Detroit Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Detroit metropolitan area is primarily served by one major international airport, a significant global hub. While the region has other airports, commercial passenger traffic is overwhelmingly concentrated at a single, modern facility that replaced the city’s historic airport. This guide explains the airports serving Detroit, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Overview: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is the primary international airport serving Detroit and southeastern Michigan. Located in Romulus, approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Detroit, it is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a focus city for Spirit Airlines. DTW is known for its efficient design, particularly the McNamara Terminal.

Terminals: DTW has two main passenger terminals that are not connected airside. They function like separate airports, so knowing your terminal is critical.

• McNamara Terminal (Terminal 1):
  The Delta Air Lines global hub. This massive, state-of-the-art terminal houses all Delta and Delta Connection flights, as well as Delta’s SkyTeam partners (Air France, KLM, Korean Air, etc.). It features three midfield concourses (A, B, C) connected by an underground, automated Express Tram and a moving walkway tunnel with a captivating light and sound show.
• North Terminal (Terminal 2):
  The non-Delta terminal. This terminal handles all other airlines, including American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit. It is also the terminal for all international carriers not part of SkyTeam (e.g., Lufthansa, British Airways). It has one main concourse (D) with concourses D1-D10 and D12-D22.

Key Rule: If you are flying Delta or a SkyTeam partner, you are in the McNamara Terminal. For all other airlines, you are in the North Terminal. Always verify with your airline.

Getting to and from DTW:

• Transportation to/from McNamara Terminal:
  • Rental Cars: The McNamara Terminal Rental Car Center is on-site, accessible via a walkway on the Ground Level of the parking deck.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Ground Transportation is on the Ground Level (Level 1). Follow signs for Taxi or Rideshare.
  • Hotel & Parking Shuttles: Pick up on the Ground Level at the median.
• Transportation to/from North Terminal:
  • Rental Cars: A separate North Terminal Rental Car Center is accessible via a free shuttle bus from the Ground Level.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Ground Transportation is on the Ground Level.
  • Hotel & Parking Shuttles: Pick up on the Ground Level at the median.
• Shared Options (Both Terminals):
  • Metro Cars & Shared Vans: Services like MetroCar and shared-ride vans operate from both terminals. Book in advance or find counters/stands on the Ground Level.
  • Public Bus (SMART): SMART bus Route 261 connects both terminals to downtown Detroit and other points. It is affordable but slow, with limited schedule. Stops are on the Ground Level.
  • Driving: DTW is easily accessible via I-94 and I-275. Parking structures are attached to both terminals, with additional economy lots serviced by free shuttles.

Best for: All major airline travel to Detroit. McNamara is best for Delta flyers and international SkyTeam connections. North Terminal serves all other airlines.

Willow Run Airport (YIP)

Overview: Located in Ypsilanti, about 30 miles west of downtown Detroit, Willow Run is a cargo and general aviation airport. It was a vital WWII bomber plant. Today, it handles significant air cargo operations (especially for Amazon Air) and some corporate/charter flights. It has no scheduled commercial passenger service.

Note: Travellers should not confuse this with DTW. You cannot fly commercially into YIP.

Detroit City Airport (DET)

Overview: This small, historic airport is located just 6 miles northeast of downtown Detroit. Once a busy commercial hub, it now primarily serves general aviation, corporate jets, and flight training. While there have been occasional attempts to restore limited commercial service, as of early 2025, it has no scheduled passenger airline flights. It is not an option for commercial travellers.

Which Detroit Airport Should You Choose?

For 99.9% of airline passengers, the only choice is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The critical secondary choice is which terminal within DTW: McNamara (Delta/SkyTeam) or North (all other airlines). Always confirm your terminal before departing for the airport, as the two are miles apart on the airport grounds and require a shuttle bus or taxi to transfer between.

Essential Information for Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)

Before You Go:

• Terminal Verification: Absolutely confirm your terminal (McNamara vs. North) with your airline 24 hours before your flight.
• Check-in: Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. The McNamara Terminal is huge; allow extra time to reach your gate, even after security.
• Parking: Both terminals have attached parking decks (Big Blue Deck at McNamara, Green Deck at North). Off-site, privately-owned economy parking with 24/7 shuttles can offer significant savings for long trips.

Upon Arrival:

• International Arrivals (McNamara): Cleared in Concourse A. Follow signs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). After clearing customs, claim bags, exit, and re-check them if connecting on Delta. You will then re-clear security.
• International Arrivals (North): Cleared in the North Terminal. Process is similar: CBP, baggage claim, then exit or re-check for connections.
• Ground Transport: Both terminals have clear signage for Ground Transportation on Level 1 (Baggage Claim level).

Transferring Between Terminals at DTW:

• If you need to transfer between McNamara and North terminals (e.g., self-transfer on separate tickets), you must collect baggage, exit security, and take the free, 24/7 Airport Terminal Shuttle. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for this kind of transfer.
• There are no airside connections between the terminals.

Travel Tips for Detroit

Transportation to Downtown: The most convenient options are ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft, ~$45-60 to downtown) or pre-booked private cars. Public transit via SMART bus is inexpensive but time-consuming. There is no direct rail link to the city.

Weather: Southeast Michigan experiences lake-effect snow and winter storms, primarily from December through March. This can cause significant flight delays and cancellations. Always check weather forecasts during winter travel and consider travel insurance.

McNamara Terminal Amenities: The McNamara Terminal is renowned for its amenities, including the Westin Hotel attached airside, numerous restaurants, and the Light Tunnel between Concourses A and B/C. It’s designed for comfortable connections.

Connections: DTW is an excellent connecting hub, especially for Delta passengers. The Express Tram in McNamara makes gate changes quick. Minimum recommended connection times are 45 minutes for domestic and 90 minutes for international-domestic, but always aim for more.

Bottom line: Detroit’s air travel is centralized at the efficient but split DTW airport. Your success hinges on knowing your terminal. McNamara offers a world-class hub experience for Delta flyers, while the North Terminal is a functional, single-concourse facility for other carriers. Always plan for winter weather disruptions and allow ample time for the drive from the city or for inter-terminal transfers.