DTW Rental Car Guide: Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Renting a car at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) in Detroit, Michigan. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, average prices, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at DTW that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at DTW
Consolidated rental facility 1 mile from terminals, reached by free Express Shuttle (8 minutes).
Express Shuttle stops at the lower level of both McNamara and North terminals.
DTW pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: $50-$70 economy, $95-$140 SUV.
Mandatory airport fees: Concession recovery 11%, customer facility charge $4/day, MI state tax 6%.
That means a $50/day economy rental at DTW actually costs $65-$75/day after fees. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at DTW
DTW hosts 8 on-airport rental brands:
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- National
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Enterprise (huge Detroit-area fleet)
Cheapest base rates: Alamo (leisure-positioned, often promotional)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
DTW-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
DTW is fairly compact. The Express Shuttle is fast — off-airport rarely worth it.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Romulus (5 min) for cheaper week+ rentals.
How to save the most at DTW
- Compare across all 8 brands. Price differences of 30-40% for the same car class on the same dates are common at DTW.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill at a station 3-5 miles from the rental return is cheaper in 85%+ of cases. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons.
- Decline counter insurance. Your credit card or auto policy almost certainly covers it. InsureItRight tells you which.
- Photograph everything at pickup. Every panel, the fuel gauge, the odometer, with timestamps on. Saves you in damage disputes 30+ days later.
- Read the agreement. Especially the fuel policy section — that's where the $9-$11/gal refueling charge hides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at DTW?
Consolidated rental facility 1 mile from terminals, reached by free Express Shuttle (8 minutes). Express Shuttle stops at the lower level of both McNamara and North terminals.
What is the average rental car price at DTW?
$50-$70 economy, $95-$140 SUV. Plus airport fees that typically add 25-40% to the displayed daily rate.
What hidden fees should I watch for at DTW?
Concession recovery 11%, customer facility charge $4/day, MI state tax 6%. These are mandatory and apply to every rental at this airport.
Which rental car company is best at DTW?
For premium fleet and reliability: Enterprise (huge Detroit-area fleet). For cheapest base rates: Alamo (leisure-positioned, often promotional). Always compare total prices including the airport fees.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from DTW?
DTW is fairly compact. The Express Shuttle is fast — off-airport rarely worth it. Specifically: Romulus (5 min) for cheaper week+ rentals.
Are there any quirks to renting at DTW?
Detroit is "Motor City" — domestic auto manufacturer cars (Ford, GM, Chrysler) are abundant in the rental fleet here. Often cheaper than imports.