Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is one of the best-run airports in the Midwest. Getting there is easy. Getting from the airport to your Great Stays property is also easy, once you know your options. Here's everything you need to know about Detroit airport to downtown transportation so you're not figuring it out on the fly after a long travel day.
First: Know Which Terminal You're In
DTW has two terminals, connected by the McNamara Connector tram:
- McNamara Terminal — Delta's hub, the larger of the two, with more amenities and the full A-B-C concourse structure. If you're flying Delta or a Delta partner, you're here.
- North Terminal — Smaller, serves American, United, Southwest, Spirit, and others. Less chaotic, faster through security, but fewer food and shopping options.
Both terminals have the same ground transportation options and are served by the same rideshare pickup zones and rental car facilities.
Option 1: Rideshare (Uber or Lyft) — Most Popular
Cost: $35-45 one way
Time: 25-35 minutes to downtown, 30-40 minutes to Midtown
Best for: Most travelers, solo or small groups
Rideshare is the dominant choice for most DTW arrivals. It's reliable, the pickup process is clearly marked at the airport, and the pricing is predictable.
How to do it: After baggage claim, follow signs to "Rideshare" or "Transportation Network Companies." Both terminals have a designated pickup zone. Request your ride after you've collected your bags — by the time you walk to the zone, your driver is usually there.
Tips:
- Surge pricing hits during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), sports game arrivals, and bad weather. If you're flexible by 10-15 minutes, you can often avoid it.
- Share rides (Uber Pool, Lyft Shared) to downtown can save $10-15 if time isn't critical.
- For parties of 3-4 with luggage, an XL vehicle is more comfortable and usually only $8-12 more.
Option 2: Rental Car
Cost: $35-80/day depending on vehicle type and booking lead time
Time: 25-35 minutes to downtown (traffic dependent)
Best for: Guests staying 5+ nights, guests visiting multiple suburban areas, guests who want maximum flexibility
Detroit is a car city. If you're staying longer than a few nights and plan to explore beyond downtown and Midtown, having a car makes life noticeably easier. The suburban dining, outlet shopping at Great Lakes Crossing, day trips to Ann Arbor or northern Michigan — all of it flows better with a car.
All major rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) operate at DTW's consolidated rental car facility, connected to both terminals by the McNamara Connector tram and shuttle buses.
Good news for Great Stays guests: Most Great Stays properties include at least one parking spot. You'll rarely need to worry about paying to park your rental.
Option 3: SMART Bus
Cost: $2 per trip
Time: 50-75 minutes to downtown
Best for: Solo travelers with minimal luggage, budget-conscious guests
SMART Route 261 connects DTW to downtown Detroit. It's inexpensive, but it's a local bus — frequent stops, longer travel time. This isn't a realistic option if you have checked luggage or if you're arriving late at night (service is limited after 9 PM).
Option 4: Michigan Flyer (to Ann Arbor)
Cost: $12 one way
Time: 45-60 minutes to downtown Ann Arbor
Best for: Guests headed to Ann Arbor destinations
The Michigan Flyer is a comfortable motorcoach service that runs between DTW and downtown Ann Arbor. It's a genuinely good option — comfortable seats, reliable schedule, no traffic anxiety. Book at michiganflyer.com before you travel. Service runs hourly during peak times.
Driving Directions to Key Great Stays Neighborhoods
If you're picking up a rental car, here are the driving basics:
To Midtown Detroit:
Take I-94 East toward Detroit. Take Exit 213A toward M-10 N / Lodge Freeway. Exit at Warren Avenue heading east. Total: ~28 miles, 30-35 minutes in normal traffic.
To Brush Park (near Little Caesars Arena):
Take I-94 East to I-75 North toward Detroit. Exit at Mack Avenue (Exit 51). Follow to the property address. Total: ~28 miles, 30-40 minutes.
To Corktown:
Take I-94 East to I-96 East toward Detroit. Take Exit 189 (Trumbull/Porter). Total: ~25 miles, 25-35 minutes.
To West Village:
Take I-94 East directly — West Village sits right off E. Warren Avenue. Take Exit 216A. Total: ~30 miles, 30-35 minutes.
A Note on Traffic
Detroit rush hour is real. I-94 and I-75 into downtown can back up badly between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. If you're arriving during those windows in a rental car, budget 20 extra minutes. Rideshare drivers will navigate automatically — they know the alternate routes.
Getting Back to DTW
Everything above applies in reverse. For rideshare, request your ride 10 minutes before you need to leave — airport rides from neighborhoods are generally reliable. Give yourself 30-40 minutes to the airport from most Detroit neighborhoods, plus the standard TSA buffer.
You're Almost Here
Once you've sorted your Detroit airport to downtown transportation, the rest is easy. Great Stays properties are all self check-in, so there's no coordination required on arrival — your door code is in your booking confirmation.
Check availability and book your Great Stays property at greatstays.co