Detroit Metro Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or 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 Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Code: DTW).

What to Expect

Detroit Airport is a large, modern airport facility that features two terminals: McNamara Terminal (Concourses A, B, and C, primarily Delta and its SkyTeam partners) and Evans Terminal (Concourse D, serving other airlines like United, American). 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 Terminal has a broader 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 are reportedly shut by 11:00 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 economy-class passengers can access for a fee.

Sleeping in Detroit Airport

Sleeping at Detroit Airport is possible, but comfort varies considerably, with McNamara Terminal generally offering better overnight options than Evans Terminal. Most seating has armrests, and travellers frequently mention cold temperatures, hard floors and overnight noise, although a few quieter areas and armrest-free seats can be found. McNamara has 24-hour security access, while the Evans security checkpoint closes overnight, which can affect travellers who are landside or leave the secure area. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in Detroit Airport.

For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to the McNamara Terminal, and other nearby hotels are within an easy shuttle ride. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

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.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Airline check-in counters, baggage drop, and TSA screening hours vary by terminal and airline. If you are in the public area (landside), overnight access to the secure area (airside) depends on when your airline allows bags to be checked.

The airport states that at least one TSA checkpoint remains open 24/7, but the specific checkpoint and terminal may change overnight. Travellers arriving late should be prepared to remain landside until morning.

Times are subject to change without notice.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no designated sleep rooms, nap zones, or quiet rest areas intended for overnight sleeping.

There are two “Reflection” Rooms:

Locations:
• McNamara Terminal (Terminal A), Link Area, upstairs above the former Bud Bar & Grill location
• Evans Terminal (Terminal D), Airside, near Gate D17

These rooms are quiet, low-traffic spaces intended for prayer, reflection, or calm breaks. They are not designed for sleeping, but tired travellers sometimes find them briefly restful.

Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods

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 gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Detroit Airport in comfort. While there is no transit hotel, you will find sleep cabins on the airside. A hotel is connected to the terminal, and many nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.

Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Upscale Hotel. Connected to the McNamara Terminal (Level 4, near Gate A35, not A36, 5-minute walk). There is a TSA entry directly from the Westin across from Gate A36. There is also an entrance to the hotel from the departure level at the south end of the McNamara Terminal. Free shuttle to the Evans terminal.

Nearby Hotels With Airport Shuttles

Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Metro Airport (1.4 mi) Upscale all-suite hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Metropolitan Airport (1.5 mi) Mid-range hotel.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Detroit Metro Airport (1.5 mi) Budget hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Airport-Romulus (1.7 mi) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles: Most nearby airport hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with the hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements.

Airport Lounges

Delta Sky Club – Lounge Access: First/Business Class passengers on Delta or SkyTeam partners • Delta Sky Club membership • American Express Platinum and eligible Delta SkyMiles credit cards • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

(Gate A18) Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, 2nd level at Express Tram South Station, across from Gate A18. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
(Gate A38) – Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, gate level, across from Gate A38. Hours: 4:15 AM – 10:30 PM (Daily). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
(Gate A43) Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, gate level, across from Gate A43. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
(Gate A68) – Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, 2nd level at Express Tram North Station, across from Gate A68. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
(Concourse C) – Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, Concourse C, gate level, near the entrance to Concourse C. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.

Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Evans Terminal, Airside, near Gate D8. Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs • First/Business Class passengers on Lufthansa or Star Alliance partners • Star Alliance Gold members.

Military Lounges

Freedom Center – Location: McNamara Terminal, Airside, near Gate A43 • Evans Terminal, Airside, Gate D17. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Amenities: Comfortable couches and recliners, free WiFi, snacks and beverages, laptops, and a children’s play area. Lounge Access: Free for active U.S. military members and their families with valid ID; no walk-in or paid access for others.

Drinking Water

Free water bottle refill stations are available airside:

McNamara Terminal (Terminal A): near Gate A34
Concourse B: near Gate B5
Evans Terminal (Terminal D): near Gate D10

Landside access is limited. Travellers should expect to rely on restroom taps or purchase bottled water before security.

