A Traveller’s Guide to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County AirportDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, known as DTW, offers a modern and efficient experience for travellers exploring Michigan and connecting across the globe.
The passenger experience at DTW, handling over 35 million passengers annually across 140 destinations, is shaped by its two-terminal layout, serving as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines. The McNamara Terminal, home to Delta and SkyTeam partners like Air France and Aeromexico, features a sleek design with a central water fountain and a neon-lit tunnel connecting Concourses A and B/C, adding a distinctive touch. The Evans Terminal, catering to airlines like United, American, and Lufthansa, is smaller but functional, with clear signage ensuring easy navigation. Both terminals offer amenities like yoga studios and local art displays, creating a welcoming atmosphere despite the airport’s scale.
Accessing DTW from downtown Detroit, 22 miles away, is straightforward. The SMART bus route 125 connects both terminals to southern Wayne County suburbs, with fares at £1.50 and hourly service on weekdays, though less frequent on weekends. Michigan Flyer coaches serve Ann Arbor and East Lansing, taking 50-90 minutes for £12-£30 one-way, with advance booking recommended.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber, available at both terminals, cost £25-£35 to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Car rental agencies, including Hertz and Enterprise, operate from a consolidated centre reachable by shuttle every 10 minutes. Parking options include the McNamara Parking Garage and Big Blue Deck at £20 daily, with economy Green Lots at £8, connected by frequent shuttles.
The airport’s layout spans 4,850 acres with two terminals: McNamara, with 103 gates across Concourses A, B, and C, and Evans, with 26 gates in Concourse D. The ExpressTram in McNamara speeds up travel across its mile-long Concourse A, while Evans relies on shorter walking distances. Terminals are not connected airside, requiring a 10-minute shuttle bus for transfers via John Dingell Drive. Ongoing renovations, including a £38 million restroom upgrade in Evans Terminal, may cause minor disruptions. International passengers in McNamara’s Concourse A face customs processing, which can extend transfer times.
Delays can occur during winter snow or peak summer periods, with security queues at McNamara’s two checkpoints lengthening during morning rushes. Baggage claim for international flights may take up to an hour, and gate changes are common, so checking flight displays is advised. Arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three for international is recommended, with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available for faster screening.
Dining options reflect Detroit’s culinary scene, with McNamara’s Concourse A offering PF Chang’s, Andiamo for Italian dishes, and National Coney Island for local hot dogs. Evans Terminal features Anita’s Kitchen for Middle Eastern fare and Chick-fil-A. Most eateries close by 9 pm, but 24/7 vending machines provide snacks. Retail includes duty-free shops in McNamara near gate A34, offering perfumes and alcohol, alongside Hudson News, a Bose electronics vending machine, and Detroit-themed stores selling souvenirs. Terminal 3’s Hellenic Duty Free adds variety for international travellers.
Facilities cater to diverse needs, with free unlimited Wi-Fi via “Detroit Airport Wi-Fi,” charging stations at every gate, and a religious reflection room in McNamara. Nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and Minute Suites for naps or showers enhance comfort. Accessibility services include wheelchair assistance and accessible parking, bookable in advance. Eight lounges, including Delta Sky Clubs and the Lufthansa Business Lounge, offer relaxation for a fee. The Westin Hotel, connected to McNamara, provides day-use rooms and a dedicated security line.
On-time performance is generally strong, supported by six runways and long-range radar, though weather and peak-hour congestion can cause delays. Connections within McNamara are swift, with tram-assisted transfers taking 10-15 minutes. Inter-terminal transfers via shuttle require 30-45 minutes, and international connections, involving customs, may take 120 minutes, so a three-hour layover is advised for self-transfers.
Delta to Dublin
Delta air lines check in is in International counters in McNamara Terminal ( North/South checkpoints, international check-in halll, dynamic desks; self-service kiosks available, usually desks 1-15) Check-in opens 3 hours before; closes 90 minutes prior. Online 24 hours; bag drop available. Arrive 3 hours early for seasonal international.
Departures are most commonly from McNamara Terminal, Concourse A, Gates A1-A50 or L1-L14 in McNamara (A30-A40 for transatlantic, gates assigned dynamically; for Ireland, often A35-A40. Boarding 30-45 minutes before; gates close 15 minutes prior. Delta app for real-time.
