Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) – Complete Arrival and Transfer Guide

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is located 30 km (19 miles) southwest of downtown Detroit. The most common options are rideshare (Uber/Lyft) at $35–55, taxi at $45–65, or a private transfer at $55–80. The SMART bus route 125 runs to downtown for $2 but takes over an hour and has limited luggage space. There is no rail connection. Most travelers use rideshare or a pre-booked transfer for the 25–40 minute drive to the city center.

DTW has two terminals: the McNamara Terminal (used by Delta and partners, the larger of the two) and the North Terminal (used by most other airlines including Southwest, Spirit, United, and American). Both terminals are modern and well-maintained.

For domestic arrivals, you simply walk to baggage claim — no immigration process. International arrivals go through CBP (Customs and Border Protection), which can take 20 minutes to over an hour depending on staffing and flight volume. Global Entry and NEXUS significantly speed this up.

Baggage claim areas are on the ground level of both terminals. The McNamara Terminal is large — the walk from remote gates to baggage claim can take 10–15 minutes. The North Terminal is more compact.

After collecting bags, ground transportation is clearly signed. Both terminals have dedicated rideshare pickup areas, taxi queues, and rental car shuttle stops.

| Option | Price | Time to downtown | Best for | |--------|-------|-----------------|----------| | Uber/Lyft | $35–55 | 25–40 min | Most travelers | | Airport taxi | $45–65 (flat rate available) | 25–40 min | Those without rideshare apps | | Private transfer | $55–80 | 25–40 min | Families, business, peace of mind | | SMART bus 125 | $2 | 70–90 min | Budget travelers | | Rental car | From $40/day | Self-drive | Road trips, suburban stays |

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the default choice for most DTW arrivals. Pickup zones are clearly marked at both terminals — follow the "Rideshare" signs from baggage claim. Pricing fluctuates with demand; early morning and late night tend to be cheaper, while afternoon rush can trigger surge pricing.

Taxis are metered but a flat rate of approximately $47 to downtown Detroit is commonly offered. Find them at the designated taxi stands outside baggage claim. They accept cash and cards.

Private transfers offer fixed pricing booked in advance. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign. This is the best option when you want certainty — especially during events like the Detroit Auto Show when rideshare prices spike.

SMART bus route 125 connects DTW to downtown Detroit via Michigan Avenue. It runs approximately every 30–60 minutes during the day and costs $2. It is a legitimate budget option if you are traveling light, but the ride is long and infrequent.

Rental cars make sense if you are exploring the broader Metro Detroit area or heading to suburbs like Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or the lakefront communities. The rental car center is accessible via a free shuttle from both terminals.

Detroit is a sprawling metro area, so your destination affects the price significantly.

| Destination | Uber/Lyft | Taxi | Private transfer | |------------|----------|-----|------------------| | Downtown Detroit | $35–55 | $45–55 | $55–75 | | Dearborn | $20–35 | $30–40 | $40–55 | | Ann Arbor | $45–70 | $65–85 | $75–100 | | Auburn Hills / Pontiac | $55–80 | $70–95 | $80–110 | | Windsor, Canada | $55–75 | $65–85 | $80–100 |

Note: crossing the border to Windsor, Canada involves the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and requires valid travel documents. Not all rideshare drivers will make this trip.

Prices above are in USD. At current exchange rates, $55 is approximately 50 EUR.

DTW handles flights until approximately midnight, with a few late domestic arrivals. The airport stays open 24 hours for passengers with early morning departures. After 22:00, the SMART bus stops running. Rideshare remains available but driver supply drops, potentially increasing wait times to 10–20 minutes and prices by 20–30%.

Taxis are available at the rank but fewer in number. A pre-booked private transfer guarantees a car waiting regardless of the hour. The drive to downtown is actually faster at night — 20–25 minutes with no traffic. More details in our [late night guide](/airport-guides/dtw/late-night).

Standard Uber/Lyft vehicles accommodate 2–3 passengers with luggage comfortably. For a family of four with full luggage, request an XL vehicle through the app — this adds $10–20 to the fare but provides an SUV or minivan.

Child car seats are required by Michigan law for children under 8 or under 4'9" (145 cm). Rideshare and taxis do not provide them. You must bring your own or book a private transfer with a car seat request. See our [family guide](/airport-guides/dtw/family-and-kids) for details.

Taxis — Queues are at the ground transportation level of both terminals, clearly signed.

Private transfers — Drivers wait in the arrivals/baggage claim area holding a name sign. After collecting your luggage, look for your driver before heading outside. If your service specifies curbside pickup, they will direct you to their location via phone.

SMART bus — The bus stop is at the ground transportation level. Look for the SMART bus sign or ask airport staff for directions.

Take a taxi if: you prefer not to use apps, want a flat rate to downtown, or need to pay cash.

Book a private transfer if: you are traveling with family, have a lot of luggage, want a guaranteed price, or are arriving during peak events when rideshare surges.

Take the SMART bus if: you are traveling solo with minimal luggage and want the cheapest option. Be prepared for a long, infrequent service.

Rent a car if: you are heading to suburban destinations, visiting multiple locations, or staying in the broader metro area where public transport is limited.