Detroit Metro (DTW) Airport Guide

Detroit Metro Airport handles over 36 million passengers each year and is the main US hub and international gateway for Northwest Airlines.

Other major carriers serving the airport include Air France, Delta, Lufthansa and KLM.

There are three terminal buildings at Detroit Metro - the North Terminal, Smith Terminal and McNamara Terminal.

The airport is situated around 32 kilometres south-west of downtown Detroit.

With more than 120 shops and restaurants at the airport, passengers should have no trouble keeping themselves occupied while waiting for a flight.

Shops include Gadgets to Go, the Harley Davidson Store, Ora Oxygen and She-Chic. Holidaymakers can even buy their pooch a present by visiting The Stylish Paw in the McNamara Terminal, which stocks a wide range of pet-themed gifts.

There are also several duty free outlets, as well as a PGA golf shop and dozens of newsagents and book stores.

The airport is home to an excellent range of bars and restaurants, with everything from fast food outlets to sit-down eateries.

Restaurants include TGI Friday's, Pasta Bravo, the Jose Cuervo Tequileria and Sora, which serves sushi and Asian cuisine.

In addition, there are several cafes, including Starbucks and the Coffee Beanery.

Passengers will find several foreign exchange desks, ATMs and shoeshine areas within the terminals. Wireless internet access is available throughout the airport.

Detroit Metro Airport has three terminal buildings; however, the Smith Terminal is used to house administrative offices only.

Terminals are connected by a shuttle bus, which departs every ten minutes. The journey between the North Terminal and McNamara Terminal takes around seven minutes.

As the car capital of the US, it may not come as a surprise to hear that Detroit is not big on public transport.

A SMART bus stop is located near the airport terminals, where passengers will find regular services to the city centre.

The nearest train station to the airport is 19 kilometres away.

However, there are plenty of options available for those looking to hire a car. Most of the major rental companies have a base at the airport, including Budget, Hertz, Avis and National.

Passengers will also find taxis operating outside of the airport and can expect to pay around $41 for a one-way trip to downtown Detroit, with a journey to Ann Arbor costing $47.

Those taking a taxi from outside the McNamara Terminal can expect to pay a slightly higher rate.

Travellers making their onward journey from the Coleman A Young International Airport - formally Detroit City Airport - can either take a taxi there directly or travel via the city centre.