Detroit's Main Airport Hub: All You Need To Know

The main airport in Detroit is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is located in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Covering 4,850 acres, it is Michigan's busiest airport and one of the largest airline hubs in the country. It is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines. The airport has two terminals, the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal, and serves over 140 destinations.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's location and contact details

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (IATA: DTW, ICAO: KDTW, FAA LID: DTW) is the main airport serving Detroit and its surrounding metropolitan area in Michigan, United States. Located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, it is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many boardings as the next-busiest airport in the state. The airport covers 4,850 acres (1,960 ha) of land and is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport has six runways, two terminals, and 129 gates in service. The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and also serves as a base for Spirit Airlines. It offers service to 30 international destinations and 39 states across the United States. The airport has maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing large aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400.

The airport is accessible via Interstate 94 (I-94) and Interstate 275 (I-275). The closest entrance to the Evans Terminal is through Merriman Road (exit 198), while Eureka Road (exit 15) is closer to the McNamara Terminal. Both entrances and terminals are connected by John D. Dingell Drive. Cell phone lots are available near both entrances.

The airport provides free shuttle buses between the two terminals and the Green parking lots. Rental car companies, private off-site parking lots, and most hotels in the area also offer shuttle services.

Public transit options include the Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) express bus to downtown Detroit and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) FAST Michigan bus route, connecting the airport to Detroit and Dearborn. Additionally, two SMART local bus routes serve the airport: route 125 to communities in southern Wayne County and route 280 to downtown Romulus and western Wayne County suburbs.

For travellers driving to the airport, it is recommended to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow sufficient time for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait lines.

Airlines that operate from the airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary airport serving Detroit and its metropolitan area in Michigan, United States. It is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many boardings as the next busiest airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport. DTW is a large hub primary commercial service facility, covering 4,850 acres of land. The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines.

The airport has two terminals: the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal. The McNamara Terminal is used exclusively by Delta and its partners, Aeromexico, Air France, and WestJet. The terminal has three concourses, A, B, and C, with more than 120 gates. The Evans Terminal, formerly known as the North Terminal, houses all non-SkyTeam airlines serving the airport. The terminal has 29 gates and is considered D Concourse. Airlines that utilise the Evans Terminal include:

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• American Eagle
• Frontier Airlines
• Icelandair
• JetBlue Airways
• Lufthansa
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• United Express
• Xtra Airways
• Miami Air International
• Sunwing Airlines
• Swift Air
• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• World Atlantic Airlines

Delta is the largest airline at DTW, with around 1,792 scheduled take-offs every week, about nine times as many as the second-largest airline, American Airlines.

The airport's terminals, concourses, and gates

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's busiest airport, with two terminals, six runways, and 129 in-service gates. The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and is also a base for Spirit Airlines.

McNamara Terminal

The McNamara Terminal is used exclusively by Delta, Virgin, and Air France. It has three concourses: A, B, and C, with more than 120 gates.

Concourse A is a mile-long concourse with an Express Tram that runs across all concourses in less than five minutes. It has more than 60 gates, with 12 used for international departures and arrivals. There are five Delta Sky Clubs located throughout Concourse A, and one each in Concourses B and C.

Concourse B has 17 gates and is accessible through a tunnel between gates A38 and A40 in Concourse A. It has shops, restaurants, and a children's play area.

Concourse C has 23 gates, with gates C1, C2, and C4 to C7 located on a lower level. It also has shops, restaurants, and a Delta Sky Club near gate C2.

Evans Terminal

The Evans Terminal, formerly known as the North Terminal, is the smaller of the two terminals. It consists of Concourse D with 29 gates. Ticketing and departures are on the upper level, while arrivals and transportation services are on the lower level. The terminal has two security checkpoints and U.S. Customs & Border Protection inspection facilities for international arrivals.

Transportation to and from the airport

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offers a variety of transportation options for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

Bus

Both the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal have bus services available at the Ground Transportation Center. The Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) connects the airport to Downtown Detroit, operating from 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, including holidays. Tickets are available for $8 at the door or $6 in advance. The DAX provides amenities such as luggage storage, comfortable seating, charging ports, and Wi-Fi.

Taxi

Passengers can also opt for a taxi to get to and from the airport. A taxi ride to downtown Detroit typically takes around 30 minutes.

Transfers

For those who prefer private transportation, transfer services can be booked in advance.

Car Rental

Additionally, car rental services are available at the airport, allowing passengers to rent a car upon arrival.

Ridesharing Apps

Many passengers also utilise popular ridesharing apps to arrange their transportation to and from the airport.

Public Transportation

The airport is also accessible via public transportation, including the SMART bus service, which provides a direct connection to downtown Detroit. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority offers the AirRide service between the airport and Ann Arbor.

Shuttle

Within the airport, passengers can use the free terminal-to-terminal shuttle service, which facilitates travel between the McNamara and Evans terminals, with a stop at the nearby Westin hotel.

Airport facilities and services

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's busiest airport. It is located 18 miles southwest of downtown Detroit, in Romulus, Michigan. The airport has two terminals: McNamara Terminal and Evans- North Terminal.

McNamara Terminal

The McNamara Terminal is used exclusively by Delta, Virgin, and Air France. It has three concourses, A, B, and C, with more than 120 gates. The terminal features an Express Tram that runs across all concourses in under five minutes. The terminal has five Delta Sky Clubs, an AAA Four-Star Westin hotel, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

Evans Terminal (North Terminal)

The Evans Terminal caters to all non-SkyTeam airlines. It is equipped with Concourse D and has 29 gates. The terminal features moving walkways and two six-lane security checkpoints. It also has U.S. Customs & Border Protection inspection facilities for international arrivals.

Detroit Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers:

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport by connecting to the 'Detroit Airport Wi-Fi' network.
• A Religious Reflection Room is available in both terminals for meditation and contemplation.
• Nursing rooms are located in both terminals, offering a private space with a sink, counter, electrical outlets, and other amenities.
• Restaurants and bars are available in both terminals, offering a variety of dining options.
• ATMs are conveniently located throughout the airport for easy access to cash.
• An information desk is available to provide assistance and answer any queries passengers may have.
• Pet relief areas are designated in both terminals for travellers with pets or service animals.
• Baby care facilities are provided for parents travelling with infants or young children.
• A shoeshine service is available to help passengers look their best before or after their flight.
• A children's play area is provided to keep young travellers entertained and engaged.
• The Airport Volunteer Station offers assistance and support to passengers.
• Water fountains are located throughout the airport for easy access to drinking water.
• The Delta Help Center provides specific assistance for Delta Air Lines passengers.
• A family restroom is available for families or those who require additional space or assistance.
• Foreign currency exchange services are offered for travellers needing local currency.
• Vending machines are located throughout the airport for convenient access to snacks and beverages.
• Wheelchair assistance is available for passengers with reduced mobility.
• The Freedom Center at McNamara Terminal offers snacks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, a children's area, and more.
• Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Clubs are located at various gates within the McNamara Terminal, offering snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
• The Lufthansa Senator Lounge at the North Terminal provides premium food, drinks, snacks, TV, Wi-Fi, and Internet terminals.

Frequently asked questions