30/08/2005
When arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), one of the most convenient ways to explore the vibrant city of Detroit and its surrounding areas is by hiring a car. While the process might differ slightly from what you've experienced at other airports, DTW has a streamlined system in place, primarily relying on a dedicated off-site Rental Car Campus. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from arriving at the terminal to driving away in your chosen vehicle, ensuring a smooth and efficient car hire experience.
It's crucial to understand a key difference when hiring a car at DTW: there are no rental car desks located inside the airport terminals themselves. This setup is designed to enhance efficiency and provide a centralised location for all major car hire providers. Instead, passengers are transported to a dedicated Rental Car Campus located on airport property via complimentary shuttle buses. This centralised approach means that regardless of your airline or terminal, the fundamental process for picking up your vehicle remains consistent.
For Airline Passengers: Your Seamless Shuttle Connection
Upon arrival at DTW, your journey to collecting your car hire will begin by locating the designated ground transportation areas and boarding a courtesy shuttle. While the general procedure is similar across all terminals, there are slight nuances to be aware of.
Evans Terminal (Services Most Airlines)
The Evans Terminal serves a wide array of airlines, including Air Canada, American, United, Lufthansa, US Airways, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Jet Blue, AirTran, and Royal Jordanian. Once your flight has landed and you've collected your luggage, follow the clear "Ground Transportation" signs. These will direct you to the lower level baggage claim area. From there, continue to follow the terminal signs leading to the first floor, specifically looking for the "Walkway to Ground Transportation." This is where the dedicated car hire courtesy bus will be waiting to transport you directly to the Rental Car Campus. If, for any reason, a bus is not immediately available, proceed to the nearest courtesy phone and dial the number for your specific car hire provider (e.g., Budget Car Rental, as per the typical procedure). They will arrange for the next available shuttle to pick you up.
The McNamara (Delta Terminal)
Predominantly serving Delta and Air France passengers, the McNamara Terminal also has a straightforward process for accessing car hire. After collecting your baggage from the lower level baggage claim area, follow the "Ground Transportation" signs. Upon exiting the building, you will need to cross the street where you should look for the shuttle bus designated for car hire services. Similar to the Evans Terminal, if you do not see a shuttle immediately, utilise a nearby courtesy phone to contact your car hire provider, and they will dispatch a bus to your location.
International Terminal
For passengers arriving on international carriers, the procedure at the International Terminal mirrors that of the McNamara Terminal. Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage from the lower level baggage claim area, follow the "Ground Transportation" signs. Exit the building and cross the street to find the car hire shuttle bus stop. Should a shuttle not be present, use a courtesy phone to contact your chosen car hire company for assistance and to request a pick-up.
Key Information for Your Journey to the Rental Car Campus
Understanding the logistics of the shuttle service is vital for planning your onward journey from DTW. The Rental Car Campus is conveniently located on airport property, ensuring minimal travel time once you're on the shuttle.
Shuttle Ride Times
The time taken for the shuttle ride varies slightly depending on which terminal you are departing from. It's advisable to factor these times into your overall travel plans:
- From the closest terminal: Please allow approximately 7 minutes for the bus ride to the car hire counter.
- From the farthest terminal: Please allow approximately 11 minutes for the bus ride to the car hire counter.
Distance from Terminal to Car Lot
The actual distance from the airport terminals to where your car will be parked at the Rental Car Campus is approximately 1.8 miles. The shuttle bus will deliver you to the car hire facility, which is roughly 1 mile from the airport terminal, and from there, you will be directed to your vehicle.
For Local Renters: Direct Access to Your Vehicle
For those residing locally or arriving at DTW via means other than an airline, accessing the Rental Car Campus is equally straightforward. This dedicated facility offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off point without the need to enter the main airport terminals.
If you are travelling from I-94 East bound, take the exit at Middle Belt Road. Upon exiting, turn right at the traffic lights. Continue for approximately half a mile (0.5 miles), and then turn right onto Lucas Drive. You will then see signs directing you to the Rental Car Campus, which is strategically situated on the northeast corner of the Airport along Lucas Drive. Your specific car hire provider, for example, Budget, will typically be located at the first driveway on the right-hand side of the street as you enter the campus. This direct access makes it exceptionally convenient for local renters to pick up or drop off their vehicles without navigating the busy terminal areas.
