Hertz Car Hire
Detroit

Finding your rental at Detroit Metropolitan Airport is straightforward once you know the layout. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at, follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." Those signs will direct you to the shuttle bus stops outside the baggage claim areas. The airport runs a consolidated shuttle that collects passengers from both terminals and takes them directly to the rental car facility where the Hertz desk is located. The buses are clearly marked and run frequently, making the transfer simple and stress-free.

For a late-night arrival at DTW the process is largely the same, though with fewer people around which can make navigation easier. Rental-car shuttles continue to operate after dark, so you can expect a convenient ride to the rental facility. Once you have your vehicle, surrounding roads and motorways are typically much quieter, making for a less stressful start to your journey. It's a good idea to preload your destination into your satnav before leaving the rental lot so you can follow directions without distraction. Well-lit signage makes getting onto major routes such as the I-94 or I-275 fairly simple.

For a relatively simple drive from DTW to downtown, taking Interstate 94 (I-94) East is the most direct option. From the airport, signs clearly guide you onto the I-94 and you can stay on this single motorway for the majority of the trip. This route avoids more complex interchanges found on other roads. As you approach the city your satnav will guide you to the appropriate exit for your particular downtown destination. Sticking to I-94 minimises lane changes and the need to navigate multiple motorway transitions immediately after your flight.

Driving from DTW to Ann Arbor in rush hour requires some planning, since you'll be heading west on the I-94. The route is generally straightforward, but traffic volume picks up significantly during peak commuting times, typically between 16:00 and 18:30. The stretch of I-94 just west of the airport and the area where it meets US-23 near Ann Arbor are common congestion points. To reduce delays, check a real-time traffic app before you leave the rental lot. If possible, adjust your departure slightly before or after peak times.

The most direct route from DTW to Dearborn and The Henry Ford is short and straightforward. Typically you'll take I-94 East for a few miles before exiting onto the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North. Drivers often get confused on the local roads after leaving the freeway. The museum complex is large, so be sure your satnav is set for the specific venue you're visiting — the museum, Greenfield Village or the IMAX. Pay close attention to the final turns, as entrance signs can be easy to miss if you aren't looking for them.

Driving in Detroit is manageable for newcomers, though it helps to be aware of a few local features. The most notable is the 'Michigan left', where you often have to go past your intersection and make a U-turn from a dedicated lane rather than turning left directly. Frontage roads, or service drives, run parallel to major motorways and provide access to local businesses. While they may seem confusing at first, your satnav will guide you effectively. Stay calm, leave a little extra space and trust your navigation app, as it will account for these road designs.

For visitors prioritising easy driving and parking, neighbourhoods such as Midtown and Corktown are excellent. Midtown — home to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Wayne State University — has a grid-like street pattern and numerous parking garages and lots. Corktown, known for its historic charm and dining scene, is also relatively straightforward to navigate and offers a mix of street parking and lots. Both areas provide convenient access to major motorways like the I-75 and I-96, making it simple to get in and out during a weekend visit.

To avoid the worst of the traffic for a game at Ford Field or Comerica Park, plan to arrive downtown at least 90 minutes to two hours before kick-off or first pitch. This gives you time to find parking without the last-minute rush and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere. For departure, the key is patience or strategy: either wait about 30–45 minutes after the game ends for the initial surge to clear, or park in a garage with easy access to a motorway on-ramp, like those along the Fisher Freeway service drive, for a quicker exit.

When driving to Little Caesars Arena it's wise to pre-plan your parking, as event nights bring heavy traffic and some street closures. Several streets immediately around the arena, such as parts of Sproat Street, may be closed to through traffic. The most convenient parking is in the dedicated garages connected to the arena, like the LCA Garage, with entrances on streets such as Cass and Clifford. Using a navigation app with live traffic will help you route around closures, and buying a parking pass online in advance can save time and guarantee a spot.

Arriving at a hotel in a busy area like Greektown or Downtown Detroit is smoothest if you plan your parking ahead. Before you leave the airport, confirm your hotel's parking situation — whether they offer valet or have a designated self-parking garage. Programme the exact address of the parking entrance, not just the hotel's main address, into your satnav. This prevents you from circling busy one-way streets looking for the correct turn. Having this plan lets you pull directly into the designated area without needing to find temporary kerb space.

