National Car Rental
Michigan

After collecting your luggage at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, you will proceed to the Ground Transportation Center to catch a designated rental car shuttle. These shuttles operate continuously, even during late-night hours, and serve all terminals. The ride takes you to a separate, dedicated rental car facility where all the major agencies, including National, are located. The process is straightforward and well-signed, ensuring you can easily find your way even after a long flight.

Delta Air Lines primarily operates out of the McNamara Terminal, while most other domestic and international carriers use the Evans Terminal. However, this does not change how you get to the rental car center. Both terminals are served by the same fleet of airport shuttles that run a continuous loop to the rental car facility. Simply follow the signs for Ground Transportation and board the next available shuttle, regardless of which terminal you arrive at.

Upon exiting the rental car facility, the airport roadway system is designed to guide you clearly. Follow the large overhead signs for I-94 East to go toward Detroit or I-94 West for destinations like Ann Arbor and Chicago. The lanes for I-94 are distinctly marked and separate from the ramps leading to I-275. As long as you stay in the lanes designated for I-94, you will avoid accidentally merging onto the wrong freeway.

For a straightforward drive that minimizes complex interchanges, take I-94 East from the airport for just a few miles. Exit onto the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North. From the Southfield, take the exit for Michigan Avenue West. This route leads you directly to the museum complex on well-marked surface streets and helps you bypass the more intricate freeway junctions closer to downtown Detroit.

As you approach downtown Detroit on I-75 or the Lodge Freeway (M-10), the exits for the stadium district can be challenging for newcomers. The off-ramps often appear suddenly and can be shorter than expected, requiring quick decisions. Specifically, the interchanges where I-75, I-375, and the Lodge Freeway converge are complex. It's highly recommended to have your navigation system active and be in your target lane well before your exit.

The downtown core, especially around Greektown and Campus Martius, is known for its dense grid of one-way streets. Visitors often find themselves challenged by streets like Monroe, Lafayette, and Fort, which can have short turn lanes and require you to be in the correct lane well in advance. GPS can sometimes lag in this area, so it's wise to review your route beforehand and pay close attention to street signs to avoid having to circle the block.

A same-day round trip between Detroit and Ann Arbor is very common and quite manageable. The drive typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes each way via I-94 West. To ensure you are back in Detroit for an evening event, the key is to avoid peak rush hour traffic. Plan to leave Ann Arbor before 3:30 PM to miss the heaviest westbound traffic heading out of the city.

To reach the University of Michigan campus while bypassing most of downtown Ann Arbor's traffic, take I-94 West to Exit 177 for State Street. Head north on State Street, which will take you directly to the southern part of the university's central and athletic campuses. This route is generally more direct and less congested for campus visitors than using the Main Street or Jackson Avenue exits, which lead into the busier downtown commercial district.

A great half-day driving plan is to group attractions by neighborhood to minimize travel time. You could start in Midtown to see the Detroit Institute of Arts, then drive down Woodward Avenue toward the downtown stadiums and Campus Martius Park. From there, it's a short drive to the Detroit Riverwalk for skyline views. This point-to-point approach allows you to cover significant ground efficiently without wasting time searching for parking multiple times in one area.

For sporting events in the stadium district, the most convenient and reliable option is to use one of the many official or private parking garages and lots surrounding the venues. Structures associated with Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park offer ample space and are a short walk away. Many visitors find it helpful to reserve a parking spot online in advance, which can guarantee a space and simplify your arrival.

During major concerts or events, especially around Little Caesars Arena or Ford Field, streets like Woodward Avenue, Cass Avenue, and the I-75 service drives are often subject to temporary closures. These are typically managed by traffic police to control the flow of pedestrians and vehicles. It's always a good idea to check a live traffic app before you leave and build extra time into your schedule to navigate any unexpected detours.

When your downtown hotel lacks a clear drop-off lane, the best strategy is to find the nearest designated loading zone, even if it's a short distance away. If that's not an option, pull over as safely as you can, activate your hazard lights, and unload your luggage efficiently. Calling the hotel ahead of your arrival is also a great idea, as the concierge can often provide specific instructions for the smoothest drop-off.

