Payless Car Rental
Detroit

Once you have collected your luggage, follow the airport signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Center. Detroit Metro Airport centralizes its rental car operations in a dedicated facility accessible by a short shuttle ride. These complimentary shuttles run continuously from designated pickup zones outside the baggage claim area of both the McNamara and Evans terminals. The ride is brief and delivers you directly to the facility where the Payless counter is located.

After clearing customs and immigration, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. From there, you'll follow the signs to the rental car shuttle pickup zone, which is the same process as for domestic arrivals. While the time to clear customs can vary significantly based on flight volume, you should generally budget at least 60 to 90 minutes from landing to being ready to board the shuttle. The shuttle ride itself is typically under 10 minutes, getting you to the Payless counter efficiently once you are through the arrivals process.

When you arrive at the McNamara Terminal, collect your bags and then head down to the Ground Transportation level. Look for the signs that specifically point to "Rental Car Shuttles." The pickup area is located outside the terminal building. Board the designated airport shuttle that services the main rental car facility. This shuttle will take you on a short trip directly to the building where you will find the Payless service desk.

Upon arrival at the Evans Terminal, formerly the North Terminal, make your way to the baggage claim area on the lower level. Once you have your luggage, follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Facility. The shuttle bus pickup zones are clearly marked and located just outside the terminal doors. All rental car companies, including Payless, are serviced by these shuttles which will transport you to the consolidated rental car building.

If you're traveling with oversized items, using the airport's luggage carts is the most convenient option. You can take a cart from baggage claim all the way to the rental car shuttle stop. The shuttles are equipped to handle luggage, but it's a good idea to have one person in your party focus on loading the gear while another handles smaller bags and keeps an eye on the group. Once you arrive at the rental facility, you can use another cart to move your items from the shuttle drop-off point to the Payless counter and then to your vehicle.

Arriving late at DTW is generally a smooth process as the airport is well-lit and signage is clear. The rental car shuttles typically operate 24/7, though their frequency might be slightly reduced during the latest hours, so you may have a short wait. The process remains the same: collect bags, head to the shuttle stop, and ride to the rental facility. To get on the road efficiently, have your reservation information ready and pre-plan your route on your phone's GPS while you wait for the shuttle or at the counter.

The most frequent error for first-time drivers leaving DTW is taking the wrong ramp for I-94 or I-275. The airport exit road splits, and it's crucial to know beforehand whether you need to go east (toward Detroit) or west (toward Ann Arbor). Another common issue is missing the turn for the other freeway, I-275, which connects to I-96 and I-696 for northern suburbs. Carefully follow the overhead signs as you leave the rental facility and have your GPS destination set before you start driving to avoid last-minute lane changes.

The most straightforward and least stressful route from DTW to Downtown Detroit is taking I-94 East directly. After exiting the airport area, you will merge onto I-94 East and can stay on this single highway for the majority of your trip. This route avoids the more complex interchanges found on other freeways. As you approach the city, your GPS will guide you to the appropriate exit for your specific downtown destination, such as the Lodge Freeway (M-10) or I-75, but the main leg of the journey is very direct.

For a simple drive to Dearborn and its famous attractions, the best route is to take I-94 East from the airport. You will only be on the freeway for a few miles before taking the exit for US-24, which is Telegraph Road. Head north on Telegraph Road for a short distance, then turn east onto Michigan Avenue (US-12). This road will lead you directly to the area of The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. The route is well-signed and avoids the busier downtown-bound traffic.

The drive from DTW to Ann Arbor is exceptionally direct and typically easy to navigate. From the airport, you will want to get on I-94 West. This is the primary highway connecting the two locations, and you will stay on it for the entire duration of the drive. To avoid surprises, it's always wise to check a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you leave the rental car lot for any unexpected construction delays or accidents. However, the route itself involves minimal interchanges or complex merges.

