DTW decoded: Detroit Metro airport code and traveler guide
Find the right Detroit airport, terminal and ground route before the trip. This guide explains DTW, KDTW, DET, YIP and the unusual EM/WE terminal labels, then covers connections, parking, security, transit, pickup and international arrivals.
Check these live DTW pages before leaving
Static articles cannot safely replace live airport operations. These cards open the official source for the item that changes most often.
DTW travel alerts for August 2026
These items can affect how early you should leave home even when the flight itself is on time. Treat the dates below as a snapshot and reopen the airport’s alert page on travel day.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Southbound traffic toward McNamara is limited to one lane between the north and middle tunnels during the published work window. Add road buffer rather than relying only on TSA wait time.
The South Helix is temporarily inaccessible. Follow airport signs toward the North Helix; garage circulation may take longer at busy arrival and departure periods.
The project covers nearly 13 miles from east of I-275 to west of Michigan Avenue and includes pavement, bridge and interchange work. Check Michigan road conditions before choosing your approach.
Modernization work continues in Concourses A, B and C and the Ground Transportation Center. Follow temporary signs; upgraded spaces include accessibility and baby-changing improvements.
What airport is DTW, and what city is it actually in?
DTW is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the primary scheduled passenger airport serving Detroit and southeast Michigan. Travelers use DTW on airline bookings, baggage tags, boarding passes, rental-car reservations and airport transfers.
The location question is slightly more nuanced: DTW serves the city of Detroit, but its airport campus opened in Romulus, Michigan. FAA airport data places the field about 15 miles south of Detroit. The Airport Authority’s contact address is 11050 Rogell Drive #602, Detroit, MI 48242.
DTW vs KDTW vs DET vs YIP: Detroit-area codes explained
| Code | What it means | Typical traveler use | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTW | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport IATA/FAA identifier | Passenger tickets, baggage tags, booking | DET or YIP |
| KDTW | ICAO identifier for Detroit Metro | Flight planning and aviation systems | Not a different terminal or airport |
| DET / KDET | Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport | A different Detroit airport; not DTW | Do not book DTW parking/transport for DET |
| YIP / KYIP | Willow Run Airport | Cargo, corporate and general aviation | Not Detroit’s main scheduled passenger airport |
| EM / WE | Boarding-pass terminal labels used by some systems | EM = McNamara; WE = Evans | These are not IATA airport codes for separate airports |
Why is the Detroit airport code DTW?
The airport’s official history records several name changes: Wayne County Airport opened in Romulus in 1930, became Detroit-Wayne Major Airport in 1947, and in 1958 became Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The familiar three-letter passenger code has remained DTW.
Wayne County Airport opens
The airport opens at Middlebelt and Wick roads in Romulus.
Detroit-Wayne Major Airport
The airport receives a new name as its role and footprint expand.
DTW name era begins
It becomes Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
Evans Terminal name
The former North Terminal is renamed for Warren Cleage Evans.
Build a DTW travel plan
These browser-side tools do not call a live airport API. They help organize your trip, then point you back to the official live source for confirmation.
Airport-code checker
Enter a Detroit-area code or terminal label.
Which DTW terminal is my airline?
Recommended terminal-arrival time
Connection-risk checker
McNamara or Evans: which Detroit Metro terminal do you need?
DTW has two physically separate passenger terminals. Do not choose a terminal based only on “domestic” versus “international”—both terminals handle international activity. Use the operating airline.
McNamara Terminal
Current official airline directory: Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and WestJet. Concourse A is the long main concourse; B and C connect through the tunnel from the Central Link.
Warren Cleage Evans Terminal
Current official directory includes Air Canada, Alaska, American, Avelo, Frontier, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Southwest, Sun Country, Turkish, United and Volaris. Charter flights are assigned to Evans, subject to operator instructions.
What do EM and WE mean on a DTW boarding pass?
Detroit Metro’s official airline directory warns that some boarding passes may identify McNamara as “EM” and Evans as “WE.” These labels are useful when a reservation does not spell out the full terminal name.
