Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Detroit Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
People were sleeping everywhere—hard marble floor, stairs, around the luggage carousels, ON the luggage carousels, in the middle of the luggage carousels (you normally don’t notice how useful that thingy can be). -Alex
DTW Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Detroit Metro Airport (Code: DTW).
What to Expect
Detroit Airport is a large, modern airport facility with two terminals: the McNamara, which serves Concourses A, B and C, and the Evans Terminal, which serves Concourse D. The two terminals are linked by shuttle bus service that runs on a 10-minute schedule. Both terminals provide numerous dining, shopping and service options, though McNamara has a broader selection overall. If you have time, check out the cool water feature and choreographed musical “Light Tunnel”! Almost all eateries and retail are located airside, and all are reportedly shut by 11:00 PM, so vending machines will be your only in-airport snack option after that time. Plan ahead and buy your food and drinks before the concessions close. Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals. More comfort can be found at one of the airport lounges, which economy-class passengers can access for a fee.
Sleeping in Detroit Airport
Reviewers suggest that McNamara offers travellers more sleeping options than the North Terminal. Gate areas have a good supply of seats, but most are fitted with armrests, so they’re not exactly sleep-friendly. Bring extra layers to cushion the hard, cold floor if you want to spread out on the floor. A few spots mentioned in recent reviews include hidden corners and bench-like seating in the Terminal D baggage claim and cushioned chairs at Gate A38. The airport offers stranded passengers cots in the event of major flight delays or cancellations. Noise and cold temperatures were cited as problems at both terminals, so consider earplugs/noise-cancelling earphones and a warm sweater or travel blanket.
For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to the McNamara Terminal, and other nearby hotels are within an easy shuttle ride. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Detroit Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Remember that airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you may not get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning. This will depend on when your bags can be checked in. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location, but the airport’s website states that at least one TSA checkpoint is open 24/7 in each terminal.
Times are subject to change without notice.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Reflection Room – Locations: McNamara Terminal, in the centre Link Area upstairs above the Bud Bar and Grill • Evans Terminal, Airside, near Gate D17.
Rest Zones – No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Detroit Airport sees more than its fair share of flight cancellations due to bad weather, particularly winter storms, which means they are generally more prepared than other airports. When mass cancellations happen at Detroit Airport, cots are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room. To find them, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone with access to this information.
Note that cots cannot be reserved in advance and are only for use in case of weather delays and cancellations – not simply because you chose to stay overnight at the airport.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: At the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Detroit Airport in comfort. While there is no transit hotel, you will find sleep cabins on the airside. A hotel is connected to the terminal, and many nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.
- Minute Suites – Location: Airside, Terminal A (near Gate A66). Minute Suites provides private suites for travellers needing to relax, work, or sleep during a layover or flight delay. Each suite has a daybed that sleeps two, fresh pillows and blankets, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. Here are the rates as of December 2024: US$ 55 per hour – US$ 150 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00PM til midnight). Showers are $20 for 30 mins (added on to a minimum 1 hour stay) or $30 for 30 mins without a suite rental. Showers are available at this location. Discounted rates for military/1st responder, crew, and more.
- Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Connected to the McNamara Terminal. There is a TSA entry directly from the Westin across from Gate A36. There is also an entrance to the hotel from the departure level at the south end of the McNamara Terminal. Free shuttle to the north terminal. » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with shuttles
- American Inn & Suites Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Comfort Inn Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Detroit Metro Airport Marriott » Check Rates
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Extended Stay America – Detroit – Metropolitan Airport » Check Rates
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Detroit Metro Airport Romulus » Check Rates
- Four Points by Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Airport-Romulus » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Detroit Metro Airport, an IHG Hotel » Check Rates
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
- Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Detroit Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Evans Terminal, Airside, Gates 7 and 8. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
Airline Lounges (members only)
- Delta Sky Club – Multiple Locations in the McNamara Terminal – (4) Concourse A and (1) Concourse C. Showers are available (Concourse A – Gate A38 location only). Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.
Military Lounges
Michigan Freedom Center – Location: Evans Terminal (Airside, Gate D17) • McNamara Terminal (near Delta Airlines, Gate A43). Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM (Daily). Amenities: Comfortable couches and recliners, free WIFI, free snacks & beverages, laptops, and a children’s play area. Lounge Access: open to enlisted military, military veterans, and their families.
Related Pages: Detroit Metro Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations can be found in the following locations:
- McNamara Terminal – near Gates A34, and A50 • entrance to the Central Link
- Evans Terminal – near Gates D8, D10, D17, D23 • Baggage Claim Area • U.S. Customs • Ground Transportation Centre
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminals operate with varying schedules. The McNamara Terminal offers over 30 dining options, and the Evans Terminal offers 10+ options. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options, but many are open as early as 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Plenty of vending machines are located throughout the McNamara terminal if you get hungry outside those hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unfortunately, lockers or luggage storage were not available at the time of this update. If this is not accurate, click here to update this airport guide.
Mobile Charging
Most gate areas provide dedicated charging areas or power outlets to charge mobile devices.
Showers
Showers can be found at Minute Suites and one of the Delta Lounges.
- Minute Suites – Location: Airside, near Gate A66. Showers are available for a fee.
- Delta Sky Club – Location: Airside, near Gate A38. To access the Delta Sky Club, you must be flying in First/Business class on Delta Airlines or a partner airline, have Elite frequent flyer status or be a Delta Sky Club member.
WiFi / Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available at Detroit Airport. Connect to the “Detroit Airport WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on security or safety issues at Detroit Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Here is some additional information that may be helpful.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations:
- McNamara Terminal, Landside: Parking Garage, Level 6.