To reach northern suburbs like Royal Oak or Ferndale, the most common route is to take I-94 East from the airport to the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North. You will then take M-39 North until it ends and merges with I-696 East. This freeway will take you directly to the exits for both Ferndale and Royal Oak. Expect heavy traffic during typical weekday rush hours, especially on the Southfield Freeway and I-696, so it's best to travel during off-peak times if your schedule allows.

Downtown Detroit features a grid of one-way streets that can be challenging for first-time visitors. It's essential to have your GPS active and pay close attention to its turn-by-turn directions, as it will account for these restrictions. Be prepared for your final destination to be on the left side of the street, which may feel unfamiliar. Plan ahead by looking at your hotel or parking garage's location on a map to visualize the final approach, and allow yourself a little extra time to navigate the last few blocks without feeling rushed.

Parking in these popular downtown areas is generally manageable thanks to numerous parking garages and surface lots. While street parking is available, it can be limited and subject to time restrictions, making garages a more reliable option. For Campus Martius and the Riverwalk, look for garages like the One Campus Martius garage or others along Woodward Avenue. Greektown has its own large, dedicated casino garage that is often open to the public. Using a parking app can help you find and compare options in real-time.

The key to a stress-free arrival for a major sporting event is to arrive early and park strategically. Instead of aiming for the closest, most expensive lots right next to the venue, consider parking in a garage a little further away, such as in Greektown or near Grand Circus Park. This allows you to approach from a less congested direction and enjoy a short walk to the stadium or arena. Pre-booking a parking spot online through a service like ParkWhiz is also an excellent strategy to guarantee your space and avoid circling in traffic.

Driving and parking for Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena are very similar experiences, as the venues are located very close to each other in The District Detroit. Both are surrounded by a mix of dedicated parking garages, surface lots, and private lots, with traffic being heavy on all approach routes like I-75 (Fisher Freeway) and Woodward Avenue. The primary difference is that Little Caesars Arena is directly on Woodward, making that thoroughfare particularly busy. For either venue, arriving well over an hour before the event starts is highly recommended to secure a decent parking spot and avoid the worst of the gridlock.

For a morning flight, it's wise to build a generous time cushion into your schedule. From downtown Detroit, plan for at least a 30-40 minute drive to the airport area without traffic. Add another 20-30 minutes for potential rush hour congestion if traveling on a weekday between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. You'll also need about 15-20 minutes to return the car, complete the inspection, and take the shuttle back to your terminal. Factoring in airport security lines, a good rule of thumb is to leave your hotel at least three hours before your flight's departure time.

The most direct approach to the rental car return is via John D. Dingell Drive, the main airport roadway. As you get close to the airport terminals, regardless of which direction you are coming from, you will see large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return." Follow these signs explicitly. They will guide you onto a dedicated road that leads directly to the consolidated rental car facility. Avoid following signs for specific terminals until after you have dropped off your vehicle to prevent getting stuck in the passenger drop-off loops.

The smoothest sequence is to drop off your passengers and their luggage at the McNamara Terminal departures curb first. This allows them to proceed to check-in while you handle the car return. After they are on their way, simply follow the airport loop road around and look for the signs directing you to the "Rental Car Return" facility. Once you've returned the car, you can take the complimentary shuttle bus from the rental facility back to the McNamara Terminal to rejoin your party and head to security.

The process is very straightforward and similar to departing from the other terminal. First, drive to the consolidated rental car facility and follow the signs for Payless to return your vehicle. After completing the return process, exit the building and board the common airport shuttle bus. Make sure you board the shuttle designated for the Evans Terminal (formerly North Terminal). The shuttle will take you directly to the departures level of the correct terminal, leaving you a short walk from the airline check-in counters.

Several gas stations are conveniently located along Merriman Road, which runs parallel to the airport. As you approach DTW, you can exit I-94 at Merriman Road and find multiple options within a minute or two of the freeway. This is the most popular and direct area for travelers to refuel before heading to the rental car return. Refueling here allows you to easily get back on the main airport roadway without navigating unfamiliar side streets.