The drive from DTW to the Detroit riverfront is generally straightforward via the I-94 East to the Lodge Freeway (M-10) South. The trickiest part is often the last mile as you exit the motorway into the downtown grid. Satnavs can sometimes be slow to update in a dense urban environment and may route you onto a one-way street that complicates your final turn. It's helpful to look over the final few steps of the route on a map before you start driving. Pay close attention to signs for Hart Plaza or the Renaissance Center as you get close.

A simple route to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Midtown is to take I-94 East from the airport and exit directly onto Woodward Avenue or John R Street. This avoids most downtown congestion. Parking in Midtown is generally convenient, with a large, secure parking garage located directly behind the museum, accessible from John R Street. There are also numerous surface lots and some metered street parking throughout the neighbourhood. Arriving before midday, especially at weekends, will give you the best choice of parking options.

To get the best experience at Eastern Market on a busy Saturday morning, plan to arrive by car no later than 09:00. The market gets extremely busy, and arriving early ensures you'll find a parking spot without too much circling. There are numerous paid lots surrounding the market sheds, as well as some limited on-street parking in adjacent areas. The earlier you arrive, the closer you can park to the main sheds. Expect heavy pedestrian traffic and be patient when navigating the streets immediately around the market.

A day trip to Frankenmuth is a popular and easy drive from the Detroit area. The most straightforward route is to take the I-75 North directly from Detroit. You'll stay on the I-75 for about 80 miles, a drive that typically takes around 90 minutes without heavy traffic. The exit for Frankenmuth is clearly signed, and from there local roads lead you straight into the town centre. This route is almost entirely on one major interstate, making it a very low-stress drive for visitors unfamiliar with the region's motorway system.

For a direct drive to the popular suburbs of Royal Oak or Ferndale, head towards the I-696 East. From DTW you can take I-94 East to the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North, which eventually connects you to I-696. Alternatively use I-275 North to I-696 East. Once on I-696 take exits for Woodward Avenue, Coolidge Highway or Main Street to reach your destination. This route bypasses downtown traffic, making for a more direct trip to the northern suburbs.

Choosing the right motorway when leaving DTW depends entirely on where in the suburbs you're heading. I-94 runs east–west and serves the airport directly; take it east for Detroit and west for suburbs like Ann Arbor. I-275 is a north–south route acting as a western bypass, ideal for reaching suburbs such as Novi, Livonia or Plymouth. I-96 is another major east–west route running north of I-94, providing access to suburbs further north and west. Enter your final destination into your satnav before leaving the rental lot; it will select the most efficient route.

Winter driving in Metro Detroit requires extra caution and lower speeds. Motorway ramps, bridges and overpasses can freeze before other surfaces, so approach them carefully. The region can experience lake-effect snow, which creates intense, localised snow squalls that can drastically reduce visibility within minutes. If you encounter one, slow down, switch on your lights and increase your following distance significantly. Always allow extra travel time during winter months, as road conditions can change quickly and cause unexpected delays.

If you're collecting a rental during a snowstorm and are new to winter driving, take a few minutes to get comfortable before heading for the motorway. Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls while still in the parking spot. As you pull away, gently test the brakes in the lot to get a feel for road conditions and tyre grip. Drive slowly on the airport service roads as you head towards the interstate, make smooth, deliberate turns and avoid sudden acceleration. This initial adjustment period will help build confidence before you merge into faster-moving traffic.

A Michigan left may seem unusual at first, but it's designed to improve traffic flow. To turn left you'll often drive straight through the intersection or turn right onto the cross street. Shortly after you'll see a dedicated U-turn lane on your left. Enter that lane, wait for a gap in oncoming traffic and complete the U-turn. The safest approach is to trust your satnav, which will announce the manoeuvre, and follow the road signs. Don't make abrupt decisions; the U-turn areas are well marked and provide ample space.

