Ruth Haines
The Metro Detroit region is served by five commercial airports, with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) being Michigan's largest airport. Located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit, this airport is conveniently situated near I-275 and I-94, making it easily accessible from nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor, as well as Northern Michigan for longer road trips. It offers both international and domestic flights and was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction in 2010, 2019, and 2022. However, when deciding which airport is best, there are several factors to consider, such as your origin or destination, mode of transportation, and personal preferences for convenience and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport |
| Airport Code | DTW |
| Location | Romulus, Michigan |
| Distance from Downtown Detroit | 23 miles |
| Transport Options to Downtown Detroit | Taxi, bus |
| Transport Cost to Downtown Detroit | 1-hour taxi ride for about $70 |
| Transport Time to Downtown Detroit | 1 hour |
| Public Transport Options | Limited |
| Parking | 10-level facility for nearly 11,500 vehicles; free parking for motorcycles |
| Number of Destinations Served | Over 140 |
| Accolades | Named best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022 |
| Security and Screening | Quick security lines; TSA screening for connecting international passengers |
| Facilities | Pet relief area, laminar flow water feature, Japanese signage |
| Nearby Attractions | Northern Michigan, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
DTW offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with a 10-level parking facility accommodating nearly 11,500 vehicles. Motorcycles can park for free, and there are also privately owned parking lots nearby. It is recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to account for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait times.
The airport has a long history, with Wayne County planning an airport in the western townships as early as 1927. In 1946-47, most airline traffic shifted to Willow Run Airport, and by the 1950s, Detroit-Wayne (as it was then known) had become the first inland airport in the US certified for jet airliners. Today, DTW continues to be a major aviation hub, offering a range of amenities and services to ensure a smooth travel experience for its passengers.
DTW has been recognised for its excellence in customer satisfaction, being named the best large U.S. airport by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. The airport also provides accessible entrances, wheelchair assistance, and other services to assist passengers with disabilities. With its efficient operations and convenient location, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) stands as a preferred choice for travellers to and from the Detroit metropolitan area.
Kauai Airport Code: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Proximity to downtown Detroit
The closest airport to downtown Detroit is Windsor International Airport (YQG) in Ontario, Canada, which is just 8-9 miles from the city centre. However, it is across the border, so you will need to bring your passport if you plan on flying through this airport. A taxi to downtown Detroit from YQG will cost about $40 due to extra fees for crossing the border. There are also limited public transportation options—you would need to take a $20 taxi to the bus terminal, then catch a $5 bus to Detroit. Air Canada is the primary operator with commuter flights to Toronto and Montreal, from which you can connect to many other destinations. There's also seasonal service to warm-weather spots like Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's largest airport, located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit, and is 20-23 miles from the city. It is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, making it easy to travel to nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor, or take a longer road trip to Northern Michigan. The airport serves over 140 destinations and was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. It has nonstop routes to Chicago, Atlanta, and four cities in Florida. The modern terminals are well laid out, and security lines move quickly. The only downside is that public transportation isn't great—you'll have to take an hour-long bus or taxi ride to get downtown, costing about $70.
Other airports near Detroit include Detroit Willow Run Airport (YIP), which is located 23-31 miles from Detroit, and Oakland County International Airport (PTK), which is 39 miles from Detroit.
Saint John's Airport: A Comprehensive Size Review
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Transport options
The Metro Detroit region has five commercial airports to choose from. The best airport for you will depend on your final destination and your mode of transport.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, is Michigan's largest airport. It is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, making it a good option for travel to nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor, or for a longer road trip to Northern Michigan. The airport is 23 miles from Detroit and serves over 140 destinations. It has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction several times. The airport has a 10-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles. Motorcycles can park for free. There are also privately owned parking lots nearby. The airport has modern terminals, and security lines move quickly. However, there is no public transportation available from the airport to downtown Detroit. An hour-long taxi ride to downtown will cost about $70.
Willow Run Airport (YIP)
Willow Run Airport is located 31 miles from downtown Detroit and less than 10 miles east of the University of Michigan. It is also known as Detroit Willow Run Airport.
Oakland County International Airport (PTK)
Oakland County International Airport is 39 miles from downtown Detroit.