EM = McNamara Terminal
Use the McNamara roadway, parking garage and terminal check-in unless the operating airline gives a different same-day instruction.
WE = Evans Terminal
Use the Evans roadway / Big Blue Deck side of the campus unless the operating airline updates the assignment.
ExpressTram, B/C tunnel or terminal shuttle?
McNamara Concourse A ExpressTram
The mile-long A concourse has three tram stations. Use South Station for A1–A28, Terminal Station for A29–A55 plus check-in/baggage/ground transport and the B/C tunnel, and North Station for A56–A78.
Concourses B and C
The ExpressTram does not enter B or C. Use the Central Link / tunnel and moving walkways. The light-and-music tunnel can be a sensory concern; official airport guidance notes the show can be temporarily suspended using controls at the tunnel ends.
McNamara ↔ Evans terminal transfer
The terminals are not connected behind security. Follow signs to Ground Transportation and use the free terminal shuttle. The official Evans roadway PDF says the Terminal-Westin-Terminal loop departs approximately every 10 minutes.
You must clear security again after switching terminals.
How the DTW airport campus fits together
The official roadway PDFs show why choosing the correct terminal before entering the airport is important: McNamara and Evans sit in different parts of the campus, with separate parking approaches and Ground Transportation Centers.
North / Evans side
The overview PDF shows I-94 near the Evans side, along with Big Blue Deck, Green Lot, North Cell Phone Lot and the rental-car area.
South / McNamara side
The campus overview places McNamara, its parking garage, the Westin and South Cell Phone Lot toward the Eureka Road / I-275 side.
Free campus shuttle
The Evans parking PDF states that the free Terminal-Westin-Terminal shuttle runs a continuous loop and departs approximately every 10 minutes.
DTW security checkpoints and recommended arrival time
For a simple planning baseline, DTW’s homepage recommends arriving about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. The airport traveler guide gives a 90-minute-to-2-hour range for domestic travel; a larger buffer is safer when parking, checking bags or traveling at a busy time.
McNamara checkpoint access
- Ticketing Lobby, Level 3
- Parking-garage bridge, Level 2
- Westin hotel access point
- TSA PreCheck enrollment office in domestic baggage claim
- CLEAR lanes at both McNamara checkpoints
Evans checkpoint access
- Lobby / ticketing area
- Use airport’s live wait page rather than a static wait estimate
- Verify very early/late screening access before relying on overnight timing
DTW customs, baggage and international connections
Detroit Metro has CBP processing facilities in both terminals. The current airport page lists McNamara CBP hours as 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Evans as noon–8 p.m.; the McNamara CBP Service Desk phone operates 24/7 at 734-942-9000.
McNamara international arrivals
International Arrivals Hall: lower level, one level below domestic baggage claim.
Evans international arrivals
Level 1 baggage-claim area near domestic Carousel 2.
Follow signs to CBP
Keep passport and required entry documents available. Travelers arriving from a U.S.-preclearance location should follow their airline’s specific arrival flow.
Collect checked baggage when instructed
International connection procedures can require baggage claim and recheck even when the final destination appears on the tag.
Complete customs declarations
The airport specifically reminds passengers to declare purchases, currency over $10,000 or foreign equivalent, and food/agricultural items.
Recheck and continue
Follow airline signs for baggage recheck, terminal transfer and TSA screening. A terminal change adds a landside shuttle and another security screening.
Mobile Passport Control is available at DTW
CBP currently lists Detroit Metropolitan Airport among its MPC locations. Eligible travelers can prepare a profile before travel, then submit the arrival transaction up to four hours before landing or after arrival. One device can include a group of up to 12 eligible travelers. Keep the physical passport ready and follow the designated MPC signs in Customs.
MPC is not Global Entry
MPC is free and does not require Trusted Traveler Program enrollment. Global Entry is a separate program for approved members. Use the program that applies to you; do not treat an app submission as a replacement for passport or other required entry documents.
