Detroit Metro Airport

Detroit Metro Airport Guide | Parking, Hotels, Maps & Terminals

Detroit Metro Airport is one of the third-largest bases for Delta Airlines. It is also a major travel hub. Connecting travelers to more than 140 nonstop destinations, this airport manages over 1,100 flights daily.

The airport is high-tech with its modern facilities and hassle-free terminals designed with an efficient layout, which helps in managing a large number of passengers smoothly. So, if you want to go for last-minute shopping or need to run for a connecting flight, this airport makes it very easy for you to reach your respective destination. Read this guide carefully, which gives information about the DTW airports, parking, transportation, and travel tips, helping you to use the Detroit Metro Airport amenities efficiently.

What are the terminals at Detroit?

Detroit Metro Airport has two terminals, McNamara Terminal and Evans Terminal. These two terminals have smart features and helpful services that help to reach one destination from another easily. The passengers will find new features at the airport, like many places to shop and eat, lounges to relax in, free wifi, and many other things. The terminal has signs in different languages, helping the travellers with special needs reach their destination.

The Detroit Metro Airport map helps navigate these expansive facilities seamlessly. 

McNamara Terminal

This terminal is named after the former Wayne County Road Commissioner Edward H. McNamara. The terminal is a hub for Delta Airlines and its partners and is known for its extensive features, new architecture, and efficient services. 

Key Features

CategoriesDetails
ConcourseConcourse A: This has a huge lobby, which has up to 60 gates, and also an express tram for easy transportation.
Concourses B and C: This Concourse has 40 gates and deals with all the regional flights.
AmenitiesLuxury Lounges:These lounges are known as Delta Sky Club lounges. Providing the passengers a comfortable space to relax till their departure time.  
Options to eat: From Chick-fil-A to PF Chang’s, the passengers have a variety of options to dine in. 
Retail Stores: Duty-free shops, tech stores, and local Detroit merchandise outlets. 
ServicesInternet Access:The passengers have unlimited internet connection throughout the whole terminal.
Baggage: The passengers can easily claim their baggage. 

Information Desk: Information desks are available everywhere at the terminal for the passenger’s convenience. 

TransportationCar rentals: These services are available within the terminal for the passenger’s convenience. 
Shuttle services: The airport provides shuttle services for the passengers to travel from one end to the other.
SMART buses:These buses provide services to the passengers to travel to downtown Detroit or surrounding areas.



Mcnamara Terminal Amenities

FacilityWhere to Find itWhat to Expect
Delta Sky ClubGate A38 (Concourse A)Premium Lounge access
AndiamoCentral link AreaItalian Dining
Express TramConcourse A Quick transit between gates
Free wifiTerminal WideHigh-speed internet access
Rental CarsGround transportation centerShuttle to off-site campus

Evans Terminal

Evans Terminal, which was renamed from North Terminal to this name. This terminal is named after the late Wayne County Executive Warren Cleage Evans. Evans Terminal provides services to many airlines like American Airlines and Lufthansa.

Key Features

CategoriesDetails
ConcoursesOnly one Concourse: This concourse has 26 gates and it manages domestic and international flights. 
AmenitiesSpacious Lounges:This includes the Lufthansa business lounge.
Multiple dining options:Various options are there, starting from McDonald’s to Anita’s kitchen.
Shopping Options: Duty-free, gift shops, and convenience stores. 
ServicesInternet Access:The passengers have unlimited internet connection throughout the whole terminal
Baggage: Passengers can easily claim their baggage.


TransportationCar rentals: These services are available within the terminal for the passenger’s convenience. Shuttle services: The airport provides shuttle services for the passengers to travel from one end to the other. 
Public Transits: Local buses and regional buses are available.

North Terminal Amenities

FacilityWhere to findWhat to expect
Lufthansa LoungeNear Gate D6Premium lounge for the passengers
Anita’s KitchenMain ConcourseAuthentic regional mediterannean meals
Free wifi Throughout the terminalHigh-speed internet access
ShoppingNear Gate D10Travel essentials, souvenirs and books
Car Rentals Ground transportation areaShuttle access to the consolidated rental facility 

Read Also: – Denver International Airport Guide 

Where can I park at Detroit Wayne County Airport? 

