DTW · Detroit, MI · Large Hub
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Guide
Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), sourced from the airport or the operator that runs each service, with minimums from OAG data.
Quick answer
- Terminals: 2 terminals
- Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
- Arrive: Follow your airline's check-in deadline
- Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes
Map
Terminals & connections
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has 2 terminals. Transfer system: Shuttle bus between terminals; ExpressTram inside McNamara. McNamara and North are linked by shuttle; re-security required.
McNamara Terminal (Delta)
4 airlines: Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Delta's fortress hub; mile-long concourse A and separate B/C concourse.
North Terminal (Evans)
8 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more
Non-Delta carriers.
Minimum connection times
- Domestic to domestic
- 30 min
- Domestic to international
- 1 hr
- International to domestic
- 1 hr 30 min
- International to international
- 1 hr 30 min
- Transfer system
- Shuttle bus between terminals; ExpressTram inside McNamara
- Airside connected
- Not published
Layover helper
Find how long to plan for a connection at DTW: the official minimum connection time, plus a comfortable time of 30 minutes more, or 60 more when you clear customs or go through security again after a terminal change. Adjust trip type, terminal change, and checked-bag assumptions to match your itinerary.
Writing about DTW? Embed this connection time calculator on your site
Security & TSA
Security waits at DTW vary by time of day and checkpoint. We have not confirmed a standard arrival time published by DTW, so follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines. Check live DTW security wait times
- TSA PreCheck
- Available
- CLEAR
- Available
- Global Entry
- Available
Lounges
1 notable lounge at DTW, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.
Delta Sky Club
McNamara Concourse ADelta / SkyTeam
Access: Sky Club membership, Delta One
Amenities: Showers
Amenities
5 of 7 core amenities available at DTW: showers, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.
Showers
Available
Delta Sky Clubs
Sleep pods
Not available
WiFi
Free (good)
Nursing rooms
Available
Both terminals
Chapel
Available
McNamara
Pet relief areas
Available
Pet relief areas
Dining highlights
McNamara A: Plum Market, PF Chang's
Ground transport to Detroit
No official source we checked publishes a ride time from DTW to downtown Detroit.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
SMART FAST Michigan (Route 261) Bus Route 261 runs to downtown Detroit from both terminals. | $2 | Varies |
Uber/Lyft Rideshare | Varies | Varies |
Parking
DTW parking ranges from $20/day economy to $44/day short-term. McNamara short-term $44/day, long-term $32/day; Big Blue Deck short-term $43/day, long-term $23/day; Green Lot $20/day (cheapest, oversized OK); Valet $51/day. 2.65% card processing fee applies.
- Short-term
- $44/day
- Long-term
- $32/day
- Economy
- $20/day
- Valet
- $51/day
Can I leave DTW during a layover?
With a 3-hour layover, stay inside DTW. Even 6-hour layovers can be tight at DTW given traffic and re-screening.
Downtown Detroit is reachable by SMART bus or rideshare. McNamara's mile-long concourse and fountain make it one of the better airports to walk around during a layover.
Overnight layover hotels
- $$$Westin Detroit Metropolitan AirportOn-airport, attached to McNamara
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at DTW?
We have not confirmed a standard arrival time published by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, so follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, so add buffer at busy times.
What is the minimum connection time at DTW?
DTW requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. Transfer system: Shuttle bus between terminals; ExpressTram inside McNamara.
How long does it take to get between terminals at DTW?
We have no officially published terminal-to-terminal transfer time for DTW, so plan around the minimum connection time and add time for the terminal change.
Can I leave DTW during a 6-hour layover?
With 3 hours you should stay inside DTW. Even 6-hour layovers are tight at DTW. Downtown Detroit is reachable by SMART bus or rideshare. McNamara's mile-long concourse and fountain make it one of the better airports to walk around during a layover.
Does DTW have showers?
Yes, DTW has showers at Delta Sky Clubs.
Does DTW have sleep pods?
DTW does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.
Is WiFi free at DTW?
Yes. DTW offers free WiFi throughout the airport.
What is the cheapest way to get from DTW to Detroit?
The cheapest option is typically SMART FAST Michigan (Route 261) at $2, taking a variable amount of time. Route 261 runs to downtown Detroit from both terminals.
Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at DTW?
DTW supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, and DTW posts live wait times on its website.
Where should I eat at DTW during a layover?
Notable dining at DTW includes Plum Market (McNamara A), PF Chang's (McNamara A).
How much does parking cost at DTW?
DTW parking rates: $44/day short-term, $32/day long-term, $20/day economy, $51/day valet. McNamara short-term $44/day, long-term $32/day; Big Blue Deck short-term $43/day, long-term $23/day; Green Lot $20/day (cheapest, oversized OK); Valet $51/day. 2.65% card processing fee applies.
Is there a hotel at DTW for overnight layovers?
Yes. Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is on-airport (On-airport, attached to McNamara) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.
Which terminal does my airline use at DTW?
DTW has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: McNamara Terminal (Delta): Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; North Terminal (Evans): American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.
Are there pet relief areas at DTW?
Yes. Pet relief areas.
Is there a chapel or prayer room at DTW?
Yes. McNamara.
Compare DTW to other airports
See how DTW ranks against the other 111 airports in our dataset.
Airlines operating at DTW
Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of DTW.
Compare other airports
Sources & verification
- Overview: https://www.metroairport.com
- Ground transport: https://www.metroairport.com/dtw/other-ground-transportation/public-transportation https://www.smartbus.org/fares
- Terminals: https://www.metroairport.com/how-do-i-transfer-between-terminals
- Connection times: https://www.expertflyer.com/air/travel-information https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WelcomeToTheUS.pdf
- Security: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/schedule
- Parking: https://www.metroairport.com/parking/short-term-parking
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Metropolitan_Airport
Connection times, security, ground transport and parking verified Oct 2026 against the sources above. Amenities, lounges and nearby hotels without a listed source are not yet verified. Always confirm with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport before flying.
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