DTW Detroit Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

DTW Airport Overview

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is Delta's third-largest hub and one of the more underrated airports in the country. The McNamara Terminal in particular is genuinely impressive - a massive, modern facility with a captivating light tunnel, solid dining, and a hotel you can walk to without leaving the secure area. About 35 million passengers move through DTW annually, but it rarely feels as chaotic as other hubs its size.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

DTW has two terminals that are completely separate and not connected by a walkway. You need to know which one you're using before you arrive.

McNamara Terminal

This is Delta's fortress. It has three concourses (A, B, and C) connected by the automated Express Tram and an underground walkway featuring a famous light and sound installation. Concourse A is enormous - over a mile long with around 100 gates. Concourses B and C are smaller satellite concourses.

• Concourse A - Delta's main concourse. 102 gates, the bulk of domestic and international Delta flights. The western end near gate A70+ tends to be quieter.
• Concourse B - Smaller concourse with additional Delta gates. Accessible via the Express Tram.
• Concourse C - Primarily used for international arrivals and additional Delta flights.

The underground tunnel between Concourses A and B/C features a mesmerizing LED light and music show. It's worth walking through at least once, even if you could take the tram.

Evans Terminal (North Terminal)

The smaller terminal handles everyone except Delta. Airlines here include American, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue, Alaska, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Icelandair, and others. Gates are labeled D1-D43.

Getting Between Terminals

A free shuttle bus connects McNamara and Evans terminals, stopping at the Westin Hotel in between. Shuttles depart every 10 minutes from each terminal's ground transportation center. Budget 20-25 minutes for the full trip between terminals. You'll need to re-clear security at your destination terminal.

Getting To and From Detroit

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

This is the most practical option for most travelers. Downtown Detroit costs $30-$45 depending on traffic. Pickup is at designated zones at the ground transportation level of each terminal. Ann Arbor is about $45-$60.

SMART Bus Route 261

The cheapest option, connecting both terminals to downtown Detroit and other points. It's affordable but slow, with limited schedules especially on weekends and evenings. Stops are on the ground level of each terminal. Budget over an hour to reach downtown.

Taxi

Taxis depart from the upper level of the Evans Terminal ground transportation center and from level 4 of the McNamara ground transportation center. Downtown Detroit runs $45-$55. Ann Arbor is around $65-$80.

Rental Cars

Rental car counters are in both terminals. McNamara has them on the ground level of the parking structure. Evans Terminal has them in the ground transportation center. No separate shuttle needed.

Lounges

DTW has a strong lounge game, especially in McNamara Terminal.

• Delta Sky Club (McNamara, 4 locations) - DTW has four Delta Sky Clubs, more than most airports. Locations in Concourse A (near gates A38, A68) and additional spots. All serve complimentary food, premium drinks, and have shower suites. The newer locations are spacious and well-appointed.
• Delta One Lounge/Delta Sky Club (McNamara, Concourse A) - Premium lounge access for Delta One passengers on qualifying flights.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge (Evans Terminal, between gates D6 and D8) - Part of the Priority Pass network. This is the go-to lounge for non-Delta passengers. Priority Pass members can enter with one lounge entitlement.
• United Club (Evans Terminal) - Available to United Club members.
• USO Lounge - Free for active military and their families.

Food and Dining

DTW's dining scene is better than you'd expect, especially in McNamara Terminal.

Don't Miss

• Andiamo (McNamara, Concourse A) - A Michigan-based Italian restaurant that's a legitimate sit-down experience. Great pasta, pizza, and hearty comfort dishes. One of the better airport restaurants in the Midwest.
• Sora Japanese Cuisine (McNamara, Concourse A) - Excellent sushi, udon, poke bowls, and teriyaki. The quality is surprisingly high for airport Japanese food.
• Cat Cora's Taproom (McNamara) - American-style meals with a solid bar menu. Works well for solo travelers or quick layover meals.

Quick Bites

McNamara has the typical chains - Starbucks, McDonald's, PF Chang's To Go - plus some local spots. Evans Terminal has fewer options but still covers the basics. Vending machines are spread throughout both terminals for late-night snacking.

Late Night

No 24-hour restaurants at DTW. Most dining shuts down by 10-11 PM. Vending machines are your only option after hours.

WiFi

DTW offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout the entire airport. Connect to the "DTW Free Wi-Fi" network. Speeds are decent for browsing, email, and video calls. Power outlets are available at most gate areas, and charging stations are scattered throughout the concourses. Lounges provide faster connections.

Sleeping at DTW

Minute Suites (McNamara, near Gate A66)

Private suites with a daybed for two, fresh pillows and blankets, smart TV, free WiFi, and Amazon Alexa with sound masking. Rates start around $42 per hour. Perfect for turning a long layover into productive rest.

Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport

This is DTW's secret weapon. The Westin is connected airside to McNamara Terminal near Gate A36. You can walk from your gate to a hotel room without leaving security. It's pricier than off-airport hotels, but the convenience during a long connection or weather delay is unbeatable.

Free Sleeping Spots

McNamara Concourse A near gate A8 has padded, comfortable seating. The far end of Concourse B near Gate B18 has comfortable furniture and tends to be quieter. Evans Terminal generally has less comfortable seating options.

DTW stays open 24 hours, so overnight sleeping is possible. Bring earplugs and a warm layer - the terminals can be chilly.

Spa

Be Relax Spa in Concourse A offers chair massages, table massages, manicures, and express wellness treatments. Good way to decompress during a long layover.

Layover Tips

• Short layover (under 2 hours): If you're staying within McNamara Terminal, connections are manageable even though Concourse A is over a mile long. The Express Tram moves fast. If connecting between McNamara and Evans, budget the full time - the shuttle, security, and walking add up quickly.
• Medium layover (2-5 hours): Walk through the famous light tunnel between concourses at least once. Grab a meal at Andiamo or Sora. Book a Minute Suite for a power nap if you need it.
• Long layover (5+ hours): Check into the Westin for a few hours if you're in McNamara. There isn't much to do outside the airport within walking distance. If you're adventurous, a rideshare to Dearborn (15 minutes) lets you visit the Henry Ford Museum or grab Middle Eastern food in one of America's best Arab-American neighborhoods.
• Terminal transfer warning: If your itinerary involves switching between McNamara and Evans terminals, don't cut it close. Allow at least 90 minutes. The shuttle takes time, and you'll need to clear security again.
• Winter tip: Detroit gets serious winter weather. Flight delays are common December through March. Keep snacks, chargers, and entertainment in your carry-on.