Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) sits around 30 km south-west of downtown Detroit — further out than many visitors expect — and there's no rail link to bridge that distance, so getting into the city means a bus, a dedicated airport shuttle service, or rideshare, with journey time depending heavily on which you choose.
The cheapest way: the FAST Michigan Avenue bus
SMART's FAST Michigan Avenue route runs from the airport along Michigan Avenue into downtown Detroit, calling at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, the hub for onward city bus connections. It's the cheapest way into the city by some margin, but it's also the slowest — the full journey typically takes around an hour, reflecting both the distance involved and the number of stops along the way.
Fares are paid in cash or with a SMART fare card on boarding. Buses run at reasonable intervals during the day but considerably less often in the evening, so it's worth checking current timetables before relying on this option for a late arrival.
DAX: a faster, paid airport express service
The Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) is a dedicated express bus service connecting the airport's terminals directly to a stop in downtown Detroit, without the many local stops of the FAST route. It's faster than the public bus and a useful middle option between the cheap-but-slow FAST service and a full taxi fare, particularly for visitors without heavy luggage who still want a fixed, predictable cost.
Rideshare and taxis
Uber and Lyft operate from a designated pickup area at the terminal and are the most common choice for visitors, given the distance involved and the limited frequency of the bus options — see our guide to ride-hailing apps around the world if you're used to a different app elsewhere. A rideshare into downtown typically takes 30–45 minutes outside rush hour on I-94 and the connecting freeways, considerably longer during peak commuting times. Official metered taxis are also available from a marked rank, generally at a similar or slightly higher cost than rideshare for the same trip.
Car hire at the airport
DTW has a large consolidated rental car facility connected to the terminal by a shuttle, and a car is genuinely useful here beyond the transfer itself — Ann Arbor, the Michigan wine country, and a wider road trip around the Great Lakes are all realistic from Detroit, and much of the metro area beyond downtown is easier to reach by car than by the limited local bus network. See our guide to driving in the USA for the basics of renting and driving stateside.
Why the distance and limited transit matter here
Detroit's public transport network is smaller and less frequent than in many comparable US cities, and DTW's location well south-west of downtown means every option — bus, DAX or rideshare — involves a genuinely longer transfer than the sub-20-minute hops possible from more centrally located airports. It's worth setting expectations accordingly rather than assuming a quick 15-minute ride the way you might elsewhere; build real time into your plans regardless of which option you choose.
Downtown itself has a short, free QLINE streetcar loop along Woodward Avenue, useful once you've arrived for getting between downtown, Midtown and the New Center area, but it doesn't reach the airport and shouldn't be confused with an airport connection.
Luggage, timing and first-timer tips
DTW's two terminals — the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal — are connected by a free shuttle if you need to move between them, so check which one your airline uses before you fly. Given how much journey time can vary by option here, it's worth deciding in advance whether you're prioritising cost (FAST bus), a fixed predictable time (DAX or rideshare), or flexibility (taxi), rather than working it out on arrival with luggage in hand.
If you're arriving very late at night, rideshare and taxis are the dependable fallback, since neither the FAST bus nor DAX runs on a frequent late-night schedule.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors, rideshare or a taxi is the most practical choice given DTW's distance from downtown and the comparatively limited local bus frequency. The FAST bus suits budget travellers with time to spare and light luggage. DAX is a reasonable middle ground — faster and more predictable than the local bus, cheaper than a full taxi fare.
If you're continuing your trip by road or rail, see our guide to Chicago to Detroit for the Amtrak Wolverine and driving options, or the USA by train for the wider network. For a tight onward flight connection through a hub this size, see minimum connection times explained, and for a longer layover, our guide to leaving the airport during a layover covers whether it's worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Detroit Metro Airport to downtown?
There's no rail link — the cheapest option is the SMART FAST Michigan Avenue bus, taking around an hour. DAX offers a faster paid express service, and rideshare or taxis take around 30–45 minutes outside rush hour.
How far is DTW from downtown Detroit?
Around 30 km south-west of downtown — further out than many US airports of a similar size, which is why every transfer option here takes longer than a short in-city hop.
Is there a train from Detroit Airport to the city?
No. DTW has no rail connection. The QLINE streetcar operates as a short loop within downtown Detroit itself but does not reach the airport.
Is rideshare cheaper than a taxi from DTW?
Generally similar, though rideshare fares are often shown upfront before booking, while metered taxis are charged on the meter — compare both if cost matters for your trip.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport official site.
- Bus routes and fares: SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation).