Car Rental Detroit Airport

Renting a car at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city of Detroit and the surrounding region. Because public transportation in the metropolitan area is limited, many travelers choose to rent a vehicle to move freely between downtown, suburban business districts, and nearby destinations in the state of Michigan.

The airport offers a wide selection of rental companies and vehicle types, making it easy for both business travelers and tourists to find a suitable option immediately after arriving.

Location of the Rental Car Center

Unlike some airports where rental counters are inside the terminal, the car rental companies at DTW operate from a dedicated Rental Car Campus located along Lucas Drive, a short distance from the terminals. To reach the facility:

Follow signs for Ground Transportation after baggage claim.
Take the free rental car shuttle bus.
The shuttle runs frequently between the terminals and the rental center.

The transfer typically takes 5–10 minutes.

If you are arriving during peak hours, allow an additional 10–15 minutes for the shuttle and paperwork.

Average Prices and Rental Costs

Rental car prices at DTW vary depending on the vehicle type, season, and how far in advance the booking is made.

Typical daily rates include:

Economy cars: $40 – $70 per day
Compact or mid-size cars: $50 – $80 per day
SUVs: $70 – $120 per day
Luxury or premium vehicles: $120 – $200+ per day

Car Category	Typical Daily Price	Popular Models	Best For	Fuel Efficiency
Economy	$35 – $60	Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa	Solo travelers, short trips	Very high
Compact	$40 – $70	Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra	Couples, business travel	High
Intermediate / Midsize	$50 – $85	Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima	Comfortable city and highway travel	Medium–High
SUV	$70 – $120	Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer	Families, winter driving	Medium
Minivan	$90 – $150	Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan	Large families or groups	Medium
Luxury / Premium	$120 – $220+	BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT5	Business travelers, comfort	Medium

Popular Destinations by Car

Renting a car allows visitors to easily explore Detroit and nearby attractions.

Common driving destinations include:

Downtown Detroit

Distance: about 32 km (20 miles)
Travel time: 25–35 minutes

Ann Arbor

Home to the University of Michigan
Travel time: about 25 minutes

Dearborn

Location of the famous The Henry Ford
Travel time: about 20 minutes

Great Lakes road trips

Michigan offers access to scenic lakes and nature parks reachable within a few hours by car.

Detroit is a very car-oriented city, so renting a vehicle often saves time compared with public transportation.

Car Rental Insurance Options

When renting a car in the United States, companies usually offer several insurance or protection options.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW or LDW)

Covers damage or theft of the rental vehicle.

Typical cost:
$15–$30 per day

Liability Insurance

Provides coverage if you cause damage to other vehicles or property.

Personal Accident Insurance

Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.

Personal Effects Coverage

Protects belongings inside the vehicle.

Some credit cards and personal auto policies may already provide certain coverage options.

Rental agents often offer additional insurance at the counter, but it may not always be necessary if your credit card already includes coverage.

Requirements to Rent a Car

To rent a car at Detroit Metro Airport, travelers typically need:

A valid driver’s license
A credit card in the renter’s name
Minimum age usually 21 years (some companies require 25)

International travelers can usually rent a car using their home country driver’s license, although some companies recommend an International Driving Permit.

If you plan to explore several destinations around Detroit or visit nearby states like Ohio or Indiana, renting a car directly at the airport is often the most flexible and convenient transportation option.

Car rental companies

In Detroit Metro Airport you can find the following car rental companies: