Detroit Airport Terminal Guide 2025 – DTW Map, Airlines, Shuttle, and Tips

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has two main terminals:

1. McNamara Terminal – used by Delta, Air France, and KLM

2. Evans Terminal (formerly North Terminal) – used by Spirit, American, Lufthansa, and most other airlines

Why You Need a DTW Terminal Guide

DTW is one of the busiest airports in the US Midwest, handling over 36 million passengers annually. With two large terminals, multiple concourses, and complex transfers, it can overwhelm even seasoned travelers.

This guide helps you:

• Navigate DTW like a pro

• Identify the correct terminal for your airline

• Access maps, lounges, dining, TSA tips, and shuttle info

1. Save time and avoid common airport hassles

This 2025 DTW guide is your go-to for smooth connections. Whether you’re catching a Delta flight or switching terminals for an international leg, we’ve got the maps, tips, and hacks to make your journey through Detroit fast and stress-free. 

 

DTW Terminal Maps with Airline Locations – McNamara vs Evans

 

Imagine DTW as two large, separate structures connected by roadways and shuttle services.

 

1. McNamara Terminal (Detroit World Gateway Building)

 

(Source: https://www.metroairport.com/)

 

This is DTW’s largest terminal, serving as Delta Air Lines’ primary hub. It features a long, central concourse (Concourse A) with two smaller, parallel concourses (Concourse B and C) accessible via an underground pedestrian tunnel and an overhead tram (the “SkyTram”). Concourse A is notable for its impressive central retail and dining area, including the famous water feature.

 

1. Evans Terminal (Warren Cleage Evans Terminal / Formerly North Terminal)

 

(Source: https://www.metroairport.com/)

This terminal handles all other domestic and international airlines not affiliated with Delta. It’s a single, linear concourse (Concourse D), making it relatively straightforward to navigate.

 

How to Switch Between Terminals at DTW Airport

It’s crucial to remember that you cannot walk between the McNamara and Evans terminals as they are separate buildings.

• Free Airport Shuttle: DTW provides a complimentary shuttle service that runs regularly between the McNamara Terminal, the Evans Terminal, and the airport’s various parking facilities. Look for “Terminal Shuttle” signs outside baggage claim—it’s the quickest way to switch terminals.

 

Airlines by Terminal at DTW

 

Airline	Terminal
Delta Air Lines	McNamara Terminal
Air France	McNamara Terminal
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	McNamara Terminal
Aeromexico	McNamara Terminal
Southwest Airlines	Evans Terminal
United Airlines	Evans Terminal
American Airlines	Evans Terminal
Spirit Airlines	Evans Terminal
Lufthansa	Evans Terminal
Frontier Airlines	Evans Terminal
JetBlue Airways	Evans Terminal
Alaska Airlines	Evans Terminal
Royal Jordanian	Evans Terminal
WestJet	Evans Terminal
All other non-Delta carriers	Evans Terminal

 

Dining, Shopping & Lounges at DTW

DTW offers a wide array of options to keep you fed, entertained, and relaxed before your flight.

McNamara Terminal (Delta Hub):

• Dining: Home to numerous choices, from quick bites like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A to sit-down restaurants like P.F. Chang’s, Andiamo, and Longhorn Steakhouse. You’ll find diverse cuisines including American, Italian, and Asian. Look for Leo’s Coney Island for a taste of local Detroit favorites.
• Shopping: Offers a vast selection, from newsstands and bookstores to luxury boutiques. Look for Duty-Free shops for international travelers, as well as unique local Detroit-inspired shops.
• Lounges: Features multiple Delta Sky Club locations throughout Concourse A, B, and C. You’ll also find the Freedom Lounge (USO) for military personnel and their families.

Evans Terminal (North Terminal):

• Dining: Includes popular spots like National Coney Island for Detroit’s iconic hot dogs, Starbucks, and a variety of quick-service and casual dining options.
• Shopping: Offers essentials, newsstands, and specialty stores. Duty-Free is available for international departures.
• Lounges: Primarily hosts the Lufthansa Lounge and other airline-specific lounges for eligible passengers.

 

Security, Customs & Transfers at DTW

Navigating security, customs, and inter-terminal transfers efficiently is crucial for a smooth DTW experience.

• TSA Checkpoints: Each terminal has multiple TSA checkpoints. The McNamara Terminal has a large central checkpoint for Concourse A, with additional checkpoints for Concourses B/C. The Evans handles screening on-site with its own dedicated checkpoints.
• Wait Time Tips: To minimize stress, always check current TSA wait times. You can typically find real-time updates on the official Detroit Metro Airport website (metroairport.com) or via the TSA’s official website (tsa.gov/wait-times).
• Expedited Screening:
  • TSA PreCheck: Available at dedicated lanes in both terminals for eligible travelers, allowing for faster screening without removing shoes, liquids, or laptops. (TSA PreCheck Official Website: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck)
  • CLEAR: Fast-tracks identity screening at both terminals; pair it with TSA PreCheck for maximum speed. (Official Website: https://www.clearme.com/)
  • Global Entry: For quick customs clearance, use Global Entry—kiosks are located in international arrival areas of both terminals. (Official Website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry)
• Immigration & Customs: For international arrivals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities are located within both the McNamara and Evans Terminals, after you deplane and before you collect your checked baggage. Head toward the “Baggage Claim” and “Customs & Border Protection” signs.
• SkyTram or Shuttle between Terminals: As mentioned, the SkyTram operates within the McNamara Terminal’s Concourse A. For transfers between the McNamara and Evans terminals, use the free airport shuttle service.

 

Parking & Ground Transport

Parking

• Short-Term:
  Closest to terminals (McNamara & Big Blue Deck). Best for quick stops.

• Long-Term:
  Go with Big Blue, McNamara Garage, or Green Lots—free shuttles run all day, every day.

• Cell Phone Lots:
  Free wait zones near both terminals. Ideal for arrivals.

• Pick-Up/Drop-Off:
  Use signed areas on Departures (Upper) or Arrivals (Lower) levels. Rideshare lanes marked clearly.

• Shuttle Between Terminals:
  Ride the free DTW shuttle to any terminal or parking lot.

 

Ground Transport

• Taxis:
  Available outside baggage claim at both terminals.

• Rental Cars:
  All rental services in one hub. Reachable by airport shuttle.

• SMART Buses:(https://www.smartbus.org/)
  Budget-friendly access to metro Detroit.

• Hotel Shuttles:
  Hotels around DTW often include free shuttle service.

 

Tips for Smoothly Navigating DTW

 

FAQs – Detroit Airport Terminals

 

Q: What is the main terminal at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)?
A: The McNamara Terminal is DTW’s main terminal. It primarily serves Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners like KLM and Air France.

Q: Can you walk between McNamara and Evans terminals at DTW?
A: No, DTW’s terminals are separate buildings. Use the free airport shuttle to travel between McNamara Terminal and Evans Terminal.

Q: Which terminal does Delta use at DTW?
A: Delta operates exclusively from the McNamara Terminal, which includes Concourses A, B, and C.

Q: Does Detroit Metro Airport offer free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, DTW provides free Wi-Fi in both terminals. Connect to the “Detroit Airport Wi-Fi” network.

Q: How can I check DTW security wait times?
A: Visit metroairport.com or tsa.gov/wait-times for real-time TSA wait time updates.

 

Final Takeaway

Detroit Metro Airport may be big, but it’s built for smooth travel. Know your terminal, follow the layout, and use the right amenities—and DTW turns from complex to effortless. Whether you’re connecting, flying out, or heading home, this 2025 guide is your shortcut to a stress-free airport experience.

 

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