The key to navigating service drives near DTW is to follow the large overhead green signs for the specific motorway you need, such as I-94 or I-275. While service drives provide access to local businesses, these primary signs are positioned to guide through-traffic directly onto the motorway ramps. Avoid last-minute lane changes and stay in lanes designated for the motorway. Using a satnav app will also be very helpful, as it will provide lane guidance and tell you exactly when to exit the service drive for the on-ramp.

A day trip to Windsor requires planning, especially regarding the border crossing. Ensure your rental vehicle is permitted to be taken into Canada and that all passengers have valid passports or other required travel documents. When approaching the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit–Windsor Tunnel follow the signs for passenger vehicles and have your documents ready for the border officer. To avoid long waits, cross during off-peak hours and avoid weekday rush hours and weekend afternoons. Check a border wait-time app before you go and again before you return to choose the least congested time.

A road trip from Detroit to Niagara Falls is a scenic drive mainly through Ontario. The route is straightforward, following Highway 401 East for most of the journey. The total drive is about four hours, so it can easily be done in one day. If you want to break it up with an overnight stop, the city of London, Ontario is a sensible option. It's roughly halfway and offers plenty of hotels and restaurants, allowing you to relax before completing the second half of your drive to the falls the next day.

For a simple drive to the Detroit cruise terminal on the riverfront, especially with luggage, the best route is typically I-94 East to the Lodge Freeway (M-10) South. The Lodge will take you directly into the heart of downtown. From there follow signs for the riverfront, Hart Plaza or the Renaissance Center. To make unloading luggage easier, look up the specific drop-off instructions for your cruise or boat tour ahead of time. That will help you navigate directly to the passenger drop-off zone without managing bags from a distant car park.

Travelling with children and gear requires a bit of strategy. After collecting your luggage and car seats from baggage claim, find a spot out of the main flow of traffic to organise your belongings before heading to the rental car shuttle stop. Once at the Hertz desk and in your vehicle, take your time installing car seats and loading luggage in the designated parking area. Don't feel pressured to rush onto the road; ensuring the kids are safely and comfortably secured is the top priority before you begin your drive.

A common mistake for drivers unfamiliar with DTW is missing the turn for the correct motorway and accidentally following signs back towards one of the terminals or airport parking. This often happens on the main roads circling the airport, such as Rogell Drive. To avoid this, watch for the large overhead signs for I-94 and I-275 as you leave the rental car facility. It's also helpful to have your satnav running before you start the car, as it will provide clear, early instructions on which lane you need for your intended highway.

Driving from DTW to northern suburbs like Southfield or Troy during rush hour means you'll encounter significant congestion. Main routes such as the Southfield Freeway (M-39) and I-696 become heavily congested, particularly during the afternoon commute northbound and eastbound. If your meeting is during peak hours (roughly 07:30–09:30 or 16:00–18:30), budget at least 50–100% more travel time than your satnav initially estimates. Using live traffic apps is essential for finding the least congested route in real time.

The EV charging infrastructure in Metro Detroit is steadily improving, making it quite feasible to rent an electric vehicle. You'll find numerous charging points in downtown car parks, at major shopping centres like the Somerset Collection in Troy, and near popular attractions. Many suburban downtowns, such as Birmingham and Royal Oak, also have public chargers available. To plan effectively, use an EV charging app to locate stations, check power level and see real-time availability before heading to a specific location.

To visit multiple suburbs efficiently, plan your route geographically to create a logical loop. For example, if you're visiting western suburbs like Plymouth and Novi and northern ones like Birmingham, start with the westernmost location first. Then use a connector motorway like I-275 North to I-696 East to travel between them without cutting back through the city centre. Planning stops in a circular or sequential path and using the area's beltway-like motorways (I-696, I-275) will save time and prevent backtracking.

Driving to Belle Isle involves crossing the scenic MacArthur Bridge to reach the island park. The drive itself is simple, but on warm, sunny weekends or during major events like the Grand Prix traffic can back up significantly at the bridge entrance. Once on the island the main road is a one-way loop, which makes navigation easy. However parking can become very limited during peak times. It's best to arrive early to secure a good spot and be prepared for slower speeds as you share the road with cyclists and pedestrians.