DTW ground transportation: DAX, SMART, AirRide, taxi, rideshare and rental cars
| Option | Best for | Current useful detail | DTW pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAX | Downtown Detroit | 3:30 a.m.–11 p.m. daily incl. holidays; $8 at door / $6 advance; luggage space, Wi-Fi, charging | Evans GTC; McNamara Departures near Door 1 |
| SMART 125 | Detroit/suburbs | Serves both terminals | Evans GTC; McNamara Departures near Door 1 |
| SMART 280 | Middle Belt South corridor | Serves Evans | Evans GTC |
| FAST 261 | Limited-stop Detroit/suburbs | Serves both DTW terminals | Follow Public Transit signs |
| AirRide | Downtown Ann Arbor | Both terminals; schedule through provider | Evans GTC; McNamara Departures near Door 1 |
| Michigan Flyer | Ann Arbor / East Lansing / Whitmore Lake | Provider schedule; reservations can be made in advance | Both terminals |
| Uber / Lyft | App-based door-to-door | Request after baggage collection, then follow Rideshare signs | McNamara Garage Level 4; Evans Big Blue Deck Level 1 |
| Taxi | Direct metered trip | Use official taxi line; avoid unsolicited drivers | Ground Transportation Centers |
| Rental car | Regional driving | Rental facilities are off-terminal; courtesy shuttle required | Follow Rental Car signs from GTC |
McNamara rideshare: Parking Garage Level 4
Cross the skybridge into the Ground Transportation Center, continue to the elevator bank on Level 6, then take the elevator down to Level 4 for the designated rideshare staging area.
Evans rideshare: Big Blue Deck Level 1
Cross the skybridge, continue through the sliding glass doors, then use the elevator or escalator on the right down to Level 1 for the designated rideshare area.
DTW parking rates, vehicle height, EV charging and 2026 smart guidance
Choose parking by terminal first. McNamara Garage is the direct choice for McNamara; Big Blue Deck is the primary garage by Evans; Green Lot is the lower-cost on-airport option with shuttle service.
| Parking | Current published 24h max | Best use | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| McNamara long-term | $32 | McNamara flights | Direct terminal garage; new space-guidance system live |
| Big Blue Deck long-term | $23 | Evans flights | Adjacent to Evans side; smart-guidance installation expected later 2026 |
| Green Lot | $20 | Lowest published on-airport daily tier | Credit-card payment; continuous lot shuttle |
| McNamara short-term | $44 | Meet/greet or short stay | More expensive for full-day use |
| Big Blue short-term | $43 | Short Evans visit | More expensive for full-day use |
Official rate pages currently publish an additional 2.65% processing fee per credit/debit-card transaction.
Vehicle-height check
Most garage areas do not accommodate vehicles over 7 ft. Designated van-accessible spaces up to 8 ft 2 in are available at McNamara Level 2 near B elevators and Big Blue Level 1 zones A/B. Vehicles taller than 8 ft 2 in should use Green Lot.
EV charging
Eight charging spaces are listed at Big Blue Level 4; eight at McNamara Level 8 plus two valet spaces; two at South Cell Phone Lot. Charging itself has no added airport fee beyond parking where applicable.
Parking help
For current availability or parking assistance call the 24-hour hotline at 800-642-1978. Check the official parking page before entering a garage.
Parking cost estimator
Passenger pickup, drop-off and cell phone lots
Dropping off
- Confirm McNamara or Evans before entering the airport.
- Follow signs to the terminal’s Departures level.
- Use the curb only for active unloading.
- Keep the driver with the vehicle.
- Recheck the operating airline if the terminal is uncertain.
Picking up
- Track the flight first.
- Ask for terminal and exact exit/meeting point.
- Wait in a free cell phone lot until the passenger is ready.
- Proceed to Arrivals for active pickup.
- Do not wait at the curb.
North Cell Phone Lot
The official campus PDF places the North lot near the Evans/rental-car/I-94 side of the airport.
South Cell Phone Lot
The official campus PDF places the South lot near Eureka Road / the McNamara side. It also has two EV charging spaces.
Wheelchair, sensory, nursing and family help at DTW
Airline wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair and boarding assistance through the operating airline in advance. The airport’s ExpressTram page directs passengers needing mobility help to their airline.
