Hertz Car Hire
Michigan

After you collect your luggage at either the McNamara or Evans Terminal, follow signs for the Ground Transportation Centre. From there you will board a complimentary shuttle bus to the Rental Car Campus. These shuttles run frequently and will take you on a short ride to the consolidated rental facility. Once you arrive on the campus you can easily find the Hertz desk inside the main building to complete your collection.

From the McNamara Terminal the process is very straightforward. After you have picked up your bags from the lower-level baggage claim, follow the overhead signs for Rental Cars or Ground Transportation. These will lead you to the designated shuttle bus pickup area outside the terminal. Board the airport shuttle that serves the Rental Car Campus, where the Hertz counter and vehicles are located.

When you arrive at the Evans Terminal, formerly known as the North Terminal, first go to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Once you have your bags, follow the airport signage for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. These signs will guide you to the curb outside where you can board a shuttle bus. These buses provide continuous service directly to the airport’s Rental Car Campus, where you will find the Hertz service desk.

As a general guideline, it’s sensible to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you’re driving off the lot. This accounts for disembarking, walking through the terminal, collecting luggage and taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Campus. Time can vary depending on flight delays, baggage wait times and how busy the rental counter is on arrival. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a low-stress start to your trip in Michigan.

To ensure a swift and efficient pickup, especially after a long flight, have your documents organised before you reach the Hertz desk. Keep your driving licence, the form of payment linked to your reservation and your booking confirmation number easily accessible. Having these items in hand allows the rental agent to process your paperwork quickly. This simple preparation can make a significant difference in getting your group on the road without unnecessary delay.

The lobby of the Rental Car Campus itself serves as a convenient and comfortable meeting point. It’s an enclosed, climate-controlled space with seating where your party can gather while one person handles the rental paperwork. Alternatively, once you have your vehicle you can use one of the two cell phone lots at DTW. These lots provide a designated place to wait for arriving party members before you all depart the airport grounds together.

The most direct route from the DTW Rental Car Campus to downtown Detroit is to follow signs for the I-94 East. As you exit the rental facility, clear signage will guide you towards the major freeways. Take the I-94 East ramp towards Detroit; this interstate will lead you directly to the downtown area. Key exits for downtown destinations include those for the Lodge Freeway (M-10) or I-75, depending on your specific destination within the city centre.

The drive to Ann Arbor is mainly on I-94 West and is generally straightforward, but it can become quite congested during weekday rush hours, typically 7–9am and 4–6pm. During these times a trip that normally takes 30 minutes can easily double. While I-94 is the most direct route, some travellers prefer local roads like Michigan Avenue (US-12) as a slower but potentially less stressful alternative if the freeway is at a standstill. For the most pleasant drive, try to travel outside peak traffic periods.

Getting to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn from DTW is a relatively short and simple drive. The most common route is to take I-94 East from the airport for a few miles. You will then exit onto the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North. From M-39, take the exit for Michigan Avenue (US-12) and head west. The museum complex is well signposted and located just off Michigan Avenue, making it an easy destination to find.

The drive from DTW to the Auburn Hills and Pontiac area typically involves taking I-94 East to I-75 North. This trip can take about 45 to 60 minutes without traffic, but it’s highly susceptible to congestion. Traffic becomes heaviest during standard weekday rush hours and again in the two hours leading up to a major concert or sporting event. To avoid the worst of it, plan to leave the airport well in advance of your event’s start time, giving yourself a generous buffer.

To reach Novi or Farmington Hills, your route from DTW will primarily use I-275 North, which you can access shortly after leaving the airport. This motorway is a major suburban connector and experiences heavy traffic, especially during morning and evening commutes. Further north you will likely merge onto I-96 or I-696. Be prepared for frequent lane changes and watch for interchanges, as this area is a hub for several major roads connecting Detroit’s suburbs.

For a direct trip to the Detroit riverfront and the Renaissance Center, take I-94 East from the airport. Continue on I-94 until you reach the exit for the Lodge Freeway (M-10) South towards Downtown. Follow the Lodge Freeway until you see signs for Jefferson Avenue. Taking one of the Jefferson Avenue exits will place you directly along the riverfront, with the iconic Renaissance Center towers clearly in view, making for a simple final approach.

When driving from DTW to Corktown or Midtown, the most confusing part for newcomers is often negotiating the freeway interchanges near downtown. After taking I-94 East you’ll need to merge onto either the Lodge Freeway (M-10) or I-75. These final miles involve multiple lanes and exits in quick succession. Using a satnav and reviewing your route beforehand can help you anticipate which lane you’ll need for your specific exit into these neighbourhoods.

