Dollar Car Hire
Michigan

When you arrive at the McNamara Terminal, your first step is to head to the Ground Transportation Centre. After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for Rental Cars, which will guide you to the airport's shuttle bus area. All rental car companies, including Dollar, are located in a separate off‑site facility. You will board a common rental car shuttle that serves all the agencies. The ride is typically short, and the bus will drop you off directly at the rental car building where you'll find the counter.

On arrival at the Evans Terminal, collect your bags from the lower‑level baggage claim area. From there, look for prominent signs directing you to Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. You will exit the building and cross the roadway to a designated shuttle stop. These airport‑operated buses run on a continuous loop and serve the off‑site rental car facility. Board any of the marked rental car shuttles, which will take you on a short trip to the main rental centre where the Dollar service desk is located.

After leaving the rental car facility, you will be on Lucas Drive. Follow the clear overhead signs for I‑94 West / Ann Arbor. The key is to stay in the middle or left lanes as you approach the motorway interchange. The exit ramp for I‑94 West is a direct and well‑marked route, so avoid the right‑hand lanes which typically lead to local roads or I‑94 East. Using a sat‑nav for the first few minutes can provide helpful lane guidance until you are securely heading west on the motorway.

For a less complicated drive into downtown Detroit, taking I‑94 East is generally the most direct option. You will stay on I‑94 for about 15 miles until you see signs for the M‑10 South interchange, also known as the Lodge Freeway. This route takes you directly into the heart of the downtown area with clear exits for major landmarks and hotels. It helps you avoid the more complex surface‑street navigation that can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the city's layout.

During peak weekday rush hours, typically from 7–9am and 4–6pm, the drive from DTW to Dearborn can take significantly longer than expected. While it's a relatively short distance, traffic on I‑94 and local roads like Michigan Avenue can become very congested. It's wise to budget at least 45 to 60 minutes for the trip to allow for potential slowdowns. Using a real‑time traffic app as you leave the rental lot will give you the most accurate estimate for your specific travel time.

To simplify your exit after a game, consider parking in a car park slightly north of the arena, such as those near the Fox Theatre or along Woodward Avenue. This positions you for an easier departure onto the motorway. Another excellent strategy is to park near a QLINE tram stop in Midtown or New Center and ride it down to the arena. This allows you to completely bypass the immediate post‑game traffic gridlock, making for a much less stressful end to your evening.

The drive to the Ambassador Bridge from DTW is quite direct. You'll start by taking I‑94 East from the airport area. After several miles, you will merge onto I‑75 South towards Toledo. The exit for the Ambassador Bridge is very clearly marked from I‑75 South. Be prepared for potential traffic delays at the bridge itself, especially during peak travel times, as you will need to pass through customs.

When planning a trip into Canada, it's essential to confirm that your rental agreement permits cross‑border travel. You can verify this with the staff at the rental counter when you pick up your vehicle. Travellers should also ensure they have all required personal identification, such as passports, as mandated by border authorities for all members of their party. It's always good practice to check the official government websites for both countries for the most current entry requirements before your trip.

To access the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, head towards the downtown waterfront area. A reliable route is to get on Jefferson Avenue and head east. As you approach the GM Renaissance Centre, you will see large, clear signs directing you to the tunnel entrance. Pay close attention to these signs and stay in the designated lanes, as the entrance has a dedicated approach separate from local city traffic. Using a sat‑nav set specifically for the tunnel entrance will also help you navigate the final few turns correctly.

The most straightforward route from DTW to The Henry Ford is to take I‑94 East for a few miles. You will then take the exit for M‑39 North, also known as the Southfield Freeway. From M‑39 North, you will soon see well‑marked exits for Michigan Avenue. Take the Michigan Avenue exit and follow the signs directly to the museum complex entrance. This path avoids downtown traffic and relies on major motorways with clear signage for the attraction.

If you are travelling from the Troy or Auburn Hills area for a morning flight, it is crucial to plan for heavy commuter traffic. The drive can easily take 90 minutes or more during peak morning hours, especially on the I‑75 and I‑696 corridors. To be safe, it's recommended to leave your hotel at least three hours before your flight's departure time. This buffer accounts for potential traffic delays, rental car return, shuttle time and airport security.

Driving from DTW to Ann Arbor on a football Saturday means expecting significant traffic on I‑94 West, especially as you get closer to the city. The journey can take much longer than the usual 30 minutes, so plan accordingly. Many visitors avoid the gridlock near the stadium by parking at designated lots like Pioneer High School or Briarwood Mall, which offer shuttle services to the game. Arriving several hours before kick‑off is highly recommended to secure parking and enjoy the pre‑game atmosphere without stress.

