Detroit travel guide

Detroit travel guide

National Airports

There are two main airports that serve the Detroit metropolitan area:

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): Located in Romulus, Michigan, about 20 miles west of downtown Detroit, DTW is the largest airport in Michigan and one of the busiest in the United States. It serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is also served by several other major airlines, including American, United, and Southwest.

Bishop International Airport (FNT): Located in Flint, Michigan, about 60 miles north of Detroit, FNT is a smaller airport that primarily serves domestic flights. It is served by several airlines, including Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.

While DTW is the main airport serving the Detroit area and offers more flight options, FNT is a good alternative for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and congestion of a larger airport.

Trains in Detroit

There are several train options for traveling to and from Detroit:

Amtrak: Amtrak’s Wolverine and Blue Water lines both serve Detroit. The Wolverine line runs between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan, with stops in downtown Detroit, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor. The Blue Water line runs between Chicago and Port Huron, Michigan, with stops in downtown Detroit and East Lansing.

QLine: The QLine is a streetcar system that runs along Woodward Avenue, connecting downtown Detroit with Midtown and several other neighborhoods. While it is not a traditional train service, it is a convenient way to travel within the city center.

Detroit People Mover: The Detroit People Mover is a small, automated train system that runs on an elevated track around downtown Detroit. It is a convenient way to travel between popular destinations in the city center, including the Renaissance Center, Greektown, and the Detroit Opera House.

While train travel is not as common in the United States as it is in some other parts of the world, the options available in Detroit provide a convenient and affordable way to travel within the city and to nearby destinations.

Buses in Detroit

Detroit has several bus options for travelers, including:

Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT): The DDOT is the primary public bus system in the city of Detroit, with over 40 different routes serving destinations throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART): SMART is a regional bus system that serves Detroit and several surrounding counties. It offers several routes that connect Detroit with nearby cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Pontiac.

Greyhound: Greyhound is a national bus company that offers long-distance bus service to and from Detroit. Its terminal is located downtown, near the city’s main transportation hub, the Rosa Parks Transit Center.

Megabus: Megabus is a low-cost bus company that offers service to several cities in the Midwest and Northeast from its terminal in Detroit.

Michigan Flyer: The Michigan Flyer is a bus service that offers transportation between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and several destinations in Ann Arbor and East Lansing.

These bus options provide affordable and convenient transportation options for travelers in and around Detroit, whether you’re commuting within the city or traveling to nearby destinations.

How to get to Detroit

Detroit is located in the Midwest region of the United States and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation:

By plane: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is located about 20 miles west of downtown Detroit and serves as the primary airport for the city. It offers nonstop flights to dozens of domestic and international destinations.

By car: Detroit is easily accessible by car via several major highways, including Interstate 75, Interstate 94, and Interstate 96. It is located about four hours east of Chicago, five hours west of Cleveland, and two hours north of Toledo.

By train: Amtrak’s Wolverine and Blue Water lines both serve Detroit, with several daily trains stopping at the city’s main train station, the Detroit Amtrak Station.

By bus: Several national bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus, offer service to Detroit from cities throughout the Midwest and Northeast.

By boat: Detroit is located on the Detroit River, which serves as the border between the United States and Canada. Several cruise lines offer tours and excursions on the river, including those that visit nearby Windsor, Ontario.

No matter how you choose to get to Detroit, there are plenty of transportation options available to make your trip as convenient and enjoyable as possible.

What is the best time to travel to Detroit

The best time to travel to Detroit depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:

Weather: Detroit has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. If you prefer milder weather, the best time to visit is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November), when temperatures are generally pleasant and there are fewer crowds. However, if you don’t mind the heat, summer (July-August) can be a great time to visit, with plenty of outdoor festivals and events.

Festivals and Events: Detroit is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the North American International Auto Show in January, the Detroit Grand Prix in May, the Movement Electronic Music Festival in May/June, the Ford Fireworks in June/July, and the Detroit Jazz Festival in September.

Budget: Traveling during peak tourist season (summer and major events) can be more expensive, with higher prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions. If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season.

Crowds: If you prefer to avoid crowds, the off-season (December-March) may be a good time to visit, as there are fewer tourists and shorter lines at popular attractions.

Overall, the best time to travel to Detroit depends on your preferences and priorities. Whether you’re interested in festivals and events, pleasant weather, or affordable prices, there are plenty of options throughout the year to make your trip enjoyable.

How to get around Detroit

Detroit has several transportation options for getting around the city, including:

Car: If you have access to a car, driving is one of the most convenient ways to get around Detroit. The city has a well-developed road network and several major highways, including I-75, I-94, and I-96, that connect to other parts of the city and surrounding suburbs.

Public transportation: Detroit’s public transportation system consists of buses operated by the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). The buses cover most areas of the city and suburbs, but service can be limited in some areas, especially during off-peak hours.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Detroit, and can be a convenient option for getting around the city, especially if you don’t have access to a car.

Bike: Detroit has several bike-friendly routes, including bike lanes and designated bike paths. You can rent bikes from various bike-sharing programs around the city, such as MoGo.

Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially downtown and the riverfront. The city is relatively compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Overall, there are several options for getting around Detroit, depending on your preferences and budget. Whether you choose to drive, take public transportation, or explore the city on foot or bike, there are plenty of ways to see all that Detroit has to offer.

Accommodations in Detroit

Detroit has a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some options:

Downtown hotels: Detroit’s downtown area has several hotels, including luxury properties like the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit and the MGM Grand Detroit, as well as more affordable options like the Holiday Inn Express Detroit Downtown.

Historic hotels: Detroit has several historic hotels that offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past, including the iconic Detroit Athletic Club, the historic Inn on Ferry Street, and the historic Hotel St. Regis.

Bed and breakfasts: For a more intimate experience, consider staying at one of Detroit’s charming bed and breakfasts, such as The Cochrane House Luxury Historic Inn or the The Inn at 97 Winder.

Short-term rentals: Short-term rentals like Airbnb are popular in Detroit, and can be a good option for those looking for a more local, residential experience.

Budget accommodations: If you’re on a tight budget, there are several affordable accommodations in Detroit, such as the Hostel Detroit and the Trumbull and Porter Hotel Detroit.

No matter what type of accommodation you prefer, Detroit has plenty of options to choose from. It’s always a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel times or major events in the city.