Windsor International Airport (YQG)
Windsor International Airport in Ontario, Canada, is the closest airport to downtown Detroit, just 8-9 miles from the city. However, remember to bring your passport if you plan to fly through here. Air Canada is the primary operator with commuter flights to Toronto and Montreal, from which you can connect to many other destinations. There is also seasonal service to warm-weather spots like Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. To get to downtown Detroit from this airport, you would need to take a $20 taxi to the bus terminal, then catch a $5 bus to Detroit.
The Best Osaka Airport for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International flights
If you're looking for the best airport for international flights from Detroit, Michigan, then Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the one you want. Located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, it is Michigan's largest and busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next busiest airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
DTW is a large hub for Delta Air Lines, which operates the most departures from the airport, and is also a base for Spirit Airlines. The airport offers non-stop flights to 132 destinations in 20 countries, with 102 of those being domestic flights within the United States. Internationally, DTW has service to 30 destinations. The airport has two terminals, Terminal E and M, and the route with the most departures is to Chicago, with an average of 109 flights every week. Other popular international destinations include Toronto, Montreal, Shanghai, and Seoul. DTW also offers unique services, such as Lufthansa's curbside check-in and baggage check for premium customers travelling to Frankfurt and beyond.
In terms of accessibility, DTW is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, making it easy to travel to and from Detroit and Ann Arbor. The airport also has a 10-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles, with free parking for motorcycles. It is recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight to account for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait lines.
While DTW is the primary option for international flights from Detroit, there are other nearby airports that offer domestic flights. These include Willow Run Airport, Oakland County International Airport, and Windsor International Airport in Windsor, Canada. However, for international travel, DTW is the closest major airport and provides the most comprehensive range of flight options.
Fort Lauderdale Airport: A Guide to Checking In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-nvGF8wgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Airport facilities
When it comes to airport facilities, there are several options near Detroit, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here is an overview of the facilities offered by some of the major airports in the area:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, often referred to as Detroit Metro Airport or simply DTW, is Michigan's largest airport. It is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, providing easy access to Detroit and Ann Arbor. The airport boasts a 10-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles, with free parking for motorcycles. DTW serves over 140 destinations and has been recognised for its high customer satisfaction. The airport has well-laid-out modern terminals, and security lines generally move efficiently. The A concourse features 78 gates, including 12 gates for international departures and arrivals, and offers a pet relief area for travellers with pets or service animals. The concourse also includes a large, laminar flow water feature and over 1.5 miles of moving walkways. DTW provides accessible entrances, wheelchair assistance, and other amenities to assist passengers with disabilities.
Willow Run Airport (YIP)
Willow Run Airport, also known as Detroit Willow Run Airport, is located approximately 31 miles from downtown Detroit and 10 miles east of the University of Michigan. It offers an alternative option for those travelling to or from the university.
Oakland County International Airport (PTK)
Oakland County International Airport, with the airport codes PTK or KPTK, is situated 39 miles from Detroit in Pontiac, MI. It is one of the smaller airports in the region.
Windsor International Airport (YQG)
Windsor International Airport, also known as Windsor Airport or YQG, is the closest airport to downtown Detroit, just 8-9 miles from the city centre. However, it is located in Ontario, Canada, so travellers must remember to bring their passports when flying through this airport. Air Canada is the primary operator, offering flights to Toronto and Montreal, with connections to various other destinations. There are also seasonal flights to warm-weather locations like Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Bishop International Airport (FNT)
Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, is about 68 miles from Detroit. It served 700,000 passengers in 2018, making it Michigan's third busiest airport.
Capital Region International Airport (LAN)
Capital Region International Airport, with the airport code LAN or KLAN, is located in Lansing, Michigan, about 96 miles from Detroit. It offers nonstop routes to several major cities, including Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.
Making Friends at Airports: A Guide to Connecting with Strangers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the main airport for the area and has international and domestic flights. It has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction three times.
Detroit City Airport (DET) was the main airport for the city in the 1940s. Willow Run Airport (YIP) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, replaced it, but it was too far away. Other airports include Windsor International Airport (YQG), Bishop International Airport (FNT), and Capital Region International Airport (LAN).
It is recommended to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. There are no public transportation options, so it is best to rent a car or take a taxi.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is well-laid-out and has quick security lines. However, it lacks consistent, fast, and affordable mass transit connections. It is also criticised for its water options, with vending machines only offering Dasani and Smart Water.
![Airport [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Dj3FIXrvL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