The drive from Detroit to Lansing is primarily along I‑96 West. A convenient and easy place to stop is the town of Howell, located roughly at the halfway point. The exits for Howell have numerous petrol stations, fast‑food restaurants and coffee shops right off the motorway, requiring minimal deviation from your route. This makes it simple to take a break, refuel and get back on the road quickly without navigating complex local streets with a car full of luggage.

For a less complicated drive to Flint, a good route is to take I‑275 North from the airport area. You will follow I‑275 until it merges with I‑96 and I‑696. Briefly take I‑96 West and then exit onto US‑23 North towards Flint. This path allows you to bypass the more intricate interchanges within the city of Detroit. Following US‑23 North will lead you directly into the Flint area with generally clear signage.

To have the smoothest start for a trip to Grand Rapids, plan to leave the Detroit metro area after the morning rush hour has subsided. Departing between 9:30am and 11:00am is often ideal. This window allows you to miss the heavy commuter traffic on I‑96 West as it clears out of the city. An alternative is to leave after the evening rush begins to fade, typically after 6:30pm, though this may mean arriving in Grand Rapids later at night.

The key to a Michigan left is to remember that you don't turn left at the main intersection. Instead, you proceed straight through the light and then use a dedicated U‑turn lane located a short distance past the intersection. After making the U‑turn, you will be heading in the opposite direction, and you can then make a right turn onto your desired street. For first‑timers, it's helpful to stay in the right‑most lane after your U‑turn until you feel comfortable with the traffic flow.

Downtown Detroit features a significant number of one‑way streets, so relying on a sat‑nav is highly recommended for navigation. Before you arrive, it's a good idea to look up your hotel on a map to identify the exact location of its parking garage entrance. Often, the entrance is on a side street rather than at the main address. Being aware of this in advance can prevent you from circling blocks and missing your turn in unfamiliar traffic.

The most convenient place to park for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is the museum's official parking garage, with an entrance on John R. Street behind the building. Driving in the surrounding Midtown area is generally straightforward, as the streets follow a grid pattern. However, be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic, cycle lanes and students from nearby Wayne State University. The area is well signed, making it relatively easy to navigate to the museum.

On a busy Saturday morning, expect very heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic around Eastern Market. Several streets immediately surrounding the main market sheds are often closed to create pedestrian‑only zones. It's best to plan on parking in one of the large designated lots on the periphery of the market and walking a few blocks to the centre. Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to find more convenient parking and avoid the biggest crowds.

After leaving the DTW rental car facility, instead of immediately getting on the motorway, use your sat‑nav to find a grocery store along a main nearby road like Eureka Road or Telegraph Road (US‑24). These thoroughfares run perpendicular to the airport area and have numerous shopping centres and supermarkets. This approach allows you to quickly get your supplies and then easily access I‑94 or I‑75 to continue to your destination without getting tangled in airport traffic again.

A good strategy is to have everyone meet at the baggage claim area of the terminal where the last person's flight arrives. This ensures the whole group is together before you proceed to the next step. Once everyone has their luggage, you can all head to the Ground Transportation Centre together to catch the same shuttle bus to the rental car facility. This prevents confusion and ensures no one gets left behind.

After you complete the rental paperwork and receive your keys, drive your vehicle to a designated parking spot within the rental facility's car park. Most rental centres have ample space where you can pull over safely. This allows you to take your time installing car seats, adjusting mirrors and organising your luggage away from the main flow of traffic. It's a much more relaxed way to get settled before you begin your drive.

For easy parking and access with a stroller, The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village in Dearborn are excellent choices, as they have large, dedicated car parks right next to the entrances. The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is another great option, offering a large lot and a flat, walkable path from your car to the gates. These attractions are designed for families, making the logistics of arriving and departing with young children much smoother.

Driving on Detroit‑area motorways late at night generally means lighter traffic, but visibility can be a challenge on some stretches. It's crucial to use a sat‑nav with voice navigation to anticipate your exits in advance. Stay in the centre or right‑hand lanes to avoid last‑minute lane changes. Some exit ramps and connecting roads can be dimly lit, so pay close attention to the reflective signs for your route and exit numbers.

The only way to drive onto Belle Isle is via the MacArthur Bridge, which is easily accessible from Jefferson Avenue, just east of downtown Detroit. Once on the island, you'll find a main road that loops around the entire park. Parking is generally available in designated lots near popular attractions like the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and various picnic areas. On fine weekend days, these lots can fill up, so you may need to park in a less crowded area and enjoy a short walk.

