Getting Around Detroit
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Detroit Airport Information
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), often called Detroit Metro Airport, is Michigan’s largest and busiest airport. Serving over 35 million passengers a year, it’s a major hub for Delta Air Lines and offers quick connections across the U.S. and beyond. What makes DTW especially convenient is how well connected it is — around 60% of the country’s population lives within a 90-minute flight of Detroit.
If you’re planning a conference or event in the area, the airport’s facilities make travel smooth for attendees arriving from all over. Modern terminals, frequent flights, and many ground transport options ensure an efficient arrival experience.
Key facts and travel tips:
Located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Detroit.
Approximate taxi fare to downtown: $75 USD.
Major Delta Air Lines hub; also served by five budget airlines and four international carriers.
Nearly 150 domestic and international destinations.
Awarded “Travelers’ Choice Favorites” by TripAdvisor in 2016.
McNamara Terminal garage includes 11,489 parking spaces across 10 levels.
Both short-term and long-term parking options are available.
Free airport shuttles connect terminals and parking areas.
If you’re planning a conference or event in the area, the airport’s facilities make travel smooth for attendees arriving from all over. Modern terminals, frequent flights, and many ground transport options ensure an efficient arrival experience.
Key facts and travel tips:
Located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Detroit.
Approximate taxi fare to downtown: $75 USD.
Major Delta Air Lines hub; also served by five budget airlines and four international carriers.
Nearly 150 domestic and international destinations.
Awarded “Travelers’ Choice Favorites” by TripAdvisor in 2016.
McNamara Terminal garage includes 11,489 parking spaces across 10 levels.
Both short-term and long-term parking options are available.
Free airport shuttles connect terminals and parking areas.
Detroit Train Information
Detroit’s main train hub is the Detroit Amtrak Station, part of Amtrak’s Michigan Services route. It’s served by the Wolverine train, which runs daily between Pontiac, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois — making it a great option for attendees or planners coordinating multi-city events around the Midwest.
Whether you’re heading to meetings in nearby cities or welcoming guests from Chicago, this train route is comfortable and reliable.
Key facts and travel tips:
Route: Pontiac ↔ Chicago via Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, and Michigan City.
Offers daily service along the line, ideal for regional business travel.
Located near downtown Detroit with easy taxi and bus connections.
Comfortable seating, free Wi‑Fi, and onboard café service.
Perfect for short trips or attendees traveling from nearby states.
Whether you’re heading to meetings in nearby cities or welcoming guests from Chicago, this train route is comfortable and reliable.
Key facts and travel tips:
Route: Pontiac ↔ Chicago via Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, and Michigan City.
Offers daily service along the line, ideal for regional business travel.
Located near downtown Detroit with easy taxi and bus connections.
Comfortable seating, free Wi‑Fi, and onboard café service.
Perfect for short trips or attendees traveling from nearby states.
Detroit Ground information
Getting around Detroit is easy thanks to a mix of bus, light rail, and taxi options. Whether you’re planning group transport for an event or simply navigating the city, Detroit offers affordable and accessible choices for all travelers.
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) Buses
Detroit’s main bus service, DDOT, has been running since 1922 and covers almost every part of the city. The green-and-yellow buses are reliable for local travel.
52 fixed routes across the city.
Average ridership: over 130,000 passengers daily.
Adult fare: $1.50, seniors: $0.50.
Children under 44 inches tall travel free with an adult.
Variety of passes available — weekly, bi‑weekly, and monthly GoPass options.
SMART Buses
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) connects Detroit with surrounding suburbs — great for attendees staying outside downtown.
Serves 7,000 stops in the metro area.
Around 225,000 weekly riders.
Fleet of 640 accessible, air‑conditioned buses.
Adult fare: $1.50, youth: $1, seniors or people with disabilities: $0.50.
Operates roughly 23 hours a day, seven days a week.
Detroit People Mover
For fast access around downtown Detroit, the People Mover is an easy option. It’s a driverless light rail line perfect for short trips between hotels, event spaces, and key attractions.
Covers a 2.9‑mile loop with 13 stations.
Popular stops include Greektown, Financial District, and Times Square.
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 6:30 AM–Midnight
Fri: 6:30 AM–2 AM
Sat: 9 AM–2 AM
Sun: Noon–Midnight
Fare: $0.75 per ride.
Convention pass available: $1.25/day (for bulk purchases of 100+ passes).
Car Rentals
If you prefer to drive, several rental companies operate directly at Detroit Metro Airport, including:
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Taxis
Metro Airport Taxi provides standard taxi services from the terminals’ ground transportation stands. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also readily available for easy airport pickup.
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) Buses
Detroit’s main bus service, DDOT, has been running since 1922 and covers almost every part of the city. The green-and-yellow buses are reliable for local travel.
52 fixed routes across the city.
Average ridership: over 130,000 passengers daily.
Adult fare: $1.50, seniors: $0.50.
Children under 44 inches tall travel free with an adult.
Variety of passes available — weekly, bi‑weekly, and monthly GoPass options.
SMART Buses
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) connects Detroit with surrounding suburbs — great for attendees staying outside downtown.
Serves 7,000 stops in the metro area.
Around 225,000 weekly riders.
Fleet of 640 accessible, air‑conditioned buses.
Adult fare: $1.50, youth: $1, seniors or people with disabilities: $0.50.
Operates roughly 23 hours a day, seven days a week.
Detroit People Mover
For fast access around downtown Detroit, the People Mover is an easy option. It’s a driverless light rail line perfect for short trips between hotels, event spaces, and key attractions.
Covers a 2.9‑mile loop with 13 stations.
Popular stops include Greektown, Financial District, and Times Square.
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 6:30 AM–Midnight
Fri: 6:30 AM–2 AM
Sat: 9 AM–2 AM
Sun: Noon–Midnight
Fare: $0.75 per ride.
Convention pass available: $1.25/day (for bulk purchases of 100+ passes).
Car Rentals
If you prefer to drive, several rental companies operate directly at Detroit Metro Airport, including:
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Taxis
Metro Airport Taxi provides standard taxi services from the terminals’ ground transportation stands. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also readily available for easy airport pickup.
