Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport parking

So you’re soaring into the skies soon from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Perhaps you’re going to sample some gorgeous Georgia culture in Atlanta? To the POTUS’ seat of power in Washington DC, or to catch up with family in New York? Or you might be taking a vacay in Cancun, Toronto, Paris or Punta Cana? No matter your destination, you’ll find up-to-date information on (official and unofficial) DTW parking right here – alongside useful tips on airport facilities and amenities.

First though, let’s take a minute to put our hands up for Detroit. Because Motor City has a whole lot going for it. As well as the millions upon millions of vehicles that have been produced here, Detroit is a musical powerhouse famous the world over. The original home of Motown, it was Berry Gordy’s inspiration for bringing elite artists like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, the Four Tops, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye to the world.

As if that legendary list wasn’t enough, fast forward a few years (to the 80s/90s) and the city spawned Detroit Techno, with prominent artists like Jeff Mills, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson championing a movement that had a seminal influence on the development of electronic music around the globe.

Then there’s Detroit Hip-Hop. Commercially, the most prominent Detroit rapper is Eminem, but let’s not forget such luminaries as Big Sean, Royce Da 5’9”, Kash Doll and Xzibit.

And Detroit punches above its weight when it comes to sports too – most notably boxing. World Champions who have trained there include Thomas Hearns, Tyson Fury, Jermain Taylor, Lennox Lewis and Michael Moorer.

Popular things to do in Detroit include visiting the Belle Isle Island, gazing in wonder at the grand Gothic Detroit Masonic Temple, immersing yourself in military history at Fort Wayne, and getting revved up for amazing automotive history at the Henry Ford Museum.

Find the best deals at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

On the face of it, finding the best parking deal at DTW is easy. But did a little deeper and you’ll find yourself down a rabbit hole. From offsite to onsite options, official to unofficial, economy to valet, there’s a wealth of choice but a dearth of reliable guidance.

Because it’s not just about finding the best DTW parking deal – it’s finding the best deal for you. Which means carefully weighing up price with convenience and accessibility.

The good news is that we’ve put our thinking caps on to make it much easier for you.

Compare parking at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

There are thousands of parking spaces at DTW and once you define exactly what you need, it’s reasonably simple to compare like for like and make and informed decision.

What’s more, when it comes to DTW, convenient parking is just one (albeit important) part of the big picture. A major contributor to the Michigan economy (to the tune of $10.2 billion), the airport has over 500 direct employees and 18,000 people make their living there.

With over 140 nonstop destinations and 36.7 million annual passengers, this is Michigan’s largest airport and a major US international air hub. First opened in 1930 as Wayne Count Airport, control of DTW passed to the US Army in WWI (when it was renamed Romulus Army Air Field) and in 1947 it expanded to a four square miles area and took the name Detroit-Wayne Major Airport. It took on its current moniker in 1958 and expanded in subsequent decades, ranking highest in overall customer satisfaction in large US airports in the J.D. Power & Associates 2010 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

What parking is there at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport?

There’s lots of excellent official parking at Detroit Metro, but it’s also worth having a peek at established comparison sites to compare the cost of reliable offsite options. For example, by booking ahead with a site like Looking 4 Parking, you can enjoy significant savings on DTW parking at Valet Connections – Uncovered and Fast Lane Parking – Self Park – Uncovered.

Now let’s get the lowdown on official DTW parking.

Short Term Parking

If you want the most up-to-date info on DTW parking, call the 24/7 Detroit Metro Airport 24-hour parking hotline. You’ll find short term parking here in the Big Blue Deck and McNamara Parking Garage, with the cost rising incrementally up to a maximum stay of 24 hours.

Long Term Parking

If you’re away for a while, Long term parking at Detroit Metro is provided in the Green lots, the Big Blue Deck and the McNamara Parking Garage. If you’ve got a tall vehicle (7 ft and above), you should park in the Green lots. The cost rises in increments for the first day, after which a flat rate applies every additional 24 hours. Please note that Green lots 1 and 2 accept credit card payment only.

Electric Vehicle Parking

At the moment, EV parking stations are situated in the long term sections of the Big Blue Deck and McNamara structures and there’s no extra cost. The South Cell Phone Lot also has EV charging stations.

Valet Parking

When you want the personal touch at DTW, valet parking is located at the McNamara Terminal. When you drive into the airport, you’ll see signs for departures and valet parking – once you get there, trusted attendants will help with your luggage, give you a ticket and then park your ride securely in the monitored parking garage on level 6. For convenience, you can pay on your return with Google Pay, Apple Wallet, credit card or good old cash money.

Accessible parking

There’s accessible parking at DTW in the short-term and long-term areas.

Pick-up and drop-off

DTW has north and south cell phone lots where you can pick up and drop off passengers close to the terminal. You can’t leave your vehicle in these areas but you’re free to idle for a short while.

Getting to Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

Driving from downtown Detroit to DTW takes approximately 25 minutes (depending on traffic/conditions) via the I-94 W.

DTW’s two terminals are McNamara and Evans – double-check which you’re flying from before booking parking and hitting the road.

The GPS address is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), 11050 W G Rogell Dr, Detroit.

Facilities at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

No matter whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, spending time at DTW is a brilliant way to bookend your journey – there’s just so much to see and do and staff are super-friendly.

First off, you can keep in touch with your social media and check emails easily thanks to free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. There’s also a religious reflection room where you can spend some pre-flight time in quiet contemplation and well-appointed lounges in the McNamara Terminal courtesy of the Freedom Center and Delta Air Lines – and in the North Terminal courtesy of the Freedom Center and Lufthansa.

Flying on an empty stomach is a bad idea for anyone – but it’s particularly problematic when you’re traveling with kids. So do yourselves a favor and pre-empt their pleading by visiting one of the many excellent food emporiums at DTW. With the likes of Starbucks, Champos Americana, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s and Air Margaritaville, you’re spoiled for choice. And that’s just a sample of the offering at Evans Terminal. At McNamara Terminal, you can chow down at Longhorn Steakhouse, Sora Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Cat Cora’s Taproom. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Papa Joe’s Bistro and Market.

When you want to treat yourself (or buy a last-minute gift), the retail therapy selection at DTW is also first-rate. Pick up something shiny at Pandora, snazzy golf gear at the PGA Tour Shop, figure-enhancing underwear at Spanx, and luscious balms and ointments at The Body Shop.

Meanwhile, if you want to stay overnight before your flight, The Westin Hotel is a great choice – rooms are comfortable and there’s always a buzz around the place.

As you’d expect, there are plenty of ATMs, male, female, and family restrooms. And if you need directions or advice, Airport Ambassadors will cater to your every need.