Roberta Aguirre
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as Detroit Metro or DTW, is located 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit. The airport's two main terminals, McNamara and North, offer a wide array of dining and shopping options. If you have a long layover, you can explore the famous underground light tunnel between the A and B/C concourses, visit the Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village, or take a taxi or ride-sharing app to downtown Detroit to visit popular spots such as Grand Circus Park, the Renaissance Center, and Huntington Place. If you're looking for a place to relax or get some work done, the Delta Sky Clubs at DTW offer a quiet space with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit |
| Connectivity | Direct connections to major cities across the US and key international destinations |
| Main terminals | McNamara and North |
| Transport to downtown Detroit | SMART buses, taxi, or ride-sharing app |
| Transport cost to downtown Detroit | Fixed-route fares of $2 for SMART buses, $45-$50 for taxis |
| Attractions | Light Tunnel, water feature/fountain, Westin Hotel, OraOxygen Dayspa, Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village |
| Dining options | Sit-down restaurants, bars, a winery, cafes, to-go eateries, Bigalora Wood-Fired Cucina, Cat Cora's Taproom, Harvest & Grounds, Plum Market, National Coney Island, Natural Break |
| Amenities | Airport Ambassadors, Multi-Sensory Room, Transportation Within the Terminal, Transportation Between Terminals, Dining, Shopping, Wi-Fi, Armed Services Lounge, Baggage, Automated Teller Machines, Family Restrooms, Nursing Rooms, Reflection Rooms, DTW Dogs Pet Therapy Program |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the famous light tunnel
If you're looking for something to do at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), a visit to the famous Light Tunnel is a must. Located in the McNamara Terminal, the Light Tunnel is an underground corridor connecting Concourse A with Concourses B and C. At 700 feet long, it is a unique and immersive display of sight and sound.
The tunnel is illuminated by LED lights that smoothly transition through a range of colours, with glass panels on the walls featuring abstract, flowing patterns. Two moving walkways run along the open floor, providing swift transportation between the terminals. The lighting was designed by Color Kinetics, who installed a programmable, full-colour lighting solution in 2001. The lights have now been operating uninterrupted for over 100,000 hours, with no lamp or luminaire replacements needed.
The Light Tunnel was originally known as the Motown Music Tunnel, and when the lights were first installed, the corridor featured a looping 20-minute soundtrack of famous Motown songs. Today, the tunnel features an original musical score, creating a soothing and mood-enhancing environment for travellers.
If you're travelling through DTW, the Light Tunnel is definitely worth a visit. It's a unique and artistic experience, providing a brief respite from the stresses of travel. The tunnel is easily accessible within the McNamara Terminal, and its modern design and use of light and sound make it a memorable part of the DTW airport experience.
If you have more time to explore, DTW also offers a range of dining and shopping options, and the city of Detroit is just a short ride away, with museums, markets, and other attractions to explore.
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![DTW [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fMZ29q9qL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Visit the McNamara Terminal
The McNamara Terminal, also known as the Northwest WorldGateway, is one of the two terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). It opened in 2002 and is named after former Wayne County Road Commissioner Edward H. McNamara. The terminal is used exclusively by Delta Air Lines and its partners Aeromexico, Air France, and WestJet.
McNamara Terminal has a modern architectural design and is the largest terminal at DTW, with three concourses (A, B, and C) and about 100 boarding gates. Concourse A, the second-longest airport concourse in the world, features over 60 gates and the ExpressTram for easy transportation. Concourses B and C serve regional flights with an additional 40 gates. The terminal also has five Delta Sky Clubs, where passengers can relax and enjoy refreshments, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
If you are travelling with children, there is a children's play area in the McNamara Terminal, located between gates B20 and B21 and near gates C6, A8, and A18. There are also eight dedicated nursing rooms throughout the airport that require code entry. Near the McNamara Terminal, there is also the Westin Hotel, which offers services such as restaurants and a gym.
For transportation between the McNamara and North Terminals, there is a free shuttle that departs every 10 minutes from the Ground Transportation Centre. The Freedom Center, located in Concourse A, is also open from 6:00 am to 12:00 am and offers snacks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and a children's area.
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Head downtown
If you're looking to head downtown from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), there are a few transport options to get you there. DTW is about 20 miles from downtown Detroit, with the average car ride taking around 25 minutes. You can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing app for a direct ride, or take a SMART bus for a fixed fare of $2.
Once downtown, you can hop on the Detroit People Mover, which is currently free, and connects to 13 popular stops, including Grand Circus Park, the Renaissance Center, and Huntington Place.
