✈ Getting from Detroit Airport to Downtown Detroit

The vibrant “Motor City” is rapidly transforming its abandoned buildings into distilleries, bike shops and galleries, making Detroit one of the top ten cities to visit. Located on the border of Canada, the Michigan state attracts many yearly travellers thanks to its thriving business industries and fun activities for all.

So when visiting the lively city, you will be landing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), and you have two transportation options to get to Downtown Detroit; you can take a taxi or private shuttle or take the bus. Choosing to take a cab from Detroit airport to Downtown Detroit is always a great option, as they provide 24/7 door-to-door services, taking you to your Detroit hotel in just 25 minutes. A more cost-savvy alternative is to take the bus; the SMART bus operates from DTW to Downtown Detroit, taking 50 minutes to reach.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Detroit at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€44.40	25min	24/7
Bus	€3.60	50min	05:05–22:36

How to get from Detroit International Airport to Downtown by taxi

Taking a cab from Detroit airport to Downtown Detroit is a comfortable and reliable travel option. Taxis are not only available 24/7, but they provide safe door-to-door services, getting you to your Detroit hotel in just 25 minutes.

Taxi fare from Detroit airport to city centre

Detroit airport taxis offer flat-rate fares to Downtown Detroit, costing $49 (€44.40). Please note that there is no price difference for day, night or weekend trips.

Do bear in mind, the flat rate is just from the airport to Downtown and Midtown; if you are travelling to another destination, Detroit taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter, based on the time and distance travelled.

Cost

$49 (€44.40)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Detroit International Airport

Where do I get it from?

You can find Detroit airport taxis at the official taxi rank on Level 4 at the middle of the Ground Transportation Centre.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from DTW to Detroit city centre is a great way to travel, especially if you are new to a city and travelling with children and/or heavy luggage. Taxis provide fast, safe and reliable door-to-door services, taking you to your Detroit hotel in just 25 minutes.

Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the hassle of finding a taxi at the airport, it is highly recommended to pre-book a cab from Detroit airport to Downtown Detroit online.

Editor’s Note

Although taxis provide flat-rate fares from Detroit International Airport, it is always best to confirm with your taxi driver before starting your journey.

Useful Tips

It is common to tip your taxi driver in Detroit; a 15% tip is the norm.

It is good to know that there is no price difference for day, night or weekend trips in Detroit.

Most taxi drivers in Detroit accept credit card payments, however, it is always best to ask beforehand.

How to get from Detroit International Airport to Downtown by bus

For travellers on a budget, the SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) bus company serves Detroit airport with trips to downtown Detroit. The bus service provides direct routes to Downtown Detroit (Michigan & W. Grand BLVD) in 50 minutes on their 261 Fast Michigan bus.

How much is a bus ticket from Detroit airport to Downtown?

A one-way bus ticket costs $2 (€1.80) for adults, $0.50 (€0.45) for children (6 to 18 years old), seniors and persons with disabilities, on presentation of ID.

Tickets may be purchased directly on the bus in cash, pre-bought online or using the DART Mobile Application.

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

The SMART bus runs every 30 minutes on weekdays, and hourly on the weekends.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The SMART bus No. 261 is available during the week from 05:05 to 22:36, on Saturdays from 04:59 to 22:41 and on Sundays from 06:29 to 21:41.

Where do I get it from?

Both bus services leave from the ‘Ground Transportation Center’ at Detroit airport’s North Terminal. Head towards the Departures Level, close to Door 1, at the McNamara Terminal.

Convenience

Taking the SMART bus for your Detroit airport transportation to Downtown is a great travel alternative for those on a budget. The bus is direct from DTW and runs frequently.

However, once in town, you will have to either walk or get a Detroit cab to your Downtown accommodation, which can be stressful if you are travelling with children on heavy luggage.

Timetables

SMART Bus Schedules

SMART Bus Route

Editor’s Note

It is good to know that you can purchase your tickets directly on the bus in cash, from ticket machines at the airport or online.

Useful Tips

Discounted tickets are available for youth under 18, seniors and people with disabilities.

SMART buses provide comfortable seats, air-conditioned vehicles and luggage storage.

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How to get to Downtown Detroit from DTW airport?

There are two options for your Detroit airport transportation to Downtown; you can either take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 25 minutes or take the SMART bus, which takes 50 minutes.

How far is Detroit airport from Downtown Detroit?

Detroit International airport is located 32.60 km from Detroit city centre. It takes 25 minutes to reach by car or by taxi.

How much does a taxi cost from Detroit airport to Downtown?

Detroit airport taxi services offer flat-rate fares to Downtown or Midtown Detroit, with a one-way journey costing $49 (€44.40).

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How to get from Detroit International Airport to Downtown by taxi

Taxi fare from Detroit airport to city centre

Cost

$49 (€44.40)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Detroit International Airport

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Detroit International Airport to Downtown by bus

How much is a bus ticket from Detroit airport to Downtown?

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The SMART bus No. 261 is available during the week from 05:05 to 22:36, on Saturdays from 04:59 to 22:41 and on Sundays from 06:29 to 21:41.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

SMART Bus Schedules

SMART Bus Route

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Downtown Detroit from DTW airport?

How far is Detroit airport from Downtown Detroit?

How much does a taxi cost from Detroit airport to Downtown?

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