Enterprise's location and hours at DTW
Enterprise operates a rental counter at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) in the main terminal building. The counter is located in the baggage claim area, which means you can pick up your car when ready after collecting your luggage — no need to take a shuttle to an off-site lot.
Enterprise at DTW is open seven days a week. Hours typically run from early morning through late evening to match flight schedules, though exact hours shift seasonally. Call ahead at the DTW location before you arrive if you're landing outside standard business hours, since staffing can vary.
The counter phone number for Enterprise at DTW is available through the airport's main information line or through Enterprise's national reservations system. Having a direct number before you land saves time if your flight is delayed or if you need to adjust your reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise's DTW counter is in the baggage claim area of the main terminal, so you can pick up your rental when ready after collecting luggage.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or a credit card to cover the rental, and a major credit card for the security deposit.
- Making a reservation online or by phone before arrival typically locks in a lower rate than walk-up pricing at the counter.
- Enterprise's one-way rental option lets you return the car to a different location, though this usually costs more than returning to DTW.
- Airport rentals include a facility fee added to the base rate, which varies by state but is separate from the daily rental charge.
What you need to bring to pick up your rental
You must have a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or recognized country. Enterprise will scan it and verify your information before handing over keys. An international driver's permit is accepted as a supplement to your home country license but not as a replacement.
Bring a major credit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover — in your own name. Enterprise uses this card to place a security hold, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class and your location. The hold is released after you return the car and the rental is settled, but the funds are temporarily unavailable during the rental period.
Proof of insurance is optional but saves money. If you carry your own auto insurance and it covers rental cars, bring your policy number or a declarations page. If you decline your own coverage, Enterprise will offer its damage waiver and liability coverage at an additional daily cost. Many credit cards also cover rental cars — check your card's benefits before you arrive.
How to reserve and what rates typically include
Reservations made online through Enterprise.com or by phone lock in a rate before you arrive. Walk-up rates at the counter are usually higher. When you reserve, you choose your vehicle class (economy, mid-size, SUV, truck) rather than a specific car — Enterprise assigns the actual vehicle at pickup based on availability.
The base daily rate covers the car itself and standard mileage. Most Enterprise rentals at airports are unlimited-mileage rentals, meaning you pay one price regardless of how far you drive. Read your confirmation to confirm this applies to your reservation.
The facility fee is added to your daily rate. This fee goes to the airport authority and varies by state — it is not set by Enterprise. At DTW, this fee is included in the total price shown during checkout, but it appears as a separate line item on your final receipt. Taxes are calculated on the base rate plus the facility fee.
One-way rentals and returning to a different location
Enterprise allows you to rent at DTW and return the car to a different Enterprise location — in Michigan, elsewhere in the U.S., or in Canada. This is called a one-way rental. The cost is higher than a round-trip rental from DTW, and the difference depends on the distance and the destination city's demand.
When you reserve a one-way rental, you specify both the pickup location (DTW) and the return location at the time of booking. The system calculates the one-way fee and shows it in your quote. Changing the return location after you've reserved requires a new reservation, so confirm your plans before you book.
If you decide to return to DTW instead of your original one-way destination, you can modify your reservation by phone or online, though you may lose the one-way discount if the new rate is lower. Contact Enterprise as soon as you know your plans have changed.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if you damage the car
Enterprise offers a damage waiver called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), depending on your location. This waiver removes your financial responsibility for damage to the rental car during your rental period. The cost is typically $15 to $25 per day and is optional.
If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you are responsible for the repair cost. Enterprise will bill your credit card for the full amount, which can range from a few hundred dollars for minor damage to thousands for major accidents. Your personal auto insurance may cover this, or your credit card's rental car benefit may, but you are liable to Enterprise first.
Report any damage to the rental car when ready when you pick it up — before you leave the lot. Walk around the car with the Enterprise agent and point out any dents, scratches, or interior damage. The agent will note these on your contract so you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you return.
Fuel options and return procedures
Enterprise offers two fuel options: you can return the car with a full tank, or you can prepay for a full tank at pickup and return it with any amount of fuel remaining. The prepay option is usually cheaper per gallon than buying fuel yourself on the way back, but only if you actually return the car close to empty. If you return it half-full, you've overpaid.
The most common choice is to return the car full. You are responsible for filling the tank before you return it to DTW. Gas stations near the airport are limited and prices are higher than off-airport stations, so plan to refuel before you reach the airport on your return day.
Return the car to the Enterprise lot at DTW during business hours. The lot is near the terminal. Turn in your keys at the counter, and an agent will inspect the car for damage and fuel level. Keep your receipt — it shows the final charges and the date and time of return.
Additional fees and charges to expect
Beyond the daily rate, facility fee, and optional insurance, Enterprise may charge for additional drivers, young driver fees, and GPS or other equipment. An additional driver costs $10 to $15 per day if you want someone else to be authorized to drive the car. Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of $20 to $30 per day.
A GPS unit or smartphone mount rental costs $5 to $10 per day. Many renters use their own phone and a free mapping app instead. Child safety seats are available for $10 to $15 per day if you need one.
Late return fees explore if you bring the car back after your reserved return time. A grace period of 29 minutes is standard, but after that, Enterprise charges for an additional day or a partial day depending on how late you are. Return the car on time to avoid this charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at DTW if I'm under 25?
Yes. Enterprise rents to drivers 18 and older, but drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge, typically $20 to $30 per day. You still need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your own name. Some vehicle classes may not be available to younger drivers — ask at the counter.
What if my flight is delayed and I arrive after Enterprise closes?
Call Enterprise before you land to let them know you're running late. If you arrive after hours, Enterprise may be able to accommodate you through an after-hours process, though this varies. Having a reservation in place makes this easier. If after-hours pickup is not possible, you may need to use a different rental company or arrange ground transportation.
Do I need to buy the damage waiver if I have my own car insurance?
Not necessarily. Check your auto insurance policy to see if it covers rental cars. Many policies do, and your personal deductible applies. Your credit card may also cover rental damage. If both your insurance and credit card cover rentals, you likely don't need Enterprise's waiver — but read the fine print on coverage limits and exclusions.
Can I extend my rental after I've picked up the car?
Yes. Call Enterprise or visit an Enterprise location to extend your rental. The extension is charged at the rate available on the day you extend, which may be higher or lower than your original rate. Extending online through your reservation is usually faster than calling.
What's the difference between renting at DTW versus an off-airport Enterprise location?
The main difference is the facility fee, which is added only to airport rentals. Off-airport locations in the Detroit area typically have lower daily rates because they don't include this fee. If you have time to take a shuttle or rideshare to an off-airport location, you may save money, but the convenience of picking up at the terminal usually outweighs the savings.