Picking Up Your Vehicle: A Smooth Transition
Once the shuttle bus delivers you to the Rental Car Campus, you will proceed inside to the counter of your chosen car hire company. Here, you'll complete the necessary paperwork, present your driving licence and any other required identification or payment methods. After the administrative process is complete, customers are typically shuttled a very short distance from the counter area to where the vehicles are parked. This final shuttle ensures a quick and efficient transfer directly to your car, ready for your onward journey.
Returning Your Car at DTW: An Easy Process
The process for returning your car hire at Detroit Metropolitan Airport is designed to be as simple as the pick-up. You will return your vehicle to the exact same location on the Rental Car Campus where you initially picked it up. Follow the signs for "Rental Car Returns" as you approach the airport vicinity. Once you enter the campus, look for the specific drop-off area designated by your car hire company. After parking your vehicle, a shuttle bus will be available to transport you back to your respective airline terminal, ensuring an easy return and convenient connection to your departing flight.
Getting to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Whether you're picking up a friend, dropping off a family member, or simply navigating to the airport for other reasons, reaching Detroit Metropolitan Airport is well-signposted and accessible from major roadways. If you are approaching DTW from the east, specifically via I-94 East bound, the primary route involves a clear exit and turn.
To reach Detroit Airport from I-94 East bound, take the ramp towards Detroit. As you continue, keep to the left lane to take the Middlebelt Rd. exit, which is Exit 199. After exiting, bear to the right and then turn right onto Middlebelt Road. You will notice that significant airport parking facilities, such as U.S. Park-DTW airport parking, will be visible on your left-hand side as a landmark, confirming you are on the correct route towards the airport facilities and the Rental Car Campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Hire at DTW
- Q: Are there car hire desks inside the Detroit Metropolitan Airport terminals?
- A: No, there are no car hire desks inside the airport terminals at DTW. All major car hire companies operate from a dedicated off-site Rental Car Campus.
- Q: How do I get to the Rental Car Campus from my terminal?
- A: Upon arrival, follow "Ground Transportation" signs to the lower level. From there, you'll board a complimentary shuttle bus that will take you directly to the Rental Car Campus. Look for signs indicating the car hire shuttle pick-up points at each terminal.
- Q: How long does the shuttle ride take to the Rental Car Campus?
- A: The shuttle ride typically takes between 7 to 11 minutes, depending on your originating terminal. Allow sufficient time in your schedule for this transfer.
- Q: What should I do if the car hire shuttle isn't waiting when I arrive at the pick-up point?
- A: If a shuttle isn't immediately present, proceed to a nearby courtesy phone. These phones are typically found in the ground transportation areas and allow you to dial your specific car hire provider to request a pick-up.
- Q: Can local residents also hire cars from the DTW Rental Car Campus?
- A: Yes, local renters can access the Rental Car Campus directly by car, without needing to go through the airport terminals. Clear directions from I-94 East are available to guide you to the facility.
- Q: Where do I return my hired car at Detroit Airport?
- A: You return your hired car to the same Rental Car Campus location where you picked it up. Follow the signs for "Rental Car Returns" as you approach the airport area.
- Q: How far is the Rental Car Campus from the airport terminals?
- A: The car hire facility is approximately 1 mile from the airport terminal, and the car lot itself is about 1.8 miles from the terminals. The shuttle service bridges this distance efficiently.
- Q: What kind of identification do I need to hire a car at DTW?
- A: Typically, you will need a valid driving licence, a credit card in your name, and sometimes an additional form of identification. It's always best to confirm specific requirements with your chosen car hire company beforehand.
Hiring a car at Detroit Metropolitan Airport is an efficient and straightforward process, designed with traveller convenience in mind. By understanding the off-site Rental Car Campus system and utilising the dedicated shuttle service, you can ensure a seamless transition from your flight to the open road. Whether you're an airline passenger or a local renter, DTW's car hire facilities are set up to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to quickly embark on your Detroit adventure.
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