A long layover in Mount Clemens is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MTC:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 60 minutes into Mount Clemens, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into Mount Clemens from MTC
From MTC, the local transport gets you to Mount Clemens in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MTC aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Mount Clemens itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to Budget for Your Mount Clemens Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Mount Clemens:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $18 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $37 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What’s Worth Seeing in Mount Clemens
If you head into Mount Clemens, here are two things worth checking out:
Downtown Mount Clemens is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Lake St. Clair Metropark is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. 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 MTC, check out Selfridge Military Air Museum or Selfridge Base Exchange (BX) to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Mount Clemens: Bath City Bistro and O’Halloran’s Public House. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Selfridge Dining Facility (DFAC) or Selfridge BX Food Court. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MTC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Mount Clemens itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at MTC include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Mount Clemens count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave MTC. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.