Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport [DTW] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) offers 2 terminals with a variety of dining, shopping, and lounges.
• There are 8 lounges in DTW, including 4 Delta Sky Clubs. Priority Pass members can access the Lufthansa Business Lounge.
• The airport has great ground transportation links, including car rentals, shuttles, and 2 SMART bus routes.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan’s busiest airport and is a major point for east-to-west U.S. flight connections.

DTW is the third biggest hub for Delta Air Lines in terms of passenger numbers, and is a hub for SkyTeam, with airline members Delta, Aeromexico, and Air France based in McNamara Terminal.

Quick Information

Airport: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Terminals: 2 terminals — Evans Terminal and McNamara Terminal
Airport Address: 11050 Rogell Dr. #602, Detroit, MI 48242
Distance from downtown Detroit: Approximately 22 miles (35 km)
Website: metroairport.com
Phone Number: 734-247-7678
Destinations Served: 140+ nonstop destinations
Number of Daily Flights: 1,100
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online

DTW Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From DTW

Evans Terminal

McNamara Terminal

• Aeromexico
• Air France
• Delta Air Lines

DTW Airport Terminals

DTW operates flights from 2 passenger terminals — McNamara Terminal and Evans Terminal. These are located at either end of the airport and are not connected to one another.

John Dingell Drive runs between the 2 terminals for connections by car or bus, and the airport itself is accessible from I-94 and I-275.

Evans Terminal

Evans Terminal is situated at the north end of the airport and is the smaller of the 2 terminals, consisting of Concourse D only.

Flights for non-SkyTeam airlines operate from 29 gates, numbered D1 to D6, D8 to D12, D14 to D21, and D23 to D32.

Ticketing and departures are situated on the upper level and arrivals and transportation services are on the lower level. The Lufthansa Lounges are located in Evans Terminal, along with a Freedom Center for the military.

Passengers can access the Big Blue Deck parking garage via the bridge from the upper level, along with other ground transportation services.

McNamara Terminal

McNamara is the larger of the 2 terminals, consisting of 3 concourses — A, B, and C — where SkyTeam airlines Aeromexico, Delta, and Air France operate. The terminal is at the southern end of the airport with parking just outside and roadways to John Dingell Drive for inter-terminal connections or onward travel.

Outside the secure area, McNamara Terminal has a central link area with a few shops, cafes, and restaurants, the ticketing lobby on level 3, and the Westin Hotel on the lower level.

General passengers can choose between 2 security checkpoints (1 on level 2 and 1 on level 3) to pass through into Concourse A. Hotel guests have access to a security checkpoint exclusively for passengers staying at the Westin Hotel.

Concourse A

Concourse A is a mile-long concourse with 62 gates numbered A2 to A12, A15, A17 to A21, A23 to A25, A27 to A31, A33 to A36, A38, A40, A43, A45 to 47, A49 to A51, A53 to A57, A59 to A61, and A63 to A78. Passengers can walk between gates via the moving walkways or can ride the Express Tram.

The Express Tram is elevated inside the concourse, providing views of the departure gates and terminal facilities during the journey. There are 3 stations are situated along the concourse for easy access to the departure gates:

• Terminal Station: centrally located for access to gates A29 to A55
• South Station: access to gates A1 to A28
• North Station: access to gates A56 to A78

Concourse A has a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as 3 Delta Sky Clubs located near gates A18, A38, and A68.

Concourse B

Concourse B is a joint concourse with Concourse C and consists of 17 gates numbered B1 to B8, B10 to B12, B15, B16, and B18 to B21. To reach Concourse B, passengers need to walk through a tunnel between gates A38 and A40 in Concourse A.

Concourse B is to the left and has shops, restaurants, and a children’s play area at the far end.

Concourse C

Concourse C is accessible through the same tunnel used to reach Concourse B. Concourse C consists of 23 gates numbered C1, C2, C4 to C12, C14 to C16, C18 to C25, and C27, with gates C1, C2, and C4 to C7 located on a lower level.

The concourse has shops and restaurants, as well as a Delta Sky Club near gate C2.

Inter-terminal Transport

Terminal Shuttle Bus

Terminal shuttle buses are the only way you can travel between the 2 terminals, operating outside of the secure area. Shuttles depart approximately every 10 minutes from outside of the ground transportation areas, stopping at both terminals and the Westin Hotel.

Security and Customs at DTW

DTW has a total of 4 security checkpoints:

McNamara Terminal: 

• Ticketing lobby, level 3
• Level 2 bridge between the terminal and parking garage
• Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel

Evans Terminal:

• Ticketing lobby, level 2

Security wait times are available on the airport’s home page, but they are not specific to an individual checkpoint, only by the terminal. The airport does not disclose the opening hours for its security checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at DTW security checkpoints, and eligible passengers can utilize this service for expedited security clearance. Evans Terminal lanes are open from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the McNamara Terminal lanes, from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

DTW has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the domestic baggage claim area of the McNamara Terminal.

Global Entry

There are Global Entry kiosks at DTW for eligible passengers who have successfully enrolled.