For art lovers, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see. With a collection that is among the top six in the United States, the museum boasts over 658,000 square feet of space and more than 100 galleries.
If you're a foodie, head to Greektown, located in the heart of downtown. Here, you'll find a variety of restaurants and boutiques along Monroe Street. For traditional Greek food, BBQ, and other cuisines, Greektown has endless options. Don't forget to check out Astoria Bakery for dessert—their pastries and ice cream are worth the wait.
For a picturesque view of Detroit and Windsor, Canada, head to Belle Isle Conservancy, a short ride from downtown. Visitors can enjoy hiking and a museum dedicated to regional maritime history.
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Relax at the Westin Hotel
If you're looking for a place to relax during a layover at Detroit Airport, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a great option. The Westin is the only hotel located directly in the Dayton Metropolitan Airport, offering secure and convenient access to the airport and long-term parking.
The hotel has recently been renovated and features plush white bedding, marble bathrooms, and sweeping views of the Airport Atrium or tarmac. You can take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre, continental breakfast, and the main restaurant, Reflections, which serves American cuisine and craft cocktails.
The Westin is also pet-friendly and offers a range of amenities, including pillow-top beds, in-room safes, desks, and laptop workspaces. With its central location, the hotel provides easy access to downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum, and Greenfield Village.
If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient place to relax during your layover, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is an excellent choice, providing a peaceful and restful experience.
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Try local restaurants
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as Detroit Metro or DTW, is a major international airport for southeast Michigan and northern Ohio. The airport is located just a short drive from downtown Detroit, which offers a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, there are a number of casual dining options available at the airport, including bars, a winery, cafes, and to-go eateries.
If you have a longer layover and would like to explore the local restaurant scene, downtown Detroit is just a short ride away. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, or opt for the SMART bus with fixed fares of $2. Once downtown, you can visit popular restaurants such as Benihana, where you can enjoy a dining experience with a personal chef who will prepare your meal at your table. For a more casual Italian dining experience, Cantoro Trattoria is a family-owned restaurant featuring homemade pastas and traditional Italian cuisine, including pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. They also offer a wide selection of wines from around the world, with an emphasis on Italian selections.
If you're looking for a unique steakhouse experience, Sexy Steak offers prime beef and unparalleled service in a captivating atmosphere. For another take on steak, Urban Steak in the Holiday Inn provides a modern twist on the classic American steakhouse, serving classic steaks, sides, and cocktails.
For a blend of European café energy and garden tranquility, Clara's Table at The Dearborn Inn is a wonderful choice. Inspired by Clara Ford's passion for horticulture, this dining experience is sure to delight your senses.
If you prefer to stay within the airport, the McNamara Terminal offers several sit-down restaurant options, including Andiamo, Cat Cora's Taproom, and Harvest & Grounds. For a cozy atmosphere and a quiet environment, the McNamara Terminal is generally a preferred choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or DTW, offers a range of amenities and services to keep travellers occupied during a layover. Here are some suggestions:
- Explore the famous underground Light Tunnel, a 700-foot artistic display of light and sound between the A and B/C concourses.
- Indulge in a massage or beauty treatment at Be Relax or OraOxygen Day Spa in the McNamara Terminal.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, such as Bigalora Wood-Fired Cucina, Cat Cora's Taproom, or National Coney Island.
- Take a short ride to downtown Detroit and visit popular attractions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, or Belle Isle Conservancy.
- Relax or catch up on work at the Delta Sky Club lounges (for Delta Sky members).
DTW offers a wide variety of dining options across its terminals. Here are some recommendations:
- McNamara Terminal: Andiamo, Cat Cora's Taproom, Harvest & Grounds, Bigalora Wood-Fired Cucina, and Plum Market.
- Evans Terminal: National Coney Island.
- North Terminal: National Coney Island and Natural Break.
Yes, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is connected to the McNamara Terminal at Gate A36 and offers a fitness studio, swimming pool, and shuttle service.
There are several options for travelling between DTW and downtown Detroit:
- SMART buses: These fixed-route buses connect the airport to downtown Detroit for a fare of $2 each way.
- Taxi or ride-sharing: Taxis are available outside both terminals and offer a direct ride downtown for approximately $45 to $50.
- Suburban transit system FAST: This service offers a route from downtown Detroit to the airport via Michigan Avenue for $2 each way.
DTW has a team of about 80 volunteers called Airport Ambassadors who are readily available to provide assistance. They can be identified by their sharp blue vests.