A plus point for the travelers is that they can park their vehicles ofsite and onsite both since there is an abundance of parking space.

Do not worry about the parking space; there is an abundance of Detroit Metro Airport parking space at the DTW airport. Vehicles can be parked on-site and off-site, both. Various things are available at the parking lot, starting from long-term stays; valet services and electric charging stations are there as well. If you have an electric vehicle, you can charge it at the station. 

The two big parking garages are the McNamara Terminal Parking and the Big Blue Deck. Both of these are different. McNamara Parking has options like long-term, short-term, and valet parking, while the other one, Big Blue Deck, has long-term and short-term parking. Passengers can also go towards the Green Surface parking, which is a convenient option for them. Finding parking at Detroit Metro Airport is straightforward with clearly marked signage. For extended trips, passengers often switch to Detroit Metro Airport long-term parking to secure affordable rates. 

McNamara Terminal Parking

McNamara Parking Garage

LocationRight next to McNamara Terminal
FacilitiesThis parking area has various levels and via a small bridge, it offers direct access to the terminal.
Parking charges$6 on an hourly basis$38 on daily basis
Max heightFor oversize vehicles the charges are based on the height, which is 8’2” and parking is available on the 6th floor.

Valet Parking

LocationThis is located at the entrance of the McNamara Terminal.
Parking Charges$45 per day
FacilitiesThe valet option is for those who are in a rush and need help with parking. This also provides luggage assistance options and car wash options so that one can be assured about the car and its services. 

North Terminal Parking

Big Blue Deck

LocationNext to DTW North Terminal Parking
FacilitiesThis parking lot is connected to the terminal via a bridge.
Parking charges$6 on an hourly basis$38 on daily basis
Max heightFor oversize vehicles the charges are based on the height, which is 8’2” and parking is available on the 6th floor.

Surface Parking

LocationLocated next to the Big Blue Deck
Parking Charges$14 per day on daily basis
FacilitiesThis area offers both short and long-term parking options. It is connected to the terminal via shuttle service.

Economy Parking

Green Lots 1&2

LocationThis is located offsite, which is available via shuttle service
Parking Charges$12 per day
FacilitiesThe passengers get continuous shuttle services to both the terminals from this parking lot. This is the most affordable option for the passengers and very convenient for long stays.

Parking Rate

TimeRate
1/2 hour or less$4.00
1/2 hour to 1 hour$6.00
1 hour to 1 1/2 hours$7.00
1 1/2 hours to 2 hours$8.00
2 hours to 3 hours$12.00
3 hours to 4 hours$16.00
4 hours to 5 hours$20.00
5 hours to 6 hours$24.00
6 hours to 7 hours$28.00
7 hours to 24 hours$30.00
24 Hour Max$30.00

Note: $30 per day will be charged to those passengers who will be parking at the Detroit International Airport for longer hours, which can be longer than 24 hrs or more than that. 

Picking Up and Dropping off

To pick someone up from the airport, there are pick-up and drop-off zones that are available at the terminal curb near the main buildings. Please make sure not to leave your vehicle unattended. There might be cases where you would have to leave the car for a few minutes or hours and select short-term hourly parking, which is available at the main garages opposite the terminals. 

Short-term Parking

There will be times when you will have to be at the airport for a short visit, like dropping someone off or some other work. In this case, you can go for the self-parking options, which are right opposite each terminal building. You will be charged for every 30 minutes of your stay in short-term parking. 

Daily Parking

If you are going to the airport for a short while and will return, daily parking is the best option for you. It is just a couple of steps away from the terminal building. It’s an affordable option and better than long-term parking.

Economy Parking

For always finding affordable options, go for economical parking. There are two economy parking lots at DTW; prices are affordable and they are just a 10-min walk away from the terminal buildings. This is the best option for long-term parking. 

Offsite Parking

Detroit also offers a variety of secure offsite parking options. These parking lots allow pre-booking close to the airport where you can book your ideal spot. A lot of these off-site companies offer park-and-ride options for the passengers’ convenience; all they have to do is book a spot, leave the car, take a shuttle bus and reach the terminal in 10 mins.

