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Sleeping in Airports

Detroit Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you 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.

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 guideDetroit 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 much wider 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 reportedly shut by 11 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 can be accessed by economy class passengers for a fee. See our Airport Lounges section for locations and rates.

Sleeping in Detroit Airport

Reviewers suggest that McNamara offers travellers more sleeping options than the Evans Terminal. Noise and cold temperatures were cited as problems at both terminals so consider ear plugs/noise cancelling earphones and a warm sweater or travel blanket. “The far end of Concourse B” seems to receive the most mention for peace, quiet and comfortable furniture. The airport offers stranded passengers cots in the event of major flight delays or cancellations. Explore our guide to sleeping in Detroit Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.  For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel connected to the McNamara Terminal and others nearby hotels within an easy shuttle ride. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

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 web site 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.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

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 to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

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. Hours: Unknown) • McNamara Terminal (near Delta Airlines Gate A43. Hours: 6:00AM – 12:00AM (Daily) *Lounge operates around-the-clock as needed during weather delays, canceled flights, and missed connections). Amenities: Comfortable couches and recliners, free WIFI, free snacks & beverages, microwave, laptops, books & magazines, cards, games & puzzles, a children’s play area, playpen/cribs, infant bouncy seats, wireless headsets, feather pillows, courtesy travel baskets, a triple bunk bed for sleeping, and wake-up call service. Lounge Access: open to enlisted military, military veterans, and their families.

Related Pages: Detroit Metro Airport Lounges

Detroit Airport Hotels

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 is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Detroit Airport in comfort.   While there is no transit hotel, a hotel is conveniently located at the airport and most nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles.

With Covid restrictions constantly changing, we recommend that you confirm shuttle availability prior to booking and/or prior to your arrival.

Inside the Airport Minute Suites – Private suites that come equipped with a daybed sofa, sound-masking system, DirectTV, and high speed internet. Showers are available.  Rates are expensive: US$ 45 (1 hour) and US$ 11.25 each additional 15 minutes until 2 hours • US$ 90 (2 hours) and US$ 8.75 each additional 15 minutes thereafter • US$ 165 (Overnight – 8 hour hour stay after 8pm). When the suites are full, they also rent air mattresses for US$ 40 with no time limit. Pillows and blankets are provided when available.  Location: Airside, near Gate A68.

At Airport 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 departures level at the south of the McNamara Terminal. Free shuttle to the north terminal. Day rooms are available between 9:00AM – 6:00PM. » 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 WiFi / Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Detroit Airport. Connect to “Detroit Airport WiFi” network.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Communications

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing tables and disposals are available in the airport’s Family Restrooms, located throughout the landside and airside areas of the airport.
  • Nursing Rooms – The airport offers 9 private nursing rooms. Each location includes a comfy chair, a sink, counter and electrical outlets. To access, call the number on the outside of the room and you will be provided with an access 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 A8 • McNamara Terminal, airside, Gate A18 • McNamara Terminal, airside, Gate B20 • McNamara Terminal, airside, Gate C4-6• Evans Terminal, airside, Gate D16.

Food & Drinks

  • Food & Drinks – Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. The McNamara Terminal offers over 40 dining options and the Evans Terminal offers 15+ options. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options but many are open as early as 4:00AM – 11:00PM. In case you do get hungry outside those hours, there are plenty of vending machines located throughout the terminal.
  • Water Refill Stations – Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available landside and airside in both terminals.

Information

  • Information Desk – Have any questions? Information desk are available throughout the airport and they are staffed by the airport ambassadors wearing their blue vests.

Luggage

  • Luggage Carts – Need a hand with your bags? Smart Carts are available for $5.00 throughout the airport.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.

Medical Services

  • Pharmacy – Z Market and Mills Pharmacy offers traditional medications and homeopathic remedies. Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, near Gate B2. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM.

Mobile Charging

  • Mobile Charging – Most gate areas provide dedicated charging areas or power outlets to charge mobile devices.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations:
    • McNamara Terminal, Airside: 12 locations available at A Gates • B Gates • C Gates.
    • McNamara Terminal, Landside: Parking Garage, Level 6.
    • Evans Terminal, Landside: Ticket Lobby • Pedestrian Bridge to Parking Deck/Ground Transportation (Level 4).
    • Evans Terminal, Airside: Gate D6 • Gate D17 • Gate D26.
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange in these locations:
    • McNamara Terminal: Departures (Central Link near A38) Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM • International Arrivals. Hours: 6:30AM – 8:30PM.
    • Evans Terminal: Departures (Across from D9). Hours: 5:00AM – 7:00PM • Arrivals (Baggage Claim) Hours: 10:30AM – 5:00PM, or according to international flight arrivals.

Pets

  • 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.

Rest & Relaxation

  • Cots – In the event of bad weather or massive flight cancellations, this airport has a limited supply of cots/sleep pads for stranded travellers.  Availability may have been affected by Covid.  If you are stranded during a weather delay, contact an airport employee to find out when the cots are located.
  • Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
  • Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
  • Reflection Room – Locations: McNamara Terminal, in the center Link Area upstairs above the Bud Bar and Grill • Evans Terminal, Airside, near Gate D17.
  • Rest Zones – There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Shopping

  • Duty Free & Shopping – Duty Free shopping is available in both Terminals. The McNamara offers more shopping options than the Evans Terminal but both do offer a variety.

Showers, Salon & Spa

  • Showers – Showers can be found at Minute Suites and one of the Delta Lounges.  [ see Airport Lounges above ]
  • Spa – Be Relax Spa – McNamara Terminal, Airside, at Gate A46 and Gate A18.

Things to do & see

  • Light Tunnel – The most talked about (and photographed) feature of Detroit Metro is the colourful 700ft light tunnel that connects the 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 “leap frog” style devices. Location: McNamara Terminal, Concourse A.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind 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 of the terminal (landside) you will not be able to get through to the secure area of the terminal (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location:

  • Evans Terminal (Blue 1): 4:30AM – 8:00PM (unconfirmed)
  • Evans Terminal (Blue 2): 4:30AM – 8:00PM (unconfirmed)
  • McNamara Terminal (Red 2): 4:00AM – 9:30PM (unconfirmed)
  • McNamara Terminal (Red 3): 5:00AM – 9:00PM (unconfirmed)

Pro-Tip: A reader tells us “The DTW North Terminal has two TSA screening checkpoints with different opening times. The one that is at the North East end (start of the terminal according to the drop-off direction) may stay open all night – I have used it as early as 3.30am and regularly use it for an LGA flight before 4am. The other North terminal checkpoint at the South West end of the terminal does indeed close and I think the opening time of 4.30am is probably about right. ” (January 2020)

Times are subject to change without notice.

Airlines

Detroit airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air France • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue • Lufthansa • Royal Jordanian • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

DTW airport is served by two SMART public bus routes. Route 125 runs to River Rouge (Covid update) and route 261 runs to downtown Detroit. Route 280 runs between Garden City and the Evans terminal. For more information, visit the SmartBus website. AirRide is a comfortable and convenient public bus service that runs between Ann Arbor and both terminals at Detroit International Airport. A one-way fare is $12 if purchased in advance, or $15 if purchased on board (exact change required). AirRide is wheelchair-accessible. For more information, visit the AirRide web site.

Car Rentals

The following agencies can be found at the car rental facility: Alamo • Avis • Budget/Payless • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • 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  •   Four Points by Sheraton   •   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. 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)

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: 2023-03-23

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, are 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 web sites. 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.