Downtown Detroit with Renaissance Center, Campus Martius, Greektown, and the Detroit Riverwalk along the waterfront.

About Downtown Detroit

Detroit\'s downtown revival is one of America\'s most compelling urban comeback stories. The Renaissance Center (General Motors headquarters) anchors the riverfront, while Campus Martius Park has become the city\'s living room, surrounded by restaurants, food halls, and the revived Spirit of Detroit statue. Woodward Avenue, Detroit\'s main boulevard, connects a string of cultural gems—the Detroit Institute of Arts (home to Diego Rivera\'s famous Industry Murals), the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

The city\'s music heritage is legendary. Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.) on West Grand Boulevard is where Berry Gordy launched the Supremes, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and more. The Fox Theatre, one of the most ornate movie palaces in America, hosts Broadway shows and concerts. Detroit\'s food scene has exploded with Michelin-recognized restaurants. The Eastern Market, America\'s largest open-air market, buzzes every Saturday with 40,000+ visitors. The Detroit Riverwalk offers beautiful waterfront strolling with views of Windsor, Canada just across the river.

Nearby Landmarks

Motown Museum Detroit Institute of Arts Fox Theatre Campus Martius Park GM Renaissance Center

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $45-55
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $35-50
Time 25-35 minutes

Ground level outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Board SMART Route 125 from outside McNamara Terminal to downtown Detroit.

Michigan Flyer

Cost $12-15
Time 45 minutes
Frequency Every 2 hours

McNamara Terminal ground level

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $45-55 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $35-50 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $12-15 45 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no direct late-night public transit from the airport to downtown Detroit. Uber and Lyft operate 24/7 at DTW—the ride to downtown costs approximately $35–55. The QLine streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue until about 12:00 AM. Downtown Detroit restaurants close by 10:00–11:00 PM on weekdays; some bars stay open until 2:00 AM.

Luggage Tips

Ride-sharing and taxis handle luggage easily for the DTW-to-downtown trip. The SMART bus has luggage racks. Downtown Detroit hotels (Shinola, Foundation, Detroit Marriott) offer bell service. If visiting Eastern Market or Motown Museum, you can park with luggage in your car safely in staffed lots.

Accessibility

Downtown Detroit has improved accessibility with the QLine streetcar (fully accessible, low-floor boarding), new sidewalks, and accessible buildings. Campus Martius area is flat and paved. The DIA and major museums are fully accessible. The Riverwalk is flat and wheelchair-friendly. Some older neighborhoods have uneven sidewalks.