Food & Drinks

Dining hours vary widely by terminal and concourse.

McNamara Terminal: 30+ food and beverage options
Evans Terminal: 10+ options

There are no confirmed 24-hour restaurants. Most locations operate roughly 4:30 AM to 10:00–11:00 PM, depending on staffing and flight schedules.

Vending machines are available throughout the McNamara Terminal during overnight hours.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage lockers or staffed storage services available. If this is not accurate, click here to update this airport guide.

Mobile Charging

Most gate seating areas include standard power outlets or USB charging ports. Availability varies, and outlets may already be in use during delays.

Showers

Showers are available in the following locations:

Minute Suites – Airside, near Gate A66 (fee applies)
Delta Sky Club – Access restricted to eligible passengers (membership, qualifying ticket, or status required)

There are no public, pay-per-use shower facilities outside these options

WiFi / Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available throughout Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Connect to the “DTW Free WiFi” network.

More Airport Information

Here is some additional information that may be helpful.

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

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are located landside and airside in both terminals, including parking areas, baggage claim, and near multiple gate clusters.
Baby Care Facilities –

Family Restrooms – Family restrooms with diaper-changing tables and disposal bins are available throughout landside and airside areas.
Nursing Rooms – The airport also provides multiple private nursing rooms equipped with seating, sink, counter space, and power outlets. Access is granted by calling the number posted outside the room to receive an entry code. Alternatively, mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Their suites are cleaned after every guest and are engineered to be a quiet and restful place to retreat away from the airport terminals. Location: Gate A66.
Children’s Play Area – Children’s play areas are available airside in both terminals, providing a place for kids to burn off energy before a flight.

Currency Exchange – Information not available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in both terminals. The McNamara Terminal offers a wider selection overall, but both terminals provide a mix of retail and convenience options.
Information Desk – Information desks are available throughout both terminals and staffed by airport ambassadors wearing blue vests, who can assist with directions and general questions.
Luggage Carts – Self-service luggage carts are available throughout the terminals for a fee.
Pet Relief Area – Several pet relief areas are available, including both outdoor curbside locations and indoor service-animal relief areas within the secure zones of each terminal.
Pharmacy – Z Market and Mills Pharmacy sell over-the-counter medications, basic health items, and select wellness products. Hours may vary by day.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at the InMotion store in the Evans Terminal and at the Sound Balance and DTW Essentials/Zingerman’s in the McNamara Terminal.
Spa – Be Relax offers massage, nail, and beauty services for travellers looking to unwind before a flight.

Things to Do & See

Light Tunnel – The colourful, music-synchronized light tunnel connecting Concourses B and C with Concourse A is one of the airport’s most recognizable features.
Water Feature – A large black-granite water installation in the McNamara Terminal offers a calm visual break from terminal activity.

Airlines

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

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

SMART Bus 125 (Fort Street-Airport) connects DTW to downtown Detroit (45-60 minutes, $2 one-way) from McNamara (Level 2, Ground Transport) and Evans (Ground Transport), running 5:00 AM–11:00 PM. For more information, visit the SmartBus website. AirRide and MichiganFlyer offer a comfortable and convenient public bus service between Ann Arbor (Blake Transit Center) and both terminals at Detroit International Airport. A one-way fare is $15. For more information, visit the Michigan Flyer website. Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) also connects both terminals to Downtown Detroit. Buses run from 3:300 AM to 11:00 PM daily, departing from the ground transportation centre at the Evans Terminal and the departure level at the McNamara Terminal. A one-way fare is $6 if booked in advance or $8 if purchased at the door. For more information, visit the Detroit Air Xpress Website.

Car Rentals

The following agencies can be found at the car rental facility: Alamo • American Rent A Car • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • 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).

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Detroit Airport offer free airport shuttle service. Hotel shuttles depart from each terminal’s Ground Transportation Center. Follow the “Ground Transportation” signs after picking up your luggage.

See 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, with shuttles departing every ten minutes. 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). A ride to Downtown Detroit will cost you from $40 to $50.

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: 2026-04-08

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

Detroit Airport Guide