Detroit Airport (DTW) Terminal Guide 2026
Detroit Metropolitan Airport has two separate terminals. Delta uses the McNamara Terminal, while Southwest, American and other non-Delta carriers use the North Terminal. The terminals are not connected after security. Passengers changing terminals must exit, take the free shuttle bus and clear security again. DTW has no direct light rail connection.
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.
Flying in or out of Detroit? Our Detroit airport transfers and black car service in Detroit pages cover vehicles, all-in pricing and how pickups work.
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. Prearranged DTW car service meets you curbside at the McNamara Terminal baggage claim level or the North Terminal arrivals level, with your chauffeur tracking the incoming flight.
What is the difference between McNamara and 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.
Which terminal does each airline use at DTW?
| 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 |
How much is car service from Detroit Airport?
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Sedan Rate | SUV Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Detroit | 20 miles | 20-35 min | $240 all-in | $290 all-in |
| Midtown Detroit (Wayne State / DMC) | 18 miles | 18-32 min | $230 all-in | $280 all-in |
| Ann Arbor (UM Campus) | 20 miles west | 20-30 min | $240 all-in | $290 all-in |
| Troy / Birmingham | 28 miles north | 28-42 min | $280 all-in | $340 all-in |
| Dearborn (Ford HQ area) | 12 miles | 15-25 min | $190 all-in | $230 all-in |
| Auburn Hills (FCA / Stellantis) | 35 miles north | 35-50 min | $320 all-in | $390 all-in |
| Royal Oak / Ferndale | 24 miles north | 25-38 min | $260 all-in | $320 all-in |
| Windsor, Ontario (Canada) | 28 miles via tunnel | 35-50 min (border crossing) | $280 all-in | $340 all-in |
All-in estimates: gratuity, tax and card processing included, rounded to the nearest $10. Windsor transfers require border crossing; allow extra time and carry valid travel documents.
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 Detroit car service between DTW and these corporate campuses is a primary use case for business travelers here.
| Company / Institution | Location | Distance from DTW | Car Service Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Motor Company (HQ) | Dearborn | 12 miles | $190 all-in |
| General Motors (HQ) | Downtown Detroit (Renaissance Center) | 20 miles | $240 all-in |
| Stellantis / FCA (North America HQ) | Auburn Hills | 35 miles north | $320 all-in |
| Lear Corporation (HQ) | Southfield | 22 miles | $250 all-in |
| BorgWarner (HQ) | Auburn Hills | 35 miles north | $320 all-in |
| University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) | Ann Arbor | 20 miles west | $240 all-in |
| Beaumont Health System | Royal Oak | 24 miles north | $260 all-in |
| Detroit Medical Center (DMC) | Midtown Detroit | 18 miles | $230 all-in |
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.
What do travelers ask about Detroit Airport?
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 20 miles west of DTW via I-94 West, 20-30 minutes. A Business Sedan estimate is $240 all-in.
How far is Ford Motor Company from Detroit Airport?
Ford HQ in Dearborn is approximately 12 miles from DTW, 15-25 minutes. GM Renaissance Center is 20 miles away. Business Sedan estimates are $190 all-in to Dearborn and $240 all-in downtown. Call (888) 420-0177.
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.