Visitors driving in downtown Detroit for the first time are most often challenged by the network of one-way streets and multi-lane areas like Campus Martius. While the freeway exits are well signed, the transition to the city grid can be abrupt. It’s helpful to have a co-pilot or a reliable satnav to navigate, and pay close attention to street signs. Planning your parking in advance also helps reduce the stress of circling unfamiliar one-way streets.

For events at Ford Field or Comerica Park, the most practical approach is to use one of the many dedicated event parking structures and lots surrounding the venues. While these are often charged at a premium, they offer the most convenience and security. To avoid circling, it’s wise to research and even pre-book parking online through the venue’s website or a third‑party app. Arriving early secures a better spot and helps you avoid the worst of pre‑game traffic gridlock.

If you’re aiming for a ‘park once’ weekend, consider securing a spot in a hotel garage or a long‑term public parking structure in a central area like Downtown or Midtown. Once parked, you can explore the core city neighbourhoods on foot. For longer distances, use the QLINE streetcar along Woodward Avenue or rideshare services. This strategy lets you enjoy the city’s attractions without the repeated hassle of finding parking for your rental car.

When driving from DTW to Windsor, Canada, you will cross the border via either the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit‑Windsor Tunnel. As you approach the crossing, signs will direct you into lanes for customs inspection. You’ll drive up to a booth where a border services officer will ask for your travel documents and the purpose of your visit. The process is usually quick, but be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak travel times or holidays.

When planning to drive into Canada, travellers must ensure everyone in the vehicle has the necessary and valid international travel documents. It’s also crucial to have the rental agreement with you. Before you leave the Hertz counter at DTW, inform the agent of your intent to travel to Canada. This ensures you understand any specific considerations for taking the vehicle across the border and that you have the proper paperwork.

To avoid significant delays when crossing into Canada on a weekday morning, it’s best to pass through the border before 7:00am, ahead of the daily commuter rush. At weekends traffic can be heavy throughout the day, so an early start is recommended. You can check real‑time border wait times online via official government websites before you depart. This lets you make an informed decision on when to leave and which crossing—bridge or tunnel—is experiencing shorter delays.

The most straightforward route to the Ambassador Bridge from DTW is to take I-94 East towards Detroit. Continue on I-94 until you merge briefly onto I-96 West towards Lansing, then almost immediately take the exit for I-75 South. Stay on I-75 South and follow the clear overhead signs for the Ambassador Bridge to Canada. Staying in the middle or right lanes as you approach the final exits will help you avoid last‑minute manoeuvres.

The drive from DTW to Frankenmuth is about 90 minutes and is almost entirely on I-75 North. The motorway is generally well maintained and the drive becomes scenic once you are north of the Detroit suburbs. The route is very direct, so the main thing to watch for is general traffic, especially around the Flint area. Frankenmuth is a popular tourist destination, so expect more vehicles on the local roads into town, particularly at weekends and during festivals.

A same‑day drive from DTW to Traverse City is realistic, but it’s a long haul of about four hours each way. An early start from the airport is essential. The route primarily follows I-75 North to US-127 North and then onto state highways. Popular places to stop include Clare, known for its Irish heritage, or Cadillac, situated between two lakes and offering a pleasant spot to stretch your legs before the final leg.

The drive from DTW to Grand Rapids is ideal for those who prefer simple interstate travel. The route is very direct: take I-275 North from the airport area to I-96 West. Stay on I-96 West for the majority of the journey, which takes you all the way to the Grand Rapids area. This drive is roughly two and a half hours and avoids the complex interchanges of downtown Detroit, making for a relatively low‑stress trip across the state.

Parking directly on the University of Michigan’s central campus can be challenging, as most spots are reserved for permit holders. Visitors often find it most convenient to use one of the city’s public parking structures, such as the Maynard Street or Liberty Square car parks, which are a short walk from campus. There is also metered street parking available, though it can be limited. Arriving early or using a parking app can help you locate an available spot more easily.

When attending a major downtown event, the key is to plan ahead and arrive early. Check the event’s official website for road closure information and recommended parking areas. It’s often best to park your rental car in a designated event lot or car park on the periphery of the event zone and walk the final blocks. Trying to navigate closed streets and find last‑minute parking near the venue can be extremely stressful, so a ‘park and walk’ strategy is highly recommended.

The most convenient way to reach Belle Isle is by taking Jefferson Avenue east from downtown Detroit and crossing the MacArthur Bridge onto the island. A state park passport is typically required for vehicle entry and can be purchased at the entrance. During warm summer weekends the island is a very popular destination and parking lots near attractions like the aquarium, conservatory and beach can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance of finding a convenient parking spot.

