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), a taxi, or a private transfer at $55–80. Public transit is the cheap option: SMART says Route 261 (FAST Michigan Avenue) runs direct from both the North and McNamara terminals to downtown Detroit, 7 days a week, and that Route 125 (Fort Street) and Route 280 (Middlebelt South) also serve the airport. SMART's own fare table puts a single fixed-route ride at $2.00 for adults (19-64), $0.50 for youth 6-18 without a student ID, free for students with a valid ID, and $0.50 for riders 65+ and people with disabilities. 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.

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 is dynamic and set by the app, not by a published tariff, so the quote you see when you book is the only reliable number; it climbs with demand, weather and events.

Taxis are metered. The Wayne County Airport Authority names Metro Cars and Metro Cab as DTW's taxi and luxury-sedan providers, with kiosks in the Ground Transportation Centers at each terminal, but it does not publish a fare table — so check the rate with the kiosk or the driver before you set off rather than relying on a figure you read in advance. 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 buses are the only public transit at DTW, and there is more than one. SMART says Route 261 (FAST Michigan Avenue) runs direct from both the North and McNamara terminals to downtown Detroit, 7 days a week, and that Route 125 (Fort Street) and Route 280 (Middlebelt South) also serve the airport. The 261 is the one to look for if you are heading downtown — it is SMART's frequent, limited-stop service along Michigan Avenue. SMART's own fare table puts a single fixed-route ride at $2.00 for adults (19-64), $0.50 for youth 6-18 without a student ID, free for students with a valid ID, and $0.50 for riders 65+ and people with disabilities. It is a legitimate budget option if you are traveling light, but the ride is longer than a car and the frequency is nothing like a metro. Check current times on smartbus.org.

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.

Rideshare pricing is dynamic and taxi rates are not published by the airport authority, so the only honest column here is the pre-booked transfer, where the price is agreed before you land. The Wayne County Airport Authority names Metro Cars and Metro Cab as DTW's taxi and luxury-sedan providers, with kiosks in the Ground Transportation Centers at each terminal, but it does not publish a fare table — so check the rate with the kiosk or the driver before you set off rather than relying on a figure you read in advance.

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.

DTW handles flights until approximately midnight, with a few late domestic arrivals. The airport stays open 24 hours for passengers with early morning departures. The SMART buses stop well before the last flights land — check smartbus.org for the final departure on your route. Rideshare remains available but driver supply drops, so expect a longer wait and a higher app quote than by day.

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 — it costs more than a standard car but provides an SUV or minivan. The app will show you the difference before you confirm.

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.

Rideshare pickup — Both terminals have designated zones. In the McNamara Terminal, follow signs to the ground-level rideshare area. In the North Terminal, proceed to the outer curb of the ground transportation level. The app shows your exact pickup pin.

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. Route 261 (FAST Michigan Avenue) is the direct downtown service.

Use Uber/Lyft if: you have the app, are comfortable with variable pricing, and want a quick door-to-door ride.

Take a taxi if: you prefer not to use apps or need to pay cash. Agree the rate at the kiosk or with the driver first.

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 at $2.00. Route 261 (FAST Michigan Avenue) goes direct to downtown. Be prepared for a slower, less frequent service than a car.

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.