Cheap Flights to Detroit

Discover Detroit

Michigan's largest city, Detroit, got its name "Motor City" because of its role in the auto building industry. It's also the place where Motown Records got its start, launching the careers of several well-known artists. If you're ready to visit this Midwestern city, just a stone's throw from Windsor, Ontario, then let Skyscanner help plan your trip. The online search engine can find the cheapest airfare and book your hotel and rental car. You'll be all set for some serious exploring.

Best Time to Book a Flight to Detroit

Detroit will keep you entertained no matter what time of year you visit. Summers are hot, with July and August often hovering around the 27 degrees Celsius mark. January and February are the coldest months, averaging -7 degrees Celsius. It's more apt to rain than snow, thanks to its riverfront locale. It's usually less expensive to fly to Detroit during the week. Skyscanner's Whole Month Search can help you find these bargain fares, along with special deals on the weekends. It pulls up the airfares for an entire month so you can do your own comparison. Save some travel dollars by booking early and being flexible with your dates.

Airlines and Passenger Services at Detroit International Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), only 32 kilometres from downtown Detroit, is one of the busiest airports in the country. The Edward McNamara Terminal, with its three concourses, is used by Delta Airlines and its partner carriers, Aeromexico and Air France. The concourses are connected by an underground walkway, known as the Light Tunnel. It uses a combination of LED lights and music to put on a show for passengers as they travel on the moving sidewalks or simply walk down the centre. A people mover also transports passengers between the concourses.

Other carriers usually use the North Terminal, including Air Canada Express, Alaska, American, Southwest, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Spirit Airways and United. International destinations include Canada, Mexico, Germany and France. Also referred to as Concourse D, it has its own moving walkways, including one on the lower level that takes international arrivals to Customs and Immigration.

Each terminal has its own security checkpoints, parking lots and ground transportation areas. Shops, restaurants, ATMs and free Wi-Fi are available throughout the airport. Rental car companies are located in a separate building, with free shuttles available from outside baggage claim. White courtesy phones are available to request a pick-up. Taxis and other shuttles are dispatched by the Ground Transportation Center, on level 4 of each terminal. A taxi will run you about $65.00 CAD to downtown Detroit. The SMART Bus will cost about $6.00 CAD for the same trip, a great option if you travel light.

What to See and Do in Detroit

• Mexican artist Diego Riviera captured the spirit of Motor City in his expansive murals at the Detroit Institute of Art. Walk into the dedicated gallery and you'll find floor-to-ceiling depictions of everyday workers toiling away in assembly lines as well as glimpses into their everyday lives. Located in Midtown, the museum also attracts exhibitions featuring artists such as Monet, a French Impressionist. On Friday evenings, local and international musicians provide entertainment. Enjoy a scheduled film at the vintage Detroit Film Theatre, on the museum grounds.
• For a little music history, check out the Motown Museum, site of where Barry Gordy launched the careers of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross & the Supremes. The one time recording studio is filled with memorabilia, including rare photos and artists' costumes. Stand under the famed "Echo Chamber " that enhanced the Motown sound. Clap your hands and sing a bit to hear what it does to your voice. Walk through the recording booth and adjacent control room at Studio A. It looks just like it did when those hits were recorded years ago.
• Head for the Eastern Market at Russell and Market Streets and find local foods and artworks. During the week, specialty shops and cafes are open. On Saturday the market grows as additional vendors come to sell their fresh produce, cheeses, spices and flowers. During the summer, the market hosts a craft fair on Sundays, complete with food trucks selling tasty treats from around the globe. The area is also known for its abundance of street art.
• For a stretch of the legs, wander over to Belle Isle Park, a small bit of land in the middle of the Detroit River, halfway between the United States and Canada. It's a great place to stretch your legs and to explore some of the city's attractions, such as the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Practice your golf swing at the Belle Isle Golf Center or play a round of mini golf at their six-hole course. Rent a kayak or canoe and go paddling on the river, or even do a bit of fishing from one of the piers. You will need a Michigan fishing license. A bridge connects the island to the mainland. If you are using public transportation, walking or bicycling to the island, access is free. You'll need a Recreation Passport, a small sticker sold at the Belle Isle Park Administration Building, if you want to drive your car.