Road Trip From San Francisco Airport
Detroit Airport Guide
From arrival to departure, getting around DTW is easier to manage when you know what to expect. Avis is here to help you learn how to navigate the Detroit Metro Airport so you can get where you need to go without the guesswork.
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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Quick Facts
Official name: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, often called “Detroit Metro Airport.” The name reflects both the Detroit metro area and Wayne County, where the airport is located.
Official website: https://www.metroairport.com/
Airport code: DTW, short for Detroit and Wayne County.
Airport history: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport opened in 1930 as Wayne County Airport and quickly became a key hub for commercial aviation in the Midwest. It expanded significantly in the 1940s and 1950s as air travel grew. Major modern updates include the McNamara Terminal (2002) and Evans Terminal (2008).
Number of terminals: DTW has two terminals: the Edward H. McNamara Terminal and the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal.
Tricks to Navigating DTW
Here’s what you need to know about the Detroit Airport layout and how to navigate it:
- Two completely separate terminals: DTW has no airside connection between the McNamara and Evans Terminals. If you’re in the wrong one, you’ll need to exit and take a shuttle.
- Long McNamara Terminal: This terminal is massive, with three concourses (A, B, C). Concourse A is particularly long and can take a while to walk end-to-end, but the ExpressTram can save you time traversing the mile-long concourse.
- Terminal names may be abbreviated with letters: If your boarding pass says you’re flying out of the “EM” terminal, that’s the Edward McNamara Terminal, not the Warren Evans Terminal (sometimes abbreviated as “WE”).
Outside the Terminals
Knowing how to navigate the Detroit Metro Airport can reduce a lot of travel-related stress, including how to get there. Fortunately, arriving at DTW is straightforward if you’re traveling from I-94 or I-275, which feed into the airport. Each terminal has its own clearly marked entrance and roadway, so you’ll want to follow signs for your terminal when approaching the airport to avoid circling back.
If you need short-term or long-term parking, head to the McNamara Parking Garage (for the McNamara Terminal) or the Big Blue Deck Parking Garage (for the Evans Terminal). Arrivals and departures are handled at the front of each of the two terminals.
If you’re dropping off a rental car, follow the rental car signs as you approach. All rental providers, including Avis, are located at the Rental Car Campus on the Northeastern corner of the airport campus, on Lucas Drive.
Inside the Terminals
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is split into two completely separate buildings. The McNamara Terminal (primarily Delta) is large and linear, with Concourses A, B, and C connected airside. The Evans Terminal (serving other airlines) is smaller and easier to navigate, with a single concourse.
In McNamara, the ExpressTram runs airside along Concourse A, helping you cover long distances quickly. The ride is about 3 minutes from end to end. TSA checkpoints are located within each terminal. Baggage claim sits on the lower level in both terminals, close to ground transportation and parking.
How to Change Terminals at DTW
No, you can’t walk between terminals at DTW. The McNamara and Evans Terminals are separate buildings with no indoor or outdoor pedestrian connection, so switching between them requires exiting and using ground transportation, such as the airport’s free shuttle service.
Yes, a free terminal shuttle runs between McNamara and Evans. It operates outside security and runs about every 10 minutes throughout the day, making it the primary way to transfer between terminals. Inside the McNamara Terminal, the ExpressTram helps you move between Concourse A gates.
Hidden Gems at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
If you have time to spare, there are a few things to do in the Detroit Airport that go beyond grabbing a quick bite:
- DTW Dogs Pet Therapy Program: Friendly, trained therapy dogs roam the terminals to help travelers relax—perfect if you’re feeling stressed before a flight.
- Reflection Rooms: Quiet, private spaces are available in both terminals for prayer, meditation, or simply taking a break from the noise.
- Freedom Center: Located in both terminals, these lounges offer a welcoming space for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families, with complimentary snacks and beverages.
Beyond the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Got a few hours to work with? You can turn a long layover into something memorable without straying too far from DTW. Head toward the Motown Museum. Or spend some time at Campus Martius Park, a lively downtown hub surrounded by shops and quick dining spots.
For more local attractions and visit ideas, check out our Leisure Travel in Detroit Guide and our Business Travel in Detroit Guide.
With Avis, you can grab a car right from the airport and return it at DTW, another Avis Detroit location, or beyond with a one-way rental.
Rent a Car at DTW from Avis
Need a car rental with convenient pickup and drop-off at the airport? Look no further than Avis. With fantastic rates and a wide selection of vehicles, we make it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Start your reservation today!
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