If you’ve got a layover in Detroit, don’t let it go to waste sitting at DTW. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 130 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share & SMART Bus. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Detroit, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Detroit is roughly 130 minutes from DTW via Taxi/Ride-share & SMART Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into Detroit
From DTW, the Taxi/Ride-share & SMART Bus gets you to Detroit in around 130 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 150 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Ride-share & SMART Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Detroit, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Bag Storage Near DTW
Specific locker facilities at DTW aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Detroit itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Detroit:
Start with Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Campus Martius Park. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at DTW, check out McNamara Terminal Light Tunnel or The Spa @ DTW to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Detroit: Lafayette Coney Island and Buddy’s Pizza (Downtown). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Andiamo or Max & Erma’s. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at DTW, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at DTW for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Detroit or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Detroit with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Detroit may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.