If you’re stuck with a few hours to spare, there are enough things to do at Detroit Airport to stay comfortable and pass the time without too much effort. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport isn’t designed as a destination in itself, but it does offer decent food, a few distractions, and easy access to the city if your layover is long enough. Most amenities are concentrated in the McNamara Terminal, so your options will depend largely on where you’re flying from and how much time you have.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Detroit Airport offers a better dining experience than many U.S. hubs, especially if you’re transiting through the McNamara Terminal. Travellers with time to sit down often gravitate toward Andiamo, a popular Michigan-based Italian restaurant known locally for pasta, pizza, and hearty comfort dishes. For something more casual, Cat Cora’s Taproom serves American-style meals with a bar menu that works well for solo travellers or short layovers.
If you’re looking to sample something regional, National Coney Island in the Evans Terminal serves Detroit-style coney dogs, a local staple topped with chili, mustard, and onions. Coffee drinkers will find familiar chains alongside Harvest & Grounds, which focuses on lighter fare, pastries, and specialty coffee that’s practical for early departures or long waits.
Most full-service restaurants close by around 11:00 pm, so overnight travellers should plan ahead. Late-night food options are limited, and vending machines are often the only choice during the early morning hours.
2. Relax in a lounge
If you’re flying from the Evans Terminal, the Lufthansa Lounge may be an option even if you’re not travelling in premium class. Day passes are sometimes available for purchase, either online or through certain lounge membership programs, offering a quieter place to sit with snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and work space. Availability and access policies can change, so it’s best to check current entry conditions before counting on access. Check out our Detroit Airport Guide for details.
3. Check out the Light Tunnel
One of the airport’s most recognizable features is the Light Tunnel, a long underground walkway connecting Concourses A, B, and C in the McNamara Terminal. The synchronized lighting and music make it an easy distraction during a long walk and a popular photo stop. Nearby in Concourse A, a large indoor water feature provides another brief visual break from the terminal environment.
4. Go shopping
Shopping is most worthwhile in the McNamara Terminal, where you’ll find a mix of travel essentials, branded apparel, and regionally themed stores. Michigan-themed sports shops are a highlight, offering apparel and souvenirs tied to local teams, which makes for an easy last-minute gift or memento. Golf fans may also appreciate the PGA Tour Shop, reflecting the area’s strong sports culture.
You’ll also find duty-free shopping and standard airport retailers selling books, electronics, and convenience items. In the Evans Terminal, shopping options are far more limited and mostly practical rather than browse-worthy, so travellers interested in shopping should plan to do so before changing terminals.
5. Hit the spa
If you’re feeling stiff or worn down between flights, Be Relax Spa in Concourse A offers short, airport-friendly treatments designed for travellers on the move. Services typically include chair massages, table massages, manicures, pedicures, and express wellness treatments such as aromatherapy. Appointments are geared toward short layovers, but availability can vary depending on time of day and passenger volume.
6. Go sightseeing
If your layover is long enough and you’re comfortable navigating back through security, leaving the airport can be a rewarding way to reset. Plan for at least six hours total to allow for transportation, sightseeing, and your return. Public SMART buses provide a budget-friendly connection toward downtown Detroit, while taxis and ride-share services offer the most direct option from either terminal.
Once downtown, the Detroit People Mover makes it easy to explore the city core without worrying about parking. It loops past major stops including Grand Circus Park and the riverfront. Cultural highlights include the Detroit Institute of Arts, known for its extensive collection, and the Motown Museum, which celebrates the city’s musical legacy.
If time allows, Belle Isle offers a quieter escape with views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario, along with walking paths and green space. Keep in mind that Detroit Airport does not offer luggage storage, so sightseeing is best suited to travellers with carry-on bags only. Always allow generous time to return to the airport and clear security before your onward flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Detroit.
7. Get connected
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet using the airport’s free WiFi.
8. Sleep
Spending the night inside the terminal is generally manageable, particularly in the McNamara Terminal, which travellers often describe as quieter and more comfortable than Evans. Noise levels are usually reasonable, though the Express Tram can be disruptive near the tracks. Seating is limited, but some quieter corners and a small cluster of cushioned chairs and sofas near Gate A38 were reported as of September 2024. As with most airports, earplugs and a light blanket make a noticeable difference.
For more privacy, Minute Suites in Terminal A offer small, sound-reduced rooms with a daybed that can be rented by the hour. They can be rented by the hour and are a popular choice for long layovers or missed connections. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.
Travellers looking for a proper bed can walk directly into the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which is connected airside near Gate A36. Additional off-airport hotels are located a short drive away and may be more affordable, depending on availability. See our Detroit Airport Guide for details and locations.
Updated 14 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Detroit Airport. Visit our Detroit Airport Guide for more details on airport services and facilities, including nearby airport hotels, luggage storage, showers, transportation into the city, and more.