major hub for Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines.

Terminals & Facilities

  • Two main terminals: McNamara Terminal (mainly Delta) and Evans Terminal (other airlines).
  • Numerous dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Airlines and Routes

DTW offers direct flights to most major U.S. Cities and international hubs. Flight prices typically rise during peak summer season (June-August) and around major holidays.

Connecting Detroit

  • Domestic Airlines: Delta, Spirit, American, United, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant.
  • International Airlines: Air Canada, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, ANA, Icelandair.
  • Booking flights several months in advance can secure better rates. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Taxis & Ride-Share

Taxis are outside terminals. Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up zones. Cost: $50-$60 for taxi, $35-$50 for ride-share to downtown. Time: 25-35 min.

Public Bus SMART DAX

Route 261 (Detroit Air Xpress or DAX) runs directly between DTW and downtown Detroit. Cost: $8-$10 per ride. Time: 45-60 min.

Shared-Ride Shuttles

Private shuttle services like Metro Cars offer pre-booked shared rides. More expensive than public transit, potentially cheaper than solo taxi.

Transfer Options from Airports to City/Accommodation

Efficient Transfers

  • Taxis are readily available outside each terminal.
  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate from designated pick-up zones.
  • The SMART Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) offers an economical bus service.
  • Rental car counters are at the North Car Rental Campus, with free shuttles from terminals.

Cost & Time Overview

  • Taxi to downtown: ~$50-$60.
  • Uber/Lyft to downtown: ~$35-$50 (prices vary).
  • DAX bus: $8-$10 per ride.
  • Travel time to downtown: 25-35 minutes (car), 45-60 minutes (bus).

Airport Facilities and Services

Dining & Shopping

Numerous dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Shopping options include newsstands, gift shops, and specialty stores.

Lounges & Wi-Fi

Several airline lounges provide a quiet space for travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Car Rentals

Rental car agencies operate from a consolidated facility, reachable by free shuttle from both terminals.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

Detroit's position makes it a hub for land travel, including easy access to Canada via border crossings.

Services

  • Amtrak: The Wolverine service connects Detroit to Chicago from Joseph P. McNamara Station (DCT).
  • Long-Distance Bus: Greyhound operates services from downtown Detroit. FlixBus also offers intercity bus service.
  • Border Crossing: Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel connect to Windsor, Ontario. Passports are a requirement for U.S./Canadian citizens.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car presents flexibility for exploring Detroit and wider Michigan. Driving laws and road conditions are important to note.

Requirements & Conditions

  • License: Valid driver's license from home country, IDP recommended for non-English licenses.
  • Age: Minimum 21 (under 25 may incur "young driver" fee). Major credit card for rental/deposit.
  • Insurance: Check if personal insurance or credit card covers rentals. Consider additional insurance for peace of mind. For rental cars, explore DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads and traffic conditions vary. Be mindful of rush hour and specific winter driving considerations.

Driving Insights

  • Roads: Major highways (I-75, I-94, I-96, etc.) are well-maintained. Inner-city roads may have potholes, especially after winter. Drive with caution.
  • Traffic: Heavy during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). Plan travel outside these times.
  • Winter Driving: Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions. Check road conditions and ensure rental car has suitable tires.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

While Detroit is a Great Lakes city, it does not serve as a main port for large passenger cruises or regular ferry services. River transportation is mostly recreational.

Water-Based Travel

  • Ferry Services: No regular passenger ferry services operate across the Detroit River for general public transport. Limited special event crossings to Canada occur.
  • Cruise Ports: Detroit is not a major embarkation port for ocean cruises. Some smaller Great Lakes cruises include Detroit as a port of call.
  • River Transportation: Mainly recreational, with private boats and tour operators offering scenic cruises on the Detroit River.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees apply for tourists departing the U.S. By air. Airfares typically include all relevant taxes and fees.
  • For international flights, arrive at DTW at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • For domestic flights, arrive at DTW at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • Allow ample time for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening. Wait times vary.
  • For train/bus departures, arrive at stations 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • DTW offers numerous dining, shopping, and lounge options after security. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

To ensure a smooth exit from Detroit, plan your airport arrival well in advance of your flight.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights: Arrive at DTW at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at DTW at least 2 hours before departure.
  • TSA Security: Allow ample time as wait times vary. Check the TSA website.

Station Facilities

Both the airport and train/bus stations cater to departing travelers, offering a range of amenities.

Amenities for Travelers

  • DTW Facilities: Numerous dining, shopping, and lounge options are available after security. Free Wi-Fi.
  • Train/Bus Stations: Most have basic amenities, including waiting areas and restrooms.
  • Baggage: Confirm baggage policies for your airline, train, or bus prior to arrival.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees apply for tourists departing the U.S. By air. Airfares already include relevant taxes and fees.

Departure Timing

Allow 2-3 hours for airport, 30-60 minutes for train/bus stations, to handle check-in and security procedures comfortably.

Pre-Departure Services

Check airline or transportation provider websites for specific policies and services prior to your departure.

Departure Advice

Travel Checklist for Departure

A final check before leaving helps ensure you have everything ready for your journey home.

Final Checks

  • Confirm passport and visa validity.
  • Have flight, train, or bus tickets ready.
  • Pack all prescription medications in carry-on.

Airport Comfort & Security

Make your time at the airport comfortable and secure prior to boarding.

Amenities and Tips

  • Utilize free Wi-Fi for last-minute communications.
  • Explore duty-free shopping or airport dining options.
  • Charge all electronic devices before boarding.

Customs & Immigration International Departures

Pre-Check Procedures

If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear, utilize these for faster security screening.

Customs Declaration

Complete any necessary customs declarations for your destination country.

Duty-Free Limits

Be aware of duty-free limits for your destination to avoid issues upon arrival.

Final Travel Advice

Confirm all flight times and gate numbers prior to heading to the airport. Allow for potential traffic delays on the way to the airport during peak hours.