To make a quick grocery stop after leaving the airport, it's best to use the main surface roads before getting on the freeway. After exiting the rental facility, take Merriman Road or Middlebelt Road north for a short distance. These roads have numerous grocery stores and shopping centers and run parallel to the freeway, allowing you to get your errands done without immediately entering the main flow of highway traffic.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route is to take I-94 East from the airport to the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North. Follow the Southfield Freeway until it merges and becomes I-696 East. From I-696, you can easily take exits for major north-south roads like Woodward Avenue or Coolidge Highway, which will lead you directly into Royal Oak and Birmingham. This route relies on major freeways and avoids complex local roads.

A 'Michigan left' is a unique intersection design used throughout the state to improve traffic flow. Instead of a direct left turn at a major intersection, you will drive straight through it, then use a dedicated U-turn lane a few hundred feet ahead. After making the U-turn, you will return to the intersection and make a simple right turn. While it may seem unusual at first, just follow the signs for the U-turn crossover.

The area where the Lodge Freeway (M-10), I-75, and I-375 all converge near downtown is notoriously complex for unfamiliar drivers. The ramps are tightly packed, and lane markings can sometimes be unclear, requiring quick decisions. It is highly advisable to have your GPS running and pay close attention to the large overhead signs to ensure you are in the correct lane for your intended exit or freeway connection.

Choosing between Dearborn and downtown depends on your itinerary's focus. Staying in Dearborn often means easier parking and is ideal if The Henry Ford museum complex is a priority, but you'll be driving into the city for most other attractions. Basing yourself downtown puts you within walking distance of many sights and restaurants, making it better for an urban-focused trip, though you'll have to navigate city parking.

The most direct and relaxed route to Frankenmuth is to take I-75 North for the entire journey, which typically takes about 90 minutes. To avoid traffic, try to leave the Detroit metro area before the morning rush hour begins or after 9:30 AM. On your return, be aware that Sunday afternoon traffic heading south on I-75 can be heavy with weekend travelers, so planning an earlier or later departure is wise.

A great first stop on a northbound road trip from Detroit is either Bay City or Midland. Both cities are approximately a two-hour drive up I-75, making for a very manageable first leg of your journey. Stopping here allows you to get a good start without feeling rushed and positions you perfectly to continue toward destinations like Traverse City, Mackinac, or the Upper Peninsula the following morning.

The most direct route to popular Lake Michigan towns like Saugatuck or Holland is I-96 West toward Grand Rapids, followed by I-196 West. To avoid the worst weekend traffic, especially on a Friday, it's best to depart from the Detroit area before 2:00 PM. The stretch of I-96 between Novi and Lansing is a common bottleneck, so getting through that area early is key to a smooth drive.

A logical and efficient driving loop for this trip would be to start in Detroit, then drive west on I-96 to Grand Rapids. From Grand Rapids, head north on US-131 to reach Traverse City. For your return journey to Detroit, you can take a different route down the center of the state via I-75 South. This creates a natural circuit that prevents you from backtracking and lets you see different parts of Michigan.

Your decision should be based on your plans for the day. If you intend to visit multiple attractions in different neighborhoods, having your car offers the most flexibility. However, if your visit is focused on a single event or a walkable area like the stadium district or Riverwalk, it's often less stressful to park on the edge of downtown or in Midtown and use the QLINE streetcar or walk.

When driving at night in the Detroit area, be prepared for varying conditions. While major freeways are generally well-lit, some stretches can be darker than expected. Construction is common, and zones can feature sudden lane shifts or concrete barriers that reduce visibility. It's important to remain alert, reduce your speed in work zones, and pay close attention to road markings and signs.

During a snowstorm, road crews prioritize major freeways like I-94, I-75, and I-275, along with the main roads leading to the airport. Primary surface streets such as Woodward Avenue and Michigan Avenue are also cleared relatively quickly. What often surprises visitors are the secondary roads, exit ramps, and neighborhood streets, which can remain snow-covered or icy long after the main arteries are clear.

Near DTW, elevated surfaces are the primary trouble spots in winter weather. Bridges and overpasses, particularly on the I-94 and I-275 interchange, are known to freeze before the road surface and can become very slick. Additionally, curved entrance and exit ramps for the airport can accumulate ice. Always reduce your speed on these structures during cold or freezing conditions, even if the main highway seems clear.

The key ingredient for lake-effect snow is a cold wind blowing over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. If the forecast for western or northern Michigan calls for strong northwesterly winds after a cold front passes, be on high alert. Weather alerts mentioning narrow bands of heavy snow or rapidly changing visibility are clear signs that you should consider delaying your drive, as conditions can go from clear to a whiteout in minutes.