Driving to the downtown sports venues can be tricky due to the convergence of several motorways. The exits off I‑75 (Fisher Freeway) and I‑375 can be confusing for first‑time visitors. The best strategy is to plug the address of a specific parking garage into your sat‑nav before you leave. Following turn‑by‑turn directions for a pre‑selected garage, like the Fox Theatre or Olympia garages, helps you navigate the final city blocks with confidence and avoid circling in heavy event traffic.

Corktown is a vibrant neighbourhood with a mix of on‑street parking and smaller private lots. On weekend evenings, on‑street spaces along Michigan Avenue and surrounding side streets fill up very quickly. It's wise to arrive a bit early for your dinner reservation to find a spot. Be prepared to use a paid lot, which are plentiful but can also reach capacity during popular times, and you may need to walk a few blocks to your destination.

The most direct route for a day trip to Frankenmuth is to take I‑75 North for the entire journey. It's a simple and well‑maintained motorway that leads you almost directly to the town. For an easy and popular stop along the way, consider the Birch Run Premium Outlets, which are located right off I‑75 about 20 minutes south of Frankenmuth. This provides a great opportunity for a break, shopping or a quick meal without a major detour.

When attending a concert at Pine Knob, plan to arrive very early, as the single road leading into the venue can get extremely congested. The car parks are large but fill systematically, so the earlier you arrive, the closer you park. The biggest challenge is the post‑show exit, which can take a very long time. To mitigate this, you can either leave a few minutes before the concert ends or simply relax in your car and wait for the initial surge of traffic to clear out.

The rental car return process at DTW is convenient regardless of your departure terminal. You will return your vehicle to the same central rental car facility where you picked it up. After dropping off the car, you will board one of the airport's terminal shuttle buses. These buses run on a continuous loop and make stops at both the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal, so you simply need to listen for the announcement and alight at the correct stop for your airline.

The most reliable method is to use a real‑time traffic application like Google Maps or Waze just before you plan to depart. These apps analyse current traffic conditions, accidents and construction to provide an accurate, up‑to‑the‑minute travel time estimate. For major events, it's also wise to add an extra 20–30 minutes to the app's suggestion as a buffer, as traffic patterns can change quickly when a game or concert lets out.

For a simple and beautiful autumn drive, consider a trip to the Ann Arbor area. Driving along Huron River Drive between Ann Arbor and Dexter offers stunning scenery on a well‑paved, winding road. Another great option is to explore the suburban communities of Oakland County, such as Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. The tree‑lined streets and local parks in these areas provide a lovely autumn display without the need to navigate remote or unpaved roads.

The drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes is about four to five hours, so breaking it up is a good idea. A popular plan is to drive about two and a half hours to Grand Rapids in the afternoon. You can enjoy dinner and spend the night there. The next morning, you'll have a much shorter and more relaxed drive of about two hours to reach the national lakeshore, giving you a full day to explore in daylight.

After a snowfall, the biggest challenge for unfamiliar drivers is often black ice, which can form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas even when other roads appear clear. It's crucial to reduce your speed and increase your following distance significantly. Also, be aware that main motorways are usually cleared first, while secondary roads and residential streets may remain snow‑covered or icy for longer periods.

In many parts of downtown Detroit, parking metres are enforced on Saturdays, so always read the signs and pay at the kiosk or via the mobile app. On weekends, especially in high‑demand areas like Greektown, Corktown or The District Detroit, on‑street parking can be very difficult to find. Opting for a secure parking garage or a surface lot is often a more convenient and less stressful choice, ensuring you have a guaranteed spot.

A manageable way to structure this loop is to keep each driving leg relatively short, allowing time to explore each city. For instance, you could drive from Detroit to Ann Arbor (about 1 hour) and spend most of the day there. In the late afternoon, continue to Grand Rapids (about 2 hours). After your stay in Grand Rapids, the drive back to Detroit is about two and a half hours, which can be done in a single, easy stretch.

Major cultural institutions in Detroit are well‑equipped with accessible parking. The Detroit Institute of Arts has designated spots in its attached parking garage close to the lifts. Similarly, The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village offer ample accessible parking in their main lots, located very near the entrance. For sporting events, all major venues like Comerica Park and Ford Field have accessible parking in their associated garages, though it's best to arrive early as these spots are in high demand.

If you arrive at your airport‑area hotel before your room is ready, the best approach is to complete the check‑in paperwork and leave your luggage with the front desk. With your rental car, you are free to explore or be productive. You can easily drive to a nearby restaurant for a meal in Romulus or Taylor, run some errands, or visit a local park. This allows you to make the most of your time instead of simply waiting in the hotel lobby.