How do I get from Detroit Airport to the city?

You will get various options of public transport or private cabs to travel from the Detroit Metro Airport. Highways like I-94 and I-275 are very close to the airport, which makes it easier for the passengers because it gives access to the roads like Merriman Road, which will take you directly to the terminal. From public transit to a car rental, every option is available. You will get every convenient option to travel from the airport to the respective destination. 

Need a vehicle for your stay? Detroit Metro Airport car rental desks are conveniently located to get you on your way quickly.

Ground Transportation – Taxis, Rideshare and Shuttles

You will get multiple convenient options like taxis, private cabs, and shuttles. There will be a designated stand where all the taxis will be parked; you can board them from there. In case you cannot find the way to your cab, simply follow the signs and you will find Uber and Lyft pickup areas. 

For your convenience, there are hotels that provide shuttles for the off-site parking, building a smooth connection between the car and where you are staying and the terminal building. 

  • Taxis: Follow signs to the Ground Transportation Center. Departures are located on Level 4 for McNamara Terminal and the upper level for Evans Terminal.
  • Ride shares: Ride shares are available at the McNamara Parking Garage on Level 4 and the Evans Parking Garage on Level 1.
  • Shuttles: Access the courtesy shuttles for hotels, parking, and rental cars at the ground transportation centers of both terminals.

Shared options from both the terminals

  • Metrocars and shared vans: There are options to book in advance, or the services are available at both the counters.
  • Public Bus: This SMART bus route 261 is an affordable but a bit slow mode of transportation that connects both the terminals to downtown Detroit. The passengers can find the stops at the ground level. 
  • Car Parking: DTW is conveniently accessible via I-94 and I-275. Onsite parking structures are attached to both terminals, with additional economy lots available via complimentary shuttle service. 

Read Also: – DFW International Airport Guide

Travel Tips for Detroit

  • Transportation to Downtown: For the passengers, comfortable options are Uber or Lyft, which will cost $45-60 to reach downtown or they can also opt for pre-booked cabs. However, using public transit is a cheap option but it can take a long time to reach and also keep in mind that there is no direct link to the city. 
  • Weather: The Detroit Metro Airport weather can be unpredictable, with snow and winter storms mainly from December through the whole of March, which can cause disruptions in flights. Ensure to check the weather before traveling and always get travel insurance.
  • Connections: For the passengers traveling through Delta, Detroit Metro Airport is the best option for a connecting flight. The minimum time duration for the connecting flights is 45 mins for domestic flights and 90 mins for the international flights. 

Conclusion

Detroit Airport, being the third-largest base for Delta, provides a lot of services, which makes the travel journey convenient. The two terminals are designed in such a way that they have direct links to transits, parking, and public transport. The charges for parking vary depending on the passenger’s situation; however, they are very affordable. In this guide above, information related to McNamara Terminal and Evans Terminal, parking charges, or where one should park his/her car has been mentioned. Read this carefully before making a visit to Detroit Airport.

FAQs

What is the best parking option for DTW?

The best option always depends on your priorities. To get extra convenience, park in the on-site terminal garages. To get affordable rates, off-site lots with complimentary shuttles provide the best value.

Is there free parking at Detroit Metro Airport?

At the Detroit Metro Airport, there is no on-site, free parking. However, the passengers can still use the DTW cell phone waiting lots for temporary waiting if they are picking up a passenger.

What is the difference between McNamara and Big Blue Deck?

These two are main on-airport parking structures at the DTW airport. They are based on different terminals and their daily parking rates are different as well.

How early should I get to Detroit Metro Airport?

Always make sure to arrive at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before if you are boarding a domestic flight. If you are boarding an international flight, reach the airport 3-4 hours before your departure because the check-in and other things can take a bit of time.

How long does it take to get through security at Detroit Metro Airport?

The security time can take 15-20 minutes on average. Pre-check lines often take less than 5 minutes. It might take a bit long during peak hours (5:00 am-9:00 am). It can take 30-40 extra minutes during holidays; otherwise, it is very efficient for the rest of the days.

Read More: –