When driving on major Detroit freeways like I-94 and I-75, be prepared for traffic to move at a brisk pace, often slightly above the posted speed limit when conditions are clear. Drivers tend to be assertive with lane changes, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and use your signals. Keep a safe following distance to allow for sudden braking, which is common during congested periods. Staying in the center or right lane until you are comfortable with the traffic flow is a good strategy for unfamiliar drivers.

Detroit's rush hour can significantly impact travel time between DTW and downtown. The morning peak is typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, while the afternoon rush runs from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. During these times, the 30-minute drive on I-94 can easily stretch to an hour or more. The most manageable times to travel are mid-day, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or later in the evening after 7:00 PM. Planning your airport travel within these windows will help you avoid the worst of the congestion.

Traveling between Detroit and Ann Arbor is very feasible for a day trip, as they are connected directly by I-94 West. The drive typically takes about 45-60 minutes each way, depending on your specific start and end points. A realistic plan would be to leave one city in the morning after rush hour, around 9:30 AM, to maximize your time. Plan your return trip either before the afternoon rush hour begins around 3:00 PM or wait until after 6:30 PM to ensure a smooth drive back.

The most efficient way to visit both locations is to start your day at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. It's located between the airport and downtown, making it a logical first stop. Plan to spend the morning and early afternoon there. Afterward, it's a relatively short and direct drive of about 15-20 minutes east on I-94 or Michigan Avenue into downtown Detroit. This approach allows you to enjoy the museum complex without worrying about downtown traffic first thing in the morning and then explore the city in the late afternoon and evening.

DTW is conveniently located at the junction of two major freeways that serve the entire metro area. For western suburbs like Canton, Plymouth, and Novi, I-275 North is your most direct route. For downtown Detroit and eastern suburbs like the Grosse Pointes or St. Clair Shores, I-94 East is the primary artery. For northern suburbs like Southfield, Royal Oak, and Troy, you can take I-94 East to the Southfield Freeway (M-39) North, which connects to I-696 East.

The "Michigan left" is a common traffic design you'll find on many multi-lane boulevards. Instead of turning left directly at an intersection, you drive straight through it and then use a dedicated U-turn lane located a few hundred feet past the intersection. After making the U-turn, you come back to the intersection and make a simple right turn onto your desired street. While it seems counterintuitive at first, it's designed to improve traffic flow and safety, and you'll quickly get the hang of it.

While GPS is generally reliable, some areas downtown can be tricky. The network of ramps around the TCF Center (formerly Cobo Center) and the Lodge Freeway (M-10) can be confusing, with short merges and exits. Specifically, the area where I-75, M-10, and Jefferson Avenue converge requires careful attention. It's helpful to review your route on the map before you start driving and listen to the GPS prompts well in advance of your turn to avoid last-second maneuvers.

A day trip to Frankenmuth is a great option, with a drive of about 90 minutes to two hours from the DTW area. The most direct route is to take I-94 East to I-75 North. You'll stay on I-75 North for most of the journey. To make a sensible plan, leave by 9:00 AM to arrive with plenty of time to explore. You could consider a quick stop in Flint on the way if you need a break. Plan to leave Frankenmuth by late afternoon to avoid returning to the Detroit area during the peak of evening rush hour traffic.

The drive from Detroit to Grand Rapids is a straightforward trip of about two and a half hours, primarily on I-96 West. The highway is well-maintained and travels through a mix of suburban and rural landscapes. The easiest time to leave the Detroit area is mid-morning, between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, after the morning rush hour has subsided. This will give you a clear path out of the city and have you arriving in Grand Rapids in the early afternoon, perfect for checking into a hotel and starting your exploration.

A same-day trip to the Lansing area is very practical. The drive is about 90 minutes each way, almost entirely on I-96 West. To make it work smoothly, plan your travel outside of commuter hours. Leaving Detroit after 9:00 AM will help you avoid the outbound morning traffic. For your return, aim to leave Lansing either before 3:30 PM or after 6:00 PM to miss the worst of the traffic flowing back into the Detroit metro area, ensuring a more relaxed journey.

