The Detroit metropolitan area boasts two major airports, offering travelers a range of choices depending on their needs and destination. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel experience, saving you time, money, and stress. This guide will help you navigate the options and determine which Detroit airport is best suited for your trip.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): The Major Hub
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), located in Romulus, Michigan, is the largest and busiest airport serving the Detroit area. It's a major hub for Delta Air Lines, offering extensive domestic and international flight options. This means more flight choices, potentially better flight times, and often more competitive pricing.
Advantages of DTW:
- Extensive Flight Network: DTW offers a vast network of domestic and international flights, connecting to countless destinations worldwide. This is particularly advantageous for travelers with connecting flights or those heading to less-frequently served locations.
- More Amenities: DTW is a large airport, providing a wider array of amenities, including numerous restaurants, shops, lounges, and comfortable seating areas. This makes it a more convenient option for long layovers or travelers with special needs.
- Better Transportation Options: DTW offers more robust transportation links, including rental car facilities, public transportation (buses and the SMART bus system), and taxi and ride-sharing services.
Disadvantages of DTW:
- Larger and More Crowded: Being a major hub, DTW can be significantly more crowded than its smaller counterpart. This can mean longer lines for security checks, baggage claim, and transportation.
- Further from City Center: DTW is located further from downtown Detroit than Coleman Young Airport, requiring a longer commute.
Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET): The Smaller, Closer Option
Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET), located within the city limits of Detroit, is a smaller airport primarily serving regional and domestic flights. While it offers fewer flight options compared to DTW, its proximity to downtown Detroit is a significant advantage for many travelers.
Advantages of DET:
- Closer to Downtown Detroit: DET's location within the city offers significantly shorter travel times for those staying in or near downtown. This can be a huge time saver, especially if you're on a tight schedule or traveling with luggage.
- Less Crowded: As a smaller airport, DET generally experiences shorter lines and less congestion than DTW.
- Potentially Cheaper Parking: Parking at DET is often less expensive than at DTW.
Disadvantages of DET:
- Limited Flight Options: DET offers a significantly smaller selection of flights, primarily focusing on domestic routes and fewer international destinations. You might find fewer airlines and less frequent departures.
- Fewer Amenities: The smaller size of DET translates to fewer amenities available to travelers, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
- Limited Transportation Options: Transportation options at DET are more limited than at DTW.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The best airport for you depends on your specific travel needs:
- Choose DTW if: You need a wide selection of flights, both domestic and international; prefer a larger airport with more amenities; don't mind a longer commute from the airport to your destination.
- Choose DET if: You prioritize convenience and proximity to downtown Detroit; prefer a smaller, less crowded airport; your destination is served by flights from DET.
What are the transportation options from each airport?
DTW Transportation Options: DTW offers a comprehensive range of transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft), the SMART bus system, and the Michigan Flyer bus service, providing connections to various locations throughout Michigan and beyond.
DET Transportation Options: DET offers taxis, ride-sharing services, and limited public transportation options. The transportation choices are less extensive than at DTW.
How far are the airports from downtown Detroit?
DTW is approximately 20 miles from downtown Detroit, while DET is located within the city limits and much closer to the downtown core.
Which airport is better for international travel?
For international travel, DTW is generally the better choice due to its vastly superior flight network and connections to international destinations.
What airlines operate from each airport?
Both airports offer a range of airlines, but DTW serves a much wider variety and offers more flight options. Check the airlines' websites for the most current and accurate flight schedule information.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the Detroit airport that best fits your travel needs and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