After collecting your rental, making a quick grocery run is very convenient. The area around DTW along Merriman Road and Middlebelt Road has numerous options. You'll find major grocery chains, pharmacies and big-box retailers within a 5–10 minute drive from the rental facility. These stores are on main thoroughfares with large car parks, making it a simple and low-stress errand to complete before you check into your hotel or head to your final destination.

In Michigan, road construction season is significant from spring through autumn. To avoid surprises, check a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you start any drive. These apps will show active construction zones, lane closures and provide alternate routes to help you navigate around the worst delays. Major motorways like I-94, I-75 and I-696 are frequently under repair, so adding an extra 15–20 minutes to your travel time is a wise precaution during these months.

When you have multiple stops in downtown Detroit, the most efficient strategy is to park once in a central location and walk between your destinations. Choose a well-lit, secure car park near the heart of your activities, such as those around Campus Martius Park or the Fox Theatre district. This approach is often more time-effective and less stressful than searching for a new on-street space for each stop. You can also use the QLINE streetcar, which runs along Woodward Avenue, to connect easily between downtown, Midtown and New Center.

The Motown Museum is located on West Grand Boulevard, a major thoroughfare that's easy to access. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, so the surrounding streets are generally calm. The museum has dedicated parking lots for visitors located adjacent to and across the street from the main building. Parking is typically convenient and well signed, making for a straightforward arrival. Because it's a popular destination, it's a good idea to arrive a little before your scheduled tour time to ensure a stress-free parking experience.

A weekend trip from Detroit to Grand Rapids is a simple drive, taking about two and a half hours via I-96 West. To avoid the heaviest traffic leaving the Detroit metro area, try to depart after 19:00 on a Friday or before 10:00 on a Saturday. Traffic generally eases considerably once you pass the Novi and Brighton areas. The return trip on Sunday can also be busy, so leaving Grand Rapids either before midday or after 19:00 will help you miss the bulk of the weekend traffic heading back east.

When attending a large event expect significant street closures and detours that may not appear on your satnav. The best strategy is to check the event's official website beforehand for maps of closures and recommended parking areas. Plan to park in a garage or lot several blocks away from the event core and walk the final distance. This allows you to avoid the most congested areas and police-directed traffic, making both arrival and, importantly, departure much smoother.

For most domestic travel within Michigan you won't encounter toll roads, as the state's major motorways like I-75, I-94 and I-96 are toll-free. The primary tolls in the Detroit area apply to international crossings to Canada, such as the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel. Some bridges elsewhere in the state, like the Mackinac Bridge, also have tolls. If you want to avoid them entirely, select an 'avoid tolls' option in your satnav navigation settings before you start your route.

For a stress-free early-morning return, follow the airport signage for "Rental Car Return" as you approach DTW. These signs are prominent and will guide you directly to the dedicated return facility, separate from the passenger departure terminals. The roads will be very quiet at this hour, making navigation simple. Once you've returned the vehicle, you'll take a short shuttle ride back to your specific terminal. Allow about 20–30 extra minutes for the whole process, from returning the car to arriving at the terminal check-in counter.

In adverse weather conditions like snow or heavy rain it's crucial to build in extra time for your rental return. Plan for the drive to the airport to take at least 50% longer than usual due to reduced speeds and potentially slick roads. Add another 15–20 minutes for the return process itself. Walking from the car to the shuttle and waiting for the bus can take longer in inclement weather. This buffer ensures unexpected delays on the road won't put you at risk of missing your flight.

To drop off passengers before returning your car, first follow the signs for your airline's terminal and use the 'Departures' level kerb. After passengers have unloaded, follow the signs directing you back onto the main airport roadway. From there immediately look for the large signs that read 'Rental Car Return.' This route is designed as a loop, allowing you to move from the terminal drop-off area to the rental return facility without leaving and re-entering the main airport road system, saving time and avoiding confusion.

After a late-night event the most straightforward and well-lit route back towards the DTW area is via I-94 West. From most downtown locations you can access I-75 South for a short distance to connect directly with the I-94 West on-ramp. Sticking to this major motorway is preferable to navigating surface streets or more complex motorway interchanges in the dark. I-94 is a direct path to the airport exits, minimising the number of turns and decisions you need to make when you're likely tired after a long evening.