For a relaxing trip to a Lake Michigan town like Saugatuck, Holland, or Grand Haven, an overnight stay is highly recommended. The drive is approximately three hours one-way, primarily via I-96 West. A realistic plan would be to leave Detroit in the morning, arrive around lunchtime, and spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the town and beach. After staying the night, you can enjoy the next morning there as well before making the three-hour drive back in the afternoon, which feels much more leisurely than a six-hour round trip in one day.

The drive south from Detroit to Toledo and Cleveland primarily uses I-75 South. If you must travel during peak traffic hours, be prepared for significant congestion, especially through the Downriver suburbs and around the I-275 interchange. The stretch from Detroit to Toledo can take much longer than the usual hour. For a trip to Cleveland, the traffic usually eases up after Toledo. Always check a real-time traffic app before you depart and consider leaving earlier or later to avoid the worst of the delays.

A cross-border trip requires some advance planning. First, confirm with the rental car company about their policy for taking vehicles into Canada, as restrictions may apply. Ensure all passengers have valid passports or other required travel documents. Be prepared for potential delays at the border crossing, especially during peak times, so check wait times online before you go. The drive itself via the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is short, but the customs and immigration process adds a significant variable to your travel time.

Visitors are often most surprised by lake-effect snow, which can create sudden, intense snow squalls with poor visibility even when the forecast seems mild. Another major hazard is black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads, especially on bridges and overpasses, making them extremely slippery. It's crucial to increase your following distance dramatically and be gentle with the accelerator and brakes. Conditions can change rapidly, so what seems like a clear road can become hazardous in minutes.

During a snow event, the major freeways like I-94 are your best bet as they are the top priority for plowing and salting. While they will still be snow-covered and require slow speeds, they are generally in better condition than secondary roads. Sticking to I-94 East for the entire trip to downtown is the least stressful option because it minimizes turns and navigation on smaller, potentially unplowed streets. Avoid surface street shortcuts your GPS might suggest, as they are less likely to be cleared.

For any winter driving in the Detroit area, it's smart to have a small preparedness kit in your rental car. This should include an extra blanket, warm gloves, and a hat in case you get stranded in a traffic jam and need to conserve fuel. A fully charged phone and a car charger are essential for communication and navigation. It's also wise to have a bottle of water and some non-perishable snacks. Finally, ensure your windshield washer fluid is full, as road salt and grime can quickly obscure your vision.

To ensure a calm pickup with children, designate roles before you land. One adult can be in charge of gathering the luggage while the other keeps the kids entertained and away from the busy baggage carousel. Once at the rental car facility, one adult can handle the paperwork at the Payless counter while the other stays with the children and bags in the waiting area. After you get the keys, take a few extra minutes to install car seats and get everyone settled comfortably in the vehicle before you even think about setting your GPS and pulling out of the parking spot.

A rental car is ideal for reaching attractions outside the downtown core, such as The Henry Ford in Dearborn, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, or any of the beautiful Metroparks. These destinations are spread out and have ample, dedicated parking. For attractions within the immediate downtown area, like a sporting event or a concert, driving is still convenient but requires more planning for traffic and parking. In some cases, it might be easier to park your rental at your hotel and use a rideshare service or the QLINE streetcar for short trips within the downtown district.

When arriving at a hotel with valet-only service, the process is quite simple but requires a bit of planning. Pull your rental car directly into the hotel's main entrance or designated valet lane. A valet attendant will greet you, provide you with a claim ticket, and take your keys to park the car. Remember to take all your personal belongings, especially valuables and your luggage, before handing over the vehicle. Be aware of the hotel's valet retrieval process, as it may take 10-15 minutes for them to bring your car around when you need it.

The key to a smooth multi-stop day is planning your route logically to avoid backtracking. After picking up your car at DTW, determine which friend is located most conveniently along your route to your final destination. For example, if your hotel is in downtown Detroit, picking up a friend in Dearborn first makes sense as it's on the way. If you need to go to both Dearborn and Royal Oak, plan a circular route, such as DTW to Dearborn, then across to Royal Oak via local roads or freeways, and finally to your end point.