If you have submitted your application and need to arrange an interview, DTW has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Evans Terminal, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday.

Enrollment on Arrival is also available, so if you are conditionally approved, you can complete your interview on arrival at:

• McNamara Terminal: Booth 16, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Evans Terminal: Booth 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hot Tip: For more information on Global Entry, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry along with our expert answers to help. 

CLEAR

There are dedicated CLEAR security program lanes at the McNamara checkpoints (excluding the Westin Hotel checkpoint). These are open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Evans Terminal checkpoint) and 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. (south checkpoint).

DTW Airport Lounges

DTW has 8 lounges with only 1 available for passengers to purchase a day pass. The others are exclusively for premium cabin passengers or military personnel and their dependents.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, participating credit card programs, or military. 

Hot Tip: Want to gain lounge access without paying for entry? Here are the best credit cards for lounge access to avoid entry fees to airport lounges.

Priority Pass Access

Eligible Priority Pass holders can use their membership to access:

• McNamara Terminal:
  • Be Relax Spa, near gate A18 and gate A46
  • Minute Suites, near gate A66
• Evans Terminal:
  • Anita’s Kitchen, near gate D23
  • Lufthansa Business Lounge, near gate D6

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best credit cards for Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at DTW

DTW has 86 restaurants, cafes, and food stations. Before security, the options are minimal at both terminals, but once through security, the choice is extensive throughout all concourses.

See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.

DTW Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals at DTW and can be accessed by selecting “Detroit Airport Wi-Fi” from the available connections. For Wi-Fi support, passengers can call 800-826-4646.

Charging Stations: Many gates provide power charging stations, but not all.

Hot Tip: Although DTW has free Wi-Fi, not every airport does. Here are the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, so you’re never disconnected!

DTW Airport Lost and Found

DTW does not have a central lost and found office, so you will need to follow up with the applicable department, depending on where you misplaced the item.

• For lost items at any of the security checkpoints, contact TSA Lost and Found at 734-942-3126.
• For items lost on an aircraft or in the gate area, contact the relevant airline.
• For items lost anywhere else on airport property, submit a claim to the WCAA Police.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Both terminals have airport volunteer stations where customer service personnel can assist. These are located in the central area of the McNamara Terminal and in the arrivals hall of Evans Terminal.

Both terminals also have digital information directories for terminal information.

Children’s Play Areas

Children’s play areas can be found in both terminals, consisting of some small play structures:

• McNamara Terminal: Between gates B20 and B21 and near gates C6, A8, and A18
• Evans Terminal: Near gate D16

Hot Tip: DTW ranks as number 5 on the top 10 kid-friendly U.S. airports, not just for its children’s play areas. The airport has some kid-friendly attractions such as a 39-foot wide water feature and a 700-foot LED-lit tunnel that makes traveling between concourses an exciting experience!

Baby Facilities

DTW has 8 dedicated nursing rooms throughout the airport that require code entry. Details to call for a code are outside of each nursing room.

• McNamara Terminal: Near gates A25, A53, A63, and C2
• Evans Terminal: Across from gates D8, D15, and D24

Traveling With a Pet

Unfortunately, DTW doesn’t rank as one of the top pet-friendly U.S. airports. However, it does have numerous relief areas when traveling with your pet. These can be found at the following locations:

• McNamara Terminal: 1 pre-security outside of the international arrivals area and 1 inside the secure area adjacent to gate A34
• North Terminal: 1 at each end of the departures level curb (outside of security) and 1 inside the secure area across from gate D16

Duty-Free

DTW has 2 duty-free shops, 1 located in Evans Terminal near gate D8, and the other in McNamara Terminal in the central link area shopping parade.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted outside of the terminal building in the designated smoking areas.

Prayer

There is a religious reflection room within both terminals, located near D17 in Evans Terminal and in the central link area of McNamara Terminal.

Money

ATMs can be found throughout both terminals.

• McNamara Terminal: Near gates A8, A20, A28, A34, A50, A56, A64, and A72
• Evans Terminal: Near gates D17 and D26, ticketing lobby, and arrivals hall

Luggage Storage

There are no luggage storage facilities at DTW.

Important DTW Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 734-247-7678

Lost and Found (TSA): 734-942-3126

Paging — North Terminal: 734-247-1000

Wi-Fi Support: 800-826-4646

Parking: 800-642-1978

Travel to and From DTW

Transport Options

Buses

SMART: DTW is served frequently by 2 SMART bus routes connecting passengers to the Detroit area:

• Bus route 125 departs from both terminals through to Congress and St. Antoine in downtown Detroit
• Bus route 280 departs from the North Terminal only through to Inkster and Ifo Garden City Hospital
• Fast bus route 261 departs from both terminals with fewer stops through to downtown Detroit

AirRide: Bus services depart from both terminals at DTW through to Ann Arbor.

SMART and AirRide services operate from the ground transportation center at Evans Terminal and from the north end of the departures level at McNamara Terminal.