Evans autonomous-wheelchair pilot
In April 2026, WCAA and Unifi introduced autonomous personal-mobility vehicles in Evans to help eligible customers reach designated terminal locations and gates.
Multi-Sensory Room
Across from McNamara Gate A36 behind Pandora; open 24/7; maximum capacity six. Call the number posted by the door to receive an access code.
Nursing rooms
Passenger rooms are near McNamara A18, A25, A53, A63 and C2; Evans rooms are across from D8, D15 and D24. Call for the access code.
Family restrooms
Accessible family restrooms are distributed through both terminals and include benches, changing tables, diaper dispensers and needle-disposal holders.
Service-animal relief
DTW lists service-animal relief areas in each terminal both before and after security. Use the interactive map for the closest current location.
Useful DTW details that are easy to miss
| Traveler need | What DTW currently says | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage lockers | No public lockers; personal items must stay with you | Plan baggage storage with hotel/provider off airport if needed |
| Shower / nap | Minute Suites near McNamara A68 is open 24h and offers showers; Westin has a fitness package with shower use | Confirm price/availability before walking there |
| Smoking | Smoking only in designated areas outside terminals | Plan for security re-entry if leaving the secure area |
| Bottle refill | Evans locations include D8, D10, D17, D23, D26 and other landside areas; McNamara includes A34, A50 and Central Link after TSA | Use indoor map for nearest current station |
| Currency exchange | Airport FAQ does not list an on-airport currency-exchange service | Arrange currency before travel or use suitable banking alternatives |
| SIM card | Airport FAQ identifies sales/vending locations in both terminals | Check current shop hours before relying on late-night purchase |
| Free Wi-Fi | Free airport Wi-Fi is available | Use current official network shown in terminal; avoid sensitive activity on unfamiliar networks |
| Reflection / quiet | Reflection Rooms are available in both terminals | Search official map by service |
| Meet someone at gate | DTW Destination Pass can give approved non-ticketed visitors same-day secure-side access | Use kiosk on Departures level and pass TSA screening |
DTW Destination Pass: meet a traveler at the gate
DTW is unusual among major U.S. airports in offering a structured same-day pass for eligible non-ticketed visitors. Current guidance says kiosks operate in both terminals on the Departures level from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
- Go to a Destination Pass kiosk on the day of the visit.
- Scan an acceptable government photo ID and complete the application.
- If approved, collect the printed pass.
- Proceed through TSA screening under normal carry-on security rules.
- Use the pass only for personal, non-commercial purposes.
What to know if you are at DTW overnight
Airport building
DTW states the airport is open 24 hours, but individual checkpoints, airline desks and concessions keep separate hours.
Westin at McNamara
The on-site Westin connects with McNamara and is also part of the free terminal shuttle loop shown in the official Evans roadway PDF.
Minute Suites
Official airport FAQ lists Minute Suites near A68 as open 24 hours with private suites, nap/work space and shower availability.
Lost baggage, TSA items and airport lost & found
| Where item was lost | Who handles it | Useful contact/action |
|---|---|---|
| On aircraft or gate area | Operating airline | Contact airline; airline also handles missing checked baggage |
| TSA checkpoint | TSA Lost & Found | 734-942-3126; McNamara near gate-level TSA checkpoint, room T3-037 |
| Other public airport area | WCAA Police Lost & Found | File airport claim or call 734-942-3669 |
DTW travel-day checklist
How busy is DTW? June 2026 passenger and operations snapshot
Airport-size numbers are useful only when they help with planning. DTW’s latest linked 2026 monthly report shows the scale behind long McNamara walks, busy curb periods and the need to protect connection time.
What changed from June 2025?
Total June passenger traffic was 7.4% lower year over year, while international passengers were 1.1% higher. January–June 2026 total passenger traffic was 1.9% below the same 2025 period, while total operations for the first six months were 0.6% higher.
2025 full-year baseline
The official 2025 annual report recorded 33,372,682 total passengers, up 1.2% from 2024, including 3,694,779 international passengers, up 17.0%. It also recorded 321,759 total aircraft operations.
