Active military service members can relax in the Michigan Freedom Center’s located in both terminals at DTW. The centers provide military service members with an opportunity for rest and reflection as they travel for deployment or return home.
One of the most interesting yet little-noticed unique items at Detroit Metro Airport is the water feature in the center of the McNamara terminal. This fountain/living art has 45 “leapfrog” devices that shoot synchronized laminar water flow streams. It is 39-ft. wide, elliptical-shaped of black granite made by WET Design of Burbank, California. Continuous water flows over the granite and creates a mirror-like smooth surface that travelers love to touch. All the coins flipped into the water feature are donated to local charities.
Hint: The feature is surrounded by cafes and coffee bars. It is a great place to grab an espresso, and people-watch. The fountain is in a great central location to the tram station and the main Delta Sky Club.
Covering nearly a mile, the main McNamara Terminal is the world’s second-longest airport concourse. Luckily DTW has a set of trams that run the entire length of the concourse. The tram can get travelers from one end to the other in about three minutes. Needless to say, it is a great way to see the entire terminal and not limit yourself to restaurants and shops on only one end.
Cruising at about 30 mph, each of the trams rides on a half-inch of air created by 72 air pads on the bottom of each train. It’s a fantastic sight, and the tram is so quiet that you hardly notice its whizzing by above you.
The Westin Hotel at Detroit Metro Airport stands out as a highly convenient hotel option for travelers. Located directly inside the McNamara Terminal, it offers unparalleled access to airport amenities and gates. The guest rooms are designed with comfort and tranquility in mind, featuring the signature Westin Heavenly Bed® and soundproof windows to ensure a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. Each clean room is equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed internet and a spacious work area, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel also includes additional facilities like an indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a restful and rejuvenating stay right at the airport.
If you’re meeting up with friends or family at the airport, consider joining them at the Westin Hotel’s atrium lobby. This is the only on-site hotel located on the airport property. Renovated in 2017, the hotel’s skylight atrium restaurant offers a classy rendezvous point away from the terminal crowds. You can enjoy a meal or a craft beer and watch your flight’s status on nearby monitors.
When you’re ready to travel, you can go through security at the hotel’s private security checkpoint, located in the lobby. If you’re staying at the hotel, the Westin offers a unique Beyond the Screening Checkpoint Program, allowing registered overnight hotel guests to visit the shops and restaurants in the McNamara Terminal. Shopping is one of the highlighted things to do at Detroit Metro Airport.
For those traveling with pets and service animals, Detroit Metro Airport has facilities for their relief.
The McNamara Terminal has two Service Animal Relief Areas. The main terminal, it’s near Gate A-34. The other is outside the International Arrivals area at the lower level. Both sites provide plastic bags and a container for the disposal of solid waste.
One of the frustrating aspects of DTW is picking upon arrival. The pick-up area for both the North Terminal and McNamara can be quite busy, and sitting for long periods of time in the arrival zone will result in the attention of airport security and the local sheriff.
Fortunately Detroit Metro has two cell phones waiting for areas. They are free and offer a fairly good vantage point to watch take-offs and landings as you wait for your arrival. Look for signs directing you to the lots as you arrive.
South Lot – Off of Eureka Road
North Green Lot – Off of the East Entrance Service drive
When your party lands have them give you a call then head for their arrival terminal. It’s a stress-free and very convenient way to navigate at DTW airport.
There are thousands of drivers in Southeast Michigan providing their services using mobile apps from Lyft, Uber, and Zoom. Using driver services is a great way to arrange for transportation to and from DTW from just about anywhere.
Due to airport regulations, rideshare services must stage their drivers in a waiting area outside the departing passenger area. Using a mobile app of your choice’s rideshare service, you can arrange for pick up using the first available driver in the waiting area.
Traveling from Detroit Metro Airport to Ann Arbor is a straightforward and convenient journey, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned travelers. The drive typically takes about 25 minutes via I-94 West, a direct route that offers a smooth transit with clear signage guiding you towards Ann Arbor. For those not renting a car, there are several shuttle services available that provide comfortable and efficient transportation directly to various points in Ann Arbor, including the University of Michigan campus and downtown areas. Additionally, ride-sharing services with friendly drivers are readily available at the airport, ensuring that reaching your destination is hassle-free and timely.
Getting to East Lansing from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is both economical and comfortable using bus services such as the Michigan Flyer. This bus service is well-regarded for its reliability and convenience, offering multiple departures daily that sync well with various flight schedules. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, providing a direct route to East Lansing with stops typically at Michigan State University and downtown East Lansing. The coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi, charging ports for your devices, and ample luggage space, making it a favored choice for students, professionals, and tourists alike. The Michigan Flyer’s schedule and bookings are easily accessible online, making it simple to plan your trip in advance.