Courtesy Shuttles

Courtesy shuttles for the rental car agency, on and off-airport parking garages, or hotels operate from the ground transportation center of both terminals.

Taxis and Luxury Sedans

You can pick up a taxi from both terminals at DTW. From Evans Terminal, they depart from the upper level of the ground transportation center, and from McNamara Terminal, taxis depart from the middle of the ground transportation center on level 4.

Ride Services

DTW has designated pick-up areas for ride services, which are signposted once passengers leave the arrivals area. At Evans Terminal, this designated area is located on level 1 of the parking garage and on level 4 of the parking garage at McNamara Terminal.

Directions by Car to DTW

Arriving From Downtown Detroit

From Downtown Detroit, take I-75 South and take exit 48 for I-96 towards Lansing. Merge onto I-96 West and then take exit 190A to merge onto I-94 West towards Chicago. Continue on I-94 until exit 198 towards Metro Airport. Merge onto Merriman Road for access to the airport.

Arriving From Ann Arbor

Take South State Street and merge onto I-94 East until exit 198. Merge onto Merriman Road for access to the airport.

Arriving From Toledo

Take I-28 and merge onto I-75 North to exit 20 for I-275 North. Continue on I-275 North until exit 15 for Eureka Road and then John D. Dingell Drive for access to the airport. 

DTW Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

DTW provides short-term parking with the quickest access to the terminals along with more cost-effective long-term parking options. The McNamara and Big Blue Deck parking garages are located outside of the terminals, and the Green Lots are located a short distance from Evans Terminal.

The Green Lots have no height restrictions, so vehicles exceeding 7 feet high can use these parking lots instead of the covered garages. Courtesy shuttle buses transport passengers to and from the Green Lots with pick-up and drop-off from the ground transportation center.

Parking Fees

Green Lots 1 and 2 Parking Fees

24-hour daily: $15

Hot Tip: Airport parking lots have QR codes to scan to remember where you’ve parked and for directions to and from the terminals.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

DTW has 2 cell phone waiting lots — 1 located near Evans Terminal and 1 located near McNamara Terminal. Family and friends collecting passengers can remain in their vehicles for free within these lots until they are called for pick-up outside of the terminal.

Passengers can be dropped off curbside outside of the terminals, or by parking inside the short-term parking lots.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

DTW has reasonably priced daily parking compared to other major U.S. airports. However, off-site parking lots can offer even cheaper rates. Using a third-party booking site such as airportparkingreservations.com, passengers can book parking from $12 per day.

These off-site parking options operate their own shuttle services to/from the airport, so although they are located further away, they still offer a convenient alternative to official airport parking.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all parking garages and uncovered lots. High-mobility vehicles (not exceeding 8 feet, 2 inches) can be accommodated in designated areas of the Big Blue Deck and McNamara parking garages. Vehicles exceeding this size will need to utilize the Green Lots.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 800-642-1978

Car Rental at DTW Airport

Car rental services are available in the northeast corner of the airport along Lucas Drive, and passengers can ride a courtesy shuttle bus to/from the car rental center from the ground transportation centers outside of both terminals.

Passengers can call ahead to book a car using one of the available phones in the baggage claim hall.

Hot Tip: Credit cards that cover car rental insurance can be very helpful. Find out which ones in our in-depth article and avoid paying the expensive insurance offered by rental car companies. 

DTW Airport Hotels

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is on-airport property — located at McNamara Terminal — and has its own security checkpoint for passengers to use.

Other hotels start at 1.9 miles from the airport and range from 2 to 4 stars. Many of these hotels provide courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport, and passengers can arrange parking at some hotels for the duration of their trip.

DTW Airport Hotels — Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Located conveniently within the McNamara Terminal, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport puts you nearby the Henry Ford Museum and downtown. The hotel offers a free shuttle between the airport’s external terminals, along with bypassing the long wait with direct access from the lobby to a private airport security line. Award nights at the hotel start at 30,000 to 40,000 points per night.

The Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Airport gives guests close proximity to the airport via a free shuttle, with the Henry Ford Museum, the University of Michigan, and downtown Detroit all within a half-hour. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and 24-hour snack shop. Hilton does not publish an award chart, but you can expect an award night at the hotel to cost somewhere between 30,000 and 58,000 points per night.

The Holiday Inn Detroit Metro Airport is located close to the airport, only 20 minutes from the heart of downtown, and close to attractions like the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and Detroit Institute of the Arts. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, pool, and fitness center. Award nights at the hotel start at just 22,000 points per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, or Hilton Honors points.

Final Thoughts

DTW is a modern and easy-to-navigate airport. That said, the airport lacks a train line connecting the 2 terminals, so passengers must know which terminal their airline departs from. Terminal shuttle buses are frequent but are often not as convenient as hopping on a train.

The airport has some interesting features to keep waiting passengers entertained, including a huge water feature in the center of McNamara Terminal with water jets representing the lines of a flight map.

Passengers walking between Concourses A and B/C can also experience a colorful LED light display and music in the connecting tunnel.