Why an airline may appear in a statistics PDF but not today’s airline directory
Monthly and year-to-date statistical tables preserve historical carrier activity. For example, the June 2026 PDF still contains rows for Spirit and Icelandair because the comparison report covers prior-period activity, even though DTW’s current live airline selector does not list them as active scheduled passenger airlines. Use the live airline directory—not an old statistics row—to choose your terminal.
Detroit Metro Airport contact information
Frequently asked questions about Detroit airport code DTW
What airport is DTW?
DTW is the IATA code for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the main commercial passenger airport serving Detroit and southeast Michigan.
What city is airport code DTW in?
DTW serves Detroit, Michigan, but the airport campus is physically in Romulus. The Airport Authority's mailing address uses Detroit, MI 48242.
What is the difference between DTW and KDTW?
DTW is the passenger-facing IATA code and FAA identifier. KDTW is the ICAO identifier used in aviation systems. Both refer to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
Is DET the same airport as DTW?
No. DET/KDET is Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport. DTW/KDTW is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
What is YIP near Detroit?
YIP/KYIP is Willow Run Airport, a separate cargo, corporate and general-aviation airport. It is not the main scheduled passenger airport DTW.
Which terminal does Delta use at DTW?
Delta Air Lines uses McNamara Terminal. Always confirm the operating carrier and terminal on travel day.
What do EM and WE mean on a DTW boarding pass?
Some boarding passes use EM for McNamara Terminal and WE for Evans Terminal. These are terminal labels, not separate airport codes.
Can I walk between McNamara and Evans terminals?
No secure-side walkway connects them. Use the free terminal shuttle from the Ground Transportation Centers and clear security again at the destination terminal.
Where does the DTW ExpressTram go?
The ExpressTram runs only in McNamara Concourse A. South serves A1–A28, Terminal serves A29–A55 and the B/C tunnel, and North serves A56–A78.
How early should I arrive at DTW?
DTW recommends about two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures. Add more time for road construction, parking, checked bags or special assistance.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at DTW?
McNamara rideshare pickup is inside the parking garage on Level 4. Evans rideshare pickup is inside Big Blue Deck on Level 1. Follow Rideshare signs after baggage claim.
Is there public transportation from DTW to downtown Detroit?
Yes. Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) serves both terminals and downtown Detroit. Current airport guidance lists daily service from 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with $8 door tickets or $6 advance tickets.
Is Mobile Passport Control available at DTW?
Yes. CBP currently lists Detroit Metropolitan Airport as an MPC location. Eligible travelers can submit arrival information up to four hours before landing or after arrival, then follow MPC signs in Customs with their physical passport.
How much is long-term parking at DTW?
Current published 24-hour maximums are $32 at McNamara long-term, $23 at Big Blue Deck long-term and $20 at Green Lot, plus the airport's published card-processing fee where applicable.
Where do international passengers clear customs at DTW?
DTW has CBP facilities in both terminals. McNamara's International Arrivals Hall is below domestic baggage claim; Evans processing is on Level 1 near Carousel 2.
Is Detroit Metro Airport open 24 hours?
Yes, the airport building is open 24 hours, but airline counters, security checkpoints, concessions and other services keep separate hours.
Does DTW have luggage lockers?
No. DTW states that public luggage lockers are not provided, so personal items need to remain with the traveler or be stored through an appropriate off-airport provider.
Can a non-ticketed visitor go through security at DTW?
Eligible visitors may use the DTW Destination Pass. Current airport guidance lists same-day kiosks in both terminals from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., subject to approval and TSA screening.
Official sources and update policy
This guide prioritizes Wayne County Airport Authority, FAA, TSA and CBP information. Official links appear after the explanation so the reader can understand the action first, then verify the live or time-sensitive detail.
Airport Authority
Terminal assignments, maps, parking, shuttles, public transport, accessibility, CBP locations and passenger services.
FAA / federal sources
DTW/KDTW aviation identifier and airport procedures; TSA and CBP for screening and international entry requirements.