DTW Airport Guide:
The Mid-West's Connection Hub
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the international airport serving the greater Detroit area. As a busy hub for connecting flights, many travelers only know DTW as a short stopover airport. Yet, despite being in the downtrodden Detroit metro area, DTW has a lot to offer.
The Positives With DTW
It may be a surprise to find out that DTW is one of the top-ranked airports in the U.S. DTW has received numerous accolades for its design, business amenities, lounge areas, and cleanliness. It is also known for offering a wide variety of quality shops and restaurants.
On the customer service side, DTW has been recognized for having excellent communication between service workers. This plays a role in creating a hospitable environment for travelers. The airport also received high marks for its efficient baggage check-in and claim procedures, and a hassle-free security screening process.
Interesting Things To Do
Go on a Relaxing Ride
If you get stuck at DTW for longer than you'd like, you'll find some interesting things to entertain yourself. You can check out the airport scenery by taking a ride on the shiny red Express Tram. As mentioned above, the train runs the length of Concourse A. You'll be able to see everything offered in the McNamara Terminal, as well as engage in some fast-motion people watching. The train is free, so you can ride back and forth to your heart's content to kill some time.
Free Light Therapy
If you need something to soothe your travel nerves, head to the McNamara tunnel, which connects Concourse A to Concourses B and C. Here, under the busy DTW airfield, you'll find a glass-lined tunnel showcasing awe-inspiring lighting effects. The LED-powered light show illuminates the entire tunnel like an underground aurora borealis. The lighting is accompanied by soft, ambient music that induces a soothing, meditative state. You can stand or sit in the floor area to watch the 30-minute presentation, or you can ride back and forth on the moving walkways.
Become an Airport Artist
If you're in the mood for an airport adventure, you can search for DTW's inscribed rocks. In Concourse B, among the various potted plants, are rocks inscribed with playful and thought-provoking messages from other travelers. Some even display colorful drawings etched on with crayons or colored pens. You can find this secret art nook by walking to the back of the hallway near Gate 21. If you are reading this before arriving to DTW, you might even want to pack some Crayola crayons for a quick art session.
Must-Try Restaurants
If you are looking for some good eating at DTW, stay away from the North Terminal (consisting of Concourses B and C), which is laden with chain restaurants. Instead, head over to the McNamara Terminal (South Terminal or Concourse A) where the food options are almost endless.
The McNamara Terminal houses traveler favorites such as Sora Japanese Cuisine, which offers fresh servings of sushi and sashimi. If you're traveling during winter, it's a good idea to head to Sora to warm up with a hot bowl of ramen or udon soup.
Vino Volo Wine Room offers an amazing wine selection considering its airport location. Its menu is full of distinct plates such as the smoked salmon and goat cheese omelet. With the wide variety of wines available, it is easy to find an appropriate pairing off the menu.
If you feel like dining on international food, Mediterranean Grill will suit your needs. The Middle Eastern-themed restaurant offers everything from hummus to baklava. It even has a full juice bar for those desiring a nutritious drink.
If you're just in the mood for a quick drink, check out the Heineken Lounge or the hockey-themed SlapShotz Bar and Grill. As far as food goes, DTW has plenty more options than these two; however, they are perfectly fine as watering holes if you don't plan on eating.
You’re Bound to Encounter DTW
DTW is Delta Airline's largest hub. If you have a cross-country Delta flight, there's a good chance you'll end up at DTW. The good news is that those who have layovers at DTW are easily able to make good use of the time.
DTW Parking Reservations
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We have a number of lot operators offering great DTW parking deals and discounts. All are within a short distance of Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and all offer free transportation to the airport for your convenience. We don't own or manage parking lots, our aim is to provide travelers with all the best parking options at any given airport. We work with hundreds of lot operators throughout the country to offer the best value rates, and our Detroit Airport Parking services are no exception. The parking lots you will find here are the most popular parking operators serving the airport and you can be assured of the quality of their service by browsing through some of the many hundreds of real customer reviews about where to park at DTW.