The fastest rental desks are in the main terminal; off-site lots are cheaper but add 10 to 15 minutes

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) has rental car desks for most major companies in the baggage claim area of both the Edward H. McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal. Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National all operate on-site locations where you can pick up a car within 15 to 20 minutes of landing. If you want the lowest daily rate, off-site lots operated by companies like Turo, Costco Travel (if you're a member), or regional operators require a shuttle ride of 10 to 15 minutes, but can save $15 to $40 per day depending on the car type and season.

Your choice depends on whether you value speed or cost. On-site rentals mean you walk downstairs, show your license and reservation, and drive away. Off-site rentals mean you take a shuttle, wait for your car to be brought around, and then drive away—but you pay less. During peak travel times (summer weekends, holidays), the on-site desks can have lines; off-site lots rarely do.

Key Takeaways

  • On-site rental desks in the main terminal are fastest but charge airport facility fees that add $5 to $15 per day to your rate.
  • Off-site lots near the airport charge lower daily rates but require a 10 to 15 minute shuttle ride and may have limited hours.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to pick up a car.
  • Booking online in advance locks in a rate and lets you compare companies; walk-up rates at the counter are usually higher.
  • Peak travel seasons (June through August, December holidays) have higher rates and longer wait times at on-site desks.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license (a passport alone is not enough for U.S. citizens; international visitors need both a passport and an International Driving Permit). Bring a credit card in your own name—the rental company will place a hold on it for the full estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, usually $200 to $500. If you decline the rental company's insurance, bring proof of your own auto insurance (a photo of your card, a digital copy, or a printed declaration page). If you have no insurance, you must buy the rental company's coverage.

Bring your reservation confirmation, either printed or on your phone. If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, bring that confirmation too—the rental desk will need to match it to their system. Bring any membership cards (AAA, Costco, military ID) that might lower your rate; some discounts only explore if you mention them at pickup.

On-site rental locations and their hours

The Edward H. McNamara Terminal (the main terminal) has rental desks for Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National in the baggage claim area, Level 2. All are open from roughly 5 a.m. to midnight daily, though hours shift slightly by season and by company. The North Terminal (used mainly by Southwest and some low-cost carriers) has a smaller set of desks, usually Enterprise and Budget only, with similar hours.

If you arrive outside these hours, you can still pick up a car—most companies offer after-hours service where you call a number posted at the desk, and an agent meets you in a nearby lot. After-hours pickups usually take 20 to 30 minutes and may charge an extra fee ($10 to $25). Check your reservation confirmation for the after-hours phone number before you land.

Off-site rental lots and how to reach them

Off-site lots are operated by the rental companies themselves (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National) or by third-party operators. Enterprise Off-Airport and Budget Off-Airport are the most common; both are about 2 miles from the terminal and reachable by shuttle. Shuttles run every 10 to 15 minutes during the day and every 20 to 30 minutes late at night. Look for the shuttle signs in the baggage claim area or ask a ground transportation attendant.

Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, lists cars available for pickup near DTW but does not operate a dedicated lot; you arrange pickup with the individual owner, usually at their home or a nearby location. Costco Travel offers discounted rates through major rental companies if you book through their website and are a Costco member; you still pick up at the on-site terminal desks, but pay a lower rate. Regional operators like Payless and Fox Rent A Car also have off-site lots near the airport, though their fleets and hours are more limited.

How to compare rates and book in advance

Use a price-comparison site like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to search all companies at once. Enter your pickup date, time, and location (select "Detroit Metropolitan Airport" or "DTW"), and the site will show rates from every company, sorted by price. Book directly through the rental company's website if their rate is lowest; book through the comparison site if it is cheaper. Booking in advance (at least a few days ahead) locks in a rate and usually saves $10 to $30 per day compared to a walk-up counter rate.

Check the rate breakdown before you book. The daily rate is only part of the cost; the rental company will add airport facility fees (usually $5 to $15 per day), taxes (varies by Michigan county, typically 6% to 8%), and any insurance or protection plan you choose. Some sites show the total upfront; others show only the daily rate and add fees at checkout. Read the cancellation policy: free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup is standard, but some budget companies charge a fee.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Your own auto insurance may cover rental cars, but only if your policy includes rental car coverage—many do not. Call your insurance company before you travel and ask whether a rental car is covered, what the deductible is, and whether you need to decline the rental company's coverage to keep your coverage active. If your policy does not cover rentals, or if you want to lower your deductible, buy the rental company's coverage.

The rental company offers three main options: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers damage to the car you rent; Liability Coverage, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property; and Personal Effects Coverage, which covers theft of your belongings from the car. CDW costs $15 to $30 per day and is the most common choice. Liability and personal effects coverage cost $5 to $15 per day each. If you decline all coverage and damage the car, you pay the full repair cost out of pocket—sometimes $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Credit card companies (American Express, Visa Signature, Mastercard) often include rental car coverage if you book with that card; check your card's benefits guide before you decline the rental company's coverage.

Pickup and return procedures at DTW

At pickup, the agent will ask you to inspect the car for existing damage (dents, scratches, stains). Walk around the car with the agent and point out any damage you see; the agent will note it on the rental agreement. Take photos of the car's condition with your phone if the agent allows it. The agent will explain the fuel policy (most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank, or you pay a premium for fuel the company adds). Ask about toll roads in Michigan and whether the rental company charges a fee for tolls you incur.

At return, drive to the rental lot, park in the designated return area, and leave the keys in the car or hand them to an attendant. The company will inspect the car for new damage within a few days and charge your credit card if repairs are needed. Keep your rental agreement and any photos you took; if the company charges you for damage you did not cause, you can dispute it with your credit card company or the rental company's customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?

No. Rental companies require a credit card in your name to place a hold for the full rental cost and damage deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you cannot rent from a major company at DTW. Some smaller operators may accept debit cards with a larger deposit, but this is rare.

What if my flight arrives after midnight?

Most on-site desks close around midnight, but after-hours service is available. Look for a phone number posted at the rental desk or call the rental company's main line before you land. An agent will meet you at an off-site lot, usually within 20 to 30 minutes. You may be charged an after-hours fee of $10 to $25.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm visiting from another country?

Yes, if you want to rent from a major company. A valid passport and driver's license from your home country are not enough. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country's automobile association. Bring both your home country's license and the IDP. Some smaller operators may accept just a passport and home license, but this is not may provide.

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or downtown Detroit?

Downtown Detroit rental locations (usually in the central business district or near hotels) often have lower daily rates because they don't pay airport facility fees. However, you would need to take a taxi, rideshare, or public transit to reach them, which costs $15 to $40 and takes 20 to 40 minutes. For most travelers, the time and transportation cost make airport pickup faster and cheaper overall.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees vary by company but typically range from $25 to $75 for each hour or partial hour past your return time. Some companies charge a flat fee for returns up to a few hours late. Check your rental agreement for the specific policy. If you know you'll be late, call the rental company as soon as possible; they may waive or reduce the fee if you give notice.