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Find competitive rental car prices at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. The dedicated Lucas Drive rental campus brings Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and other top brands under one roof, reachable by a free 5-minute shuttle from both terminals. Book early to skip peak Monday lines and see total prices that already include DTW concession and facility fees.
The DTW airport rental car campus is located in the northeast corner of the airport along Lucas Drive, housing all major rental companies in one consolidated area.
| Rental Location Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | DTW Rental Car Campus, Lucas Drive (northeast corner of airport) |
| Available Companies | All major providers: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and others |
| Hours of Operation | Most counters open extended hours, many 24/7 for late flights |
| Transportation to Rental Area | Free shuttle buses from both McNamara and North Evans terminals |
| Shuttle Frequency | Every few minutes (around 5-10 minute wait) |
| Shuttle Duration | Around 5-7 minutes to rental car campus |
| After-Hours Returns | Available through drop boxes; most agencies offer 24-hour drop-off |
Pickup Process: 1. Upon arrival, collect your luggage at baggage claim 2. Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" to find shuttle bus pickup area 3. Board the free rental car shuttle (runs every few minutes) 4. At the rental center, proceed to your reserved company's counter 5. Complete paperwork and receive keys 6. Proceed to designated parking area to locate your vehicle
Peak Demand Strategies:
On average, car rentals at Detroit Metro Airport cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare the true "all-in" price. DTW tacks on an 11 % airport concession tax plus a $5/day facility fee. Use our comparison tool to weigh that final number against downtown Detroit rates (and the $40-60 ride you'd need to get there).
Watch the calendar, not just the clock. Summer and holiday weeks surge, so locking in 2-3 months early can pay off then. In quiet months like January, keep an eye on prices and pounce when they dip—flexibility often beats "book ASAP."
Play the weekly-rate loophole. Weird but true: five to seven days can be cheaper than four. Add an extra day, then return the car early (most contracts prorate), and pocket the difference.
Shift your pickup window. Sunday arrivals or late-evening flights see shorter lines and, at times, lower rates than the Monday noon business rush. A small tweak to flight times can spare both cash and stress.
Rental Return Process:
Return Time Considerations:
Airport-Specific Regulations:
Get a rental to easily:
Dearborn – Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village
Ann Arbor – University of Michigan campus, art museums
What's the fastest way to pick up my rental car at DTW? The fastest way is to join your rental company's rewards program before you travel. Members of programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, National Emerald Club or Avis Preferred can often skip the counter and go straight to their car in the lot.
Can I return my DTW rental after hours if my flight leaves early morning? Yes, you can. All major rental companies at DTW let you return your car after hours. Just park in the special return area, fill out the rental envelope and put your keys in the secure drop box. You should keep a copy of your return papers as proof.
How long does the shuttle take from the terminal to the rental car center? The free shuttle bus ride between the terminals and the rental car center takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You can find shuttles running every few minutes from special pickup spots outside baggage claim at both the McNamara and North terminals.
Is there a difference in vehicle availability between on-airport and off-airport rental companies? The rental companies right at the airport usually have a bigger selection and more types of cars. Off-airport companies might give you a lower price, but you will need a ride to get to them and they might not be open as late.
Can I pick up at DTW and drop off at a different location? Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals. They often don't charge extra if you drop the car off somewhere else in Michigan. If you drop it off in another state, they may add a one-way fee. You should check the company's policy and any extra costs when you book.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the rental counter closes? Most major rental counters at DTW stay open very late or 24/7. If your flight is very late, you should call the rental company to make sure they hold your car for you. Some rewards programs promise to hold your car no matter when you arrive.
How much should I budget for tolls when driving from DTW? Michigan doesn't have many toll roads. The main tolls you might pay are for the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel to Canada (about $5–$6 each way). You'll also pay a $4 toll for the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula. Most major highways in Michigan are free.
What's the best way to avoid long wait times at DTW rental counters? To spend less time waiting, you should try to avoid busy times like midday on Mondays. You can also join a rewards program to skip the counter, check in online before you get there and try to arrive a little earlier or later than the busiest time for flights, which is usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Do I need winter tires if renting from DTW during winter months? The rental cars at DTW usually have all-season tires, not special winter tires. These tires are normally good enough for winter driving in Michigan as long as you drive carefully. Cars that have AWD can give you better grip in the winter, but you still need to drive carefully.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card at DTW rental counters? Most rental places at DTW will take a debit card, but they will ask for more things. They might run a credit check, ask for proof of your return flight and charge a higher security deposit (usually $500+ instead of $200 for credit cards). Using a credit card usually makes the rental process easier.
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