The easiest route from DTW to the popular suburbs of Royal Oak or Ferndale is to take I-94 East to the Lodge Freeway (M-10) North, then connect to I-696 East. Both towns have vibrant high streets with a mix of on‑street parking and public lots or car parks. During evenings and weekends finding a space can take time, so be prepared to circle a few blocks or use a paid car park for convenience. Many residential areas around the high streets have permit‑only parking, so read signs carefully.

The drive from DTW to Port Huron is straightforward, primarily following I-94 East for the roughly 75‑minute journey. To continue to the smaller town of Lexington you’ll take a scenic drive north along the Lake Huron shoreline on the M-25. The route is well paved and clearly signed, making for a pleasant and easy trip. It’s a simple drive perfect for a relaxing short getaway from the metropolitan area.

If you’re unfamiliar with winter driving, it’s important to be cautious and allow extra time. Roads can be snow‑covered or icy, significantly increasing braking distances. Drive at a reduced speed, avoid sudden starts or stops, and maintain a larger following distance from the vehicle ahead. Take particular care on bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze first. Checking the weather forecast before you head out is always a wise decision.

During a winter storm, road crews prioritise clearing major highways and interstates like I-94 and I-275 to keep primary transportation corridors open. Main arterial roads connecting to the airport are also a high priority. Secondary local roads and residential streets will be cleared later. For the safest travel during or immediately after snowfall, it’s best to stick to the major freeways where possible, as they will generally be in the best condition.

The most famous Michigan driving quirk is the ‘Michigan Left’, where you turn left by first driving straight through an intersection and then making a U‑turn at a designated crossover, instead of a direct left at a traffic light. Additionally, on motorways there’s a strong local custom of using the left lane for passing only. Understanding these two habits will help you blend in with local traffic and navigate the roads around Detroit more smoothly.

For a low‑stress late‑night arrival, book a hotel along Merriman Road or Wick Road, which are immediately adjacent to the airport. Before you leave the rental car lot, program the hotel’s address into your satnav. The drive is typically under five minutes with minimal turns and well‑lit roads. This avoids the need to navigate complex motorways when you’re tired, allowing you to check in and rest quickly and safely.

The most efficient plan is to first drive to your airline’s departure terminal and drop off passengers and luggage at the kerb. After they’re safely on their way, follow the airport signs for Rental Car Return. These will guide you back into the airport road system and directly to the dedicated entrance for the Rental Car Campus. This approach prevents you having to handle luggage on the shuttle from the rental facility.

To be safe, budget at least 60 to 75 minutes for the drive from downtown Detroit to the DTW rental car return, especially during morning or afternoon peak periods. While the drive can be as quick as 30 minutes in light traffic, unexpected congestion or roadworks on I-94 can cause significant delays. This buffer allows for a relaxed drive, time to refuel if needed, and a stress‑free return process before heading to your terminal.

For an early flight, plan to arrive at the Rental Car Campus at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. Follow the signs for Hertz rental return and park in the designated area. After a quick vehicle check‑in, proceed to the shuttle bus stop located at the facility. Make sure you board the correct shuttle, as there are separate buses for the McNamara Terminal and the Evans (North) Terminal, to ensure you arrive at the right terminal.

The best strategy is to have one adult stay with the children and luggage in the lobby of the Rental Car Campus while the other adult returns the vehicle. Once the car is returned the driver can rejoin the family and you can all take the airport shuttle to your terminal together. This avoids managing bulky car seats and multiple bags on your own and keeps the family comfortably out of the vehicle return lanes.

The drive to Chicago from DTW is a straightforward four‑ to five‑hour trip, primarily on I-94 West. The route takes you across Michigan. A popular place for the first break is the Kalamazoo or Battle Creek area, roughly the halfway point of the Michigan portion. These towns offer numerous options for food, fuel and restrooms just off the highway, making them ideal spots to stretch before continuing towards the Indiana and Illinois state lines.

A logical route for a multi‑city trip is to travel west from Detroit. Start in Detroit, then drive about 45 minutes to Ann Arbor via I-94 West. From Ann Arbor, Lansing is about an hour northwest, accessible via I-96. Finally, Grand Rapids is another hour west of Lansing on I-96. This linear path minimises backtracking and allows you to experience a diverse cross‑section of southern Michigan efficiently, with each leg a manageable drive.

One convenience of driving in Michigan is the near absence of toll roads; you can travel across the state freely on the major interstates. However, if your journey takes you into neighbouring states, you will encounter tolls. For example, driving south into Ohio will lead you to the Ohio Turnpike, and heading west toward Chicago will involve the Indiana Toll Road. It’s a good idea to be prepared for these charges once you cross the state line.