- McNamara Terminal, Airside: 10 locations available at A Gates • B Gates.
- Evans Terminal, Landside: Baggage Claim • Pedestrian Bridge to Parking Deck/Ground Transportation, Level 4.
- Evans Terminal, Airside: Gate D6 • Gate D17 • Gate D26.
Baby Care Facilities –
- Family Restrooms – Diaper-changing tables and disposals are available in the airport’s Family Restrooms, located throughout the landside and airside areas of the terminals.
- Nursing Rooms – Mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Their suites are cleaned after every guest and are engineered to be a quiet and restful place to retreat away from the airport terminals. Location: Gate A66. Alternatively, the airport offers nine private nursing rooms. Each location includes a comfy chair, a sink, a counter and electrical outlets. Call the number posted outside the room to gain access, and you will receive the code. Locations:
- McNamara Terminal – Gates A15 • A25 • A53 • A63 • C2.
- Evans Terminal – Gates D8 • D15 • D24.
Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: McNamara Terminal, airside, Gate B20 • McNamara Terminal, airside, Gate C4• Evans Terminal, airside, Gate D16 • Evans Terminal, airside, Gate D16.
Currency Exchange – Information not available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at both terminals. The McNamara offers more shopping options than the Evans Terminal, but both offer variety.
Information Desk – Have any questions? Information desks are available throughout both terminals and staffed by the airport ambassadors wearing blue vests.
Luggage Carts – Need a hand with your bags? Smart Carts are available for $6.00 throughout the airport.
Pet Relief Area – Travelling with your pet? Detroit Airport has several pet relief areas available:
- McNamara Terminal: International Arrivals area (Lower Level) – outdoor pet relief area • near Gate A34, airside – Look for the “Service Animal Relief Area” sign.
- Evans Terminal: Departures Level (Upper Level) – designated outdoor grassy areas at each end of the curb • Opposite Gate D16, airside – Look for the “Service Animal Relief Area” sign.
Pharmacy – Z Market and Mills Pharmacy offer traditional medications and homeopathic remedies. Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, near Gate B2. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at the InMotion store in the Evans Terminal and at the Sound Balance and DTW Essentials/Zingerman’s in the McNamara Terminal. Click here to update this airport guide.
Spa – Be Relax offers massages, nail care, and other beauty services. Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, near Gates A43 – A45.
Things to Do & See
- Light Tunnel – The most talked about (and photographed) feature of Detroit Metro is the colourful 700ft light tunnel that connects Concourses B/C with Concourse A and the McNamara Terminal.
- Water Feature – Offering a calming oasis in the middle of the madness of a busy airport, the Water Feature is a 39-ft wide, elliptical-shaped black granite water feature that shoots water through 45 “leapfrog” style devices. Location: McNamara Terminal, Concourse A.
Water Refill Stations – See “Drinking Water” above.
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.
Bus
Two SMART public bus routes serve DTW Airport. The Evans Terminal is connected to Fort-Street-Eureka Road by Route 125 and to Middle Belt South by Route 280. Route 261 runs to downtown Detroit and stops in both terminals. For more information, visit the SmartBus website. AirRide and MichiganFlyer offer a comfortable and convenient public bus service between Ann Arbor (Blake Transit Center) and both terminals at Detroit International Airport. A one-way fare is $15. For more information, visit the Michigan Flyer website. Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) also connects both terminals to Downtown Detroit. Buses run from 3:300 AM to 11:00 PM daily, departing from the ground transportation centre at the Evans Terminal and the departure level at the McNamara Terminal. A one-way fare is $6 if booked in advance or $8 if purchased at the door. For more information, visit the Detroit Air Xpress Website.
Car Rentals
The following agencies can be found at the car rental facility: Alamo • American Rent A Car • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty. Location: Take the “Rental Car” shuttle bus from the ground transportation areas of the McNamara Terminal (parking garage) and the Evans Terminal (Big Blue Deck).
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Detroit Airport offer free airport shuttle service: Baymont by Wyndham • Comfort Inn Metro Airport • Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Metro Airport Romulus • Delta Hotels by Marriott • Detroit Metro Airport Marriott • Embassy Suites by Hilton • Fairfield Inn & Suites • Hampton Inn and Suites • Hilton Garden Inn • Holiday Inn • Holiday Inn Express • Howard Johnson by Wyndham • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Magnuson Hotel • Quality Inn & Suites • Sheraton Hotel • SpringHill Suites • Travelodge Romulus Detroit Airport • The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport • Wingate by Wyndham • Wyndham Garden
Hotel shuttles depart from each terminal’s Ground Transportation Center. Follow the “Ground Transportation” signs after picking up your luggage.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
The ExpressTram at McNamara Terminal transports airside passengers between the Terminal Station (access to Gates A29-A55, Check-in, Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, and the tunnel to Concourses B & C), South Station (Gates A1-A28) and North Station (Gates A56-A78)
Alternatively, on the landside, there is a free shuttle service between the Evans and McNamara Terminals, as well as the Westin Hotel. The ride between each stop is about 2 – 7 minutes or more, depending on traffic, with shuttles departing every ten minutes. Passengers transiting from one terminal to another will need to allow time for re-clearing TSA screening.
Ride Share Apps
Passengers using ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft can meet their drivers in the McNamara Terminal (parking garage, level 4) or Evans Terminal (Big Blue Deck, level 1). A ride to Downtown Detroit will cost you from $40 to $50.
Taxi
Taxis and luxury sedans are available 24 hours a day through MetroCabs and MetroCars, airport-approved service providers. No reservation is required, and both the taxis and the sedans can be found at the Ground Transportation Center of either terminal.
Last updated: 2024-12-12
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.