The drive from Detroit to Grand Rapids on I-96 offers several good options for rest stops. The city of Lansing is located almost exactly at the halfway point and has numerous restaurants, gas stations, and facilities just off the highway. For shorter breaks, the areas around Howell and Okemos also have large, easily accessible service centers. Planning your stops around these larger towns ensures you'll have plenty of choices.

To manage bulky gear smoothly, have one person from your group head directly to the rental car center on the shuttle to pick up the vehicle. The other person can wait with the equipment at baggage claim. Once the driver has the car, they can pull into one of the designated loading spaces at the rental facility, allowing you to load your gear away from the congested terminal curbside.

A great strategy for families is to have one adult take the shuttle to the rental car center to retrieve the vehicle and install the car seats. Meanwhile, the other adult can wait with the children in a less crowded area inside the terminal, away from the curbside. Once the car is ready, the driver can circle back to the arrivals level for a quick and organized pickup, minimizing everyone's time outside.

Keeping your rental car for the duration of a conference can be practical, especially if you plan excursions outside the city. However, you should factor in the daily cost of parking at your hotel or a nearby garage, which can be significant. If your schedule is entirely downtown and walkable, you might consider renting a car only for the specific days you need it to save on parking fees.

When making a stop with luggage, security is key. Always place your bags in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination. Park in a well-lit, high-traffic area whenever possible. For added peace of mind, consider using a secure, attended parking garage or choosing a restaurant where you can park within your line of sight.

Access to Belle Isle Park is via the MacArthur Bridge, which can experience significant traffic backups on sunny weekends and during events. Once on the island, the main road is a one-way loop, which can be confusing for first-time visitors who might try to turn the wrong way. The best approach is to follow the main loop, Sunset Drive, all the way around to access the various attractions like the conservatory and aquarium.

The drive to the Detroit Zoo is quite easy, as it's conveniently located right at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and I-696 in Royal Oak. The trip from downtown typically takes about 20-25 minutes. To avoid the biggest crowds at the entrance, plan to arrive either right at opening time or later in the afternoon, after 1:00 PM. The mid-morning hours on weekends are usually the most congested.

For a day trip south to Toledo or Cleveland, your primary route will be I-75 South. To get a smooth start, try to be on the road before 7:00 AM to beat Detroit's morning commuter traffic. On your return, be mindful that northbound traffic into Detroit starts building around 3:30 PM. Aiming to arrive back in the metro area after 6:30 PM will generally help you avoid the worst of the evening rush.

Driving to Windsor involves an international border crossing, so all passengers must have a valid passport or other approved travel documents. You can use either the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Before you go, it's essential to check the official border wait times online, as they can fluctuate greatly. Also, confirm that your rental agreement permits the vehicle to be taken into Canada.

The drive from Detroit to Niagara Falls through Canada takes about four to five hours. To make the trip more relaxed, consider breaking it up. You could leave Detroit in the early afternoon and drive about halfway to a city like London, Ontario, for an overnight stay. This allows you to complete the rest of the drive the next morning, arriving at Niagara Falls feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

The rental car return process at DTW is designed to be efficient, even during busy early-morning periods. As you approach the airport, follow the large, clear signs for 'Rental Car Return,' which will guide you directly to the dedicated facility. While there may be a short queue at the return lanes, the process is typically quick. Be sure to allow about 15-20 extra minutes for the return and the shuttle ride back to your departure terminal.

While your GPS might identify shortcuts through nearby residential areas of Romulus or Taylor, it is almost always better to stick to the main airport roads like Merriman Road and Middlebelt Road. These major thoroughfares are designed to handle airport traffic, have much clearer signage, and are less likely to have the speed bumps, school zones, or unexpected closures you might encounter on local streets.

If you anticipate long delays at baggage claim, a great strategy is to split up your party. One person can head directly to the rental car center via the shuttle to complete the paperwork and get the vehicle. The rest of the group can wait for the luggage. This approach is much more efficient than having everyone wait together and ensures the car is ready to go as soon as the bags arrive.

To enjoy Michigan's fall colors away from urban congestion, consider scenic routes like the M-25 loop around the state's 'Thumb' region along Lake Huron. Another excellent option is the 'Tunnel of Trees' on M-119 in the northwest Lower Peninsula, though it's a longer drive from Detroit. For a closer trip, the winding roads through the Irish Hills area southwest of Ann Arbor also offer beautiful scenery and a more relaxed driving experience.