Detroit Airport (DTW) Terminal Guide 2026
Delta's third-largest hub. Two separate terminals. No light rail. The world's automotive capital plus a growing tech and healthcare economy. Here's how to navigate DTW.
DTW Airport at a Glance
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Romulus, MI (20 miles SW of downtown Detroit)
McNamara Terminal + North Terminal
Delta Air Lines (3rd-largest hub)
~34 million (2023)
No direct service
20 miles, ~20-35 min
20 miles west, ~20-30 min
Important: DTW Has No Light Rail Service
Detroit Metropolitan Airport has no direct rail or metro connection. The QLINE streetcar runs in downtown Detroit but does not reach the airport. SMART bus service connects the airport to some suburban areas but is impractical for most travelers with luggage. Car service is the standard ground transportation option at DTW.
Two Terminals: McNamara vs North Terminal
DTW's two terminals are not connected post-security. If you land in the McNamara Terminal but your connecting flight is in the North Terminal (or vice versa), you must exit, take a free shuttle bus, and re-clear security. Know your terminal before arriving.
Pro tip on the McNamara Tunnel: The underground light-and-sound installation in Concourse A is genuinely worth experiencing. The 1,000-foot neon tunnel with synchronized music connects Concourses A and B and is one of the few aesthetic highlights in any U.S. airport. If you have a long DTW layover, it's worth the walk.
Airline Quick Reference
| Airline | Terminal | Key Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | McNamara (A, B, C, D) | ATL, JFK, LAX, BOS, MSP, SLC, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Tokyo | 3rd-largest Delta hub. Sky Clubs in A and B |
| Southwest Airlines | North Terminal | MDW, BNA, PHX, LAS, DEN, MCO, FLL | Major carrier at North Terminal |
| American Airlines | North Terminal | DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, JFK | Admirals Club in North Terminal |
| United Airlines | North Terminal | EWR, ORD, SFO, IAH, DEN | Hub connections via Chicago and NYC |
| Spirit Airlines | North Terminal | LAS, LAX, ORD, FLL, MCO | Ultra low-cost |
| Frontier Airlines | North Terminal | DEN, PHX, ORD, MCO | Budget carrier |
Car Service Pricing from Detroit Airport
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Sedan Rate | SUV Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Detroit | 20 miles | 20-35 min | $65-$95 | $95-$130 |
| Midtown Detroit (Wayne State / DMC) | 18 miles | 18-32 min | $62-$90 | $90-$125 |
| Ann Arbor (UM Campus) | 20 miles west | 20-30 min | $65-$90 | $90-$125 |
| Troy / Birmingham | 28 miles north | 28-42 min | $80-$110 | $110-$150 |
| Dearborn (Ford HQ area) | 12 miles | 15-25 min | $55-$78 | $78-$108 |
| Auburn Hills (FCA / Stellantis) | 35 miles north | 35-50 min | $95-$125 | $130-$165 |
| Royal Oak / Ferndale | 24 miles north | 25-38 min | $72-$100 | $100-$135 |
| Windsor, Ontario (Canada) | 28 miles via tunnel | 35-50 min (border crossing) | $90-$125 | $125-$165 |
Flat-rate estimates. No surge pricing. Windsor, Canada transfers require border crossing -- allow extra time and ensure valid travel documents. I-94 and I-75 are the primary routes from DTW.
Detroit's Automotive Corridor: Corporate Destinations
Detroit remains the global center of the automotive industry. Ford is headquartered in Dearborn (10 minutes from DTW), General Motors in downtown Detroit, and Stellantis (FCA) in Auburn Hills. Dozens of Tier 1 automotive suppliers, design studios, and engineering firms operate across the metro area. Executive car service for automotive industry travel is a primary DTW use case.
| Company / Institution | Location | Distance from DTW | Car Service Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Motor Company (HQ) | Dearborn | 12 miles | $55-$78 |
| General Motors (HQ) | Downtown Detroit (Renaissance Center) | 20 miles | $65-$95 |
| Stellantis / FCA (North America HQ) | Auburn Hills | 35 miles north | $95-$125 |
| Lear Corporation (HQ) | Southfield | 22 miles | $70-$98 |
| BorgWarner (HQ) | Auburn Hills | 35 miles north | $95-$125 |
| University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) | Ann Arbor | 20 miles west | $65-$90 |
| Beaumont Health System | Royal Oak | 24 miles north | $72-$100 |
| Detroit Medical Center (DMC) | Midtown Detroit | 18 miles | $62-$90 |
Book Your Detroit Car Service
Flat-rate from DTW to downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ford/GM/Stellantis campuses, and all metro Detroit destinations. Flight tracking. Professional chauffeurs. 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two terminals at Detroit Airport?
DTW has the McNamara Terminal (Delta Air Lines' 3rd-largest hub, with Concourses A-D and two Delta Sky Clubs) and the North Terminal (Southwest, American, United, Spirit). The terminals are not connected post-security. A free shuttle bus runs between them pre-security.
Which terminal is Delta Air Lines at DTW?
Delta operates from the McNamara Terminal, using Concourses A, B, and C for domestic flights and Concourse D for international departures. Delta Sky Clubs are in Concourses A and B. DTW is Delta's 3rd-largest hub after Atlanta and JFK.
Does Detroit Airport have light rail?
No. Detroit Metropolitan Airport has no direct light rail or metro connection. Car service, rideshare, or personal vehicles are the primary transportation options. Downtown Detroit is 20 miles away and takes 20-35 minutes by car.
How far is Detroit Airport from Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor is approximately 20 miles west of DTW via I-94 West. Drive time is 20-30 minutes normally. Car service runs $65-$90 for a sedan to the University of Michigan campus area.
How far is Ford Motor Company from Detroit Airport?
Ford's headquarters in Dearborn is approximately 12 miles from DTW via I-94 East and Michigan Avenue. The drive takes 15-25 minutes. Car service runs $55-$78 for a sedan. General Motors (Renaissance Center, downtown Detroit) is 20 miles away and runs $65-$95.
Where do car services pick up at Detroit Airport?
Prearranged car services use the Ground Transportation areas at both terminals. McNamara Terminal: baggage claim level, designated car service lanes. North Terminal: similar setup on the arrivals level. Your driver will meet you in baggage claim with a name sign. Confirm which terminal you are arriving at when booking.