Getting Around in Detroit

Seen as the spiritual home of the American automobile industry, Detroit is a city of drivers. Given the considerable size of the metro and the fact that public transport isn’t quite as extensive as in other major cities in the US, investing in your own set of wheels may be necessary. A bonus is that owning a car allows you to explore further afield.

Detroit is also a great base for exploring the rest of the USA. One of America’s best airlines, Delta Air Lines, has a huge hub at Detroit Metro Airport, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers.

Public transport in Detroit

Public transport isn’t very comprehensive here, especially compared to other US cities such as New York or Boston. Most residents use cars, buses, and taxis to get around.

Trains

The Detroit People Mover is the most efficient way to get around downtown Detroit. This elevated rail system covers 13 stations, including key stops like Greektown, Huntington Place, and the GM Renaissance Center.

The Detroit People Mover is currently piloting a no-fare programme, so it’s free to access. It typically operates from 7am to 10.30pm on weekdays. Operating hours start later on weekends and extend to 12am.

Trams

A tram called the QLine traverses both downtown and uptown Detroit. It arrives every 15 minutes and serves 12 neighbourhoods with 20 stations.

The QLine is also freely accessible, and its operating hours are from 8am to 12am, with shorter hours on Sundays. The trams also provide bike racks, making it easy to commute on two wheels.

Buses

Bus services connect the suburbs and city, with DDOT, Greyhound, Megabus, and SMART all operating throughout the city. SMART buses connect suburban residents to downtown Detroit, while Greyhound buses offer services throughout North America.

SMART also offers a high-frequency bus service known as FAST. FAST routes operate every 15 to 30 minutes. You can use a DART Regional Pass for discounted rates on DDOT and SMART fixed bus routes and the QLine trams.

Useful links

• The Detroit People Mover
• QLine Detroit
• DDOT
• SMART
• Megabus

Taxis in Detroit

Taxis can be hailed off the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked in advance. They’re a good way to get around in a pinch, but as a daily means of commuting, they can become expensive pretty quickly.

Car-sharing services like Zipcar allow you to rent a vehicle for a day and return it through an application. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in the city. These allow you to see the fare before committing to a trip, making it easier to manage your budget.

Useful links

• Uber
• Lyft
• Zipcar

Cycling in Detroit

Sometimes it’s far easier to cycle than drive or take a taxi in Detroit, with Wheelhouse Detroit offering bicycle rentals. The city also operates a bike-sharing company called MoGo, with over 70 stations dotted throughout the main city area.

Large bicycle communities and events, such as the Hub of Detroit, Slow Roll, and Detroit Critical Mass, take advantage of this generally cycle-friendly city.

Useful links

• MoGo
• Wheelhouse Detroit

Driving in Detroit

Most people in Detroit drive. Unfortunately, the Motor City has some of the country’s most expensive car insurance rates. Because of winter’s freeze and thaw cycle, road repairs are seemingly always ongoing.

Just like any big city, rush hour brings traffic jams, and there is a predictable disparity between the standard of roads in poorer and richer areas. To navigate the city, it’s also good to get to grips with the grid and hub-and-spoke system.

Driving licences

You can drive in Detroit with your foreign driving licence for at least six months. After that, you can apply for a local driving licence if you are from a country with no licence exchange agreements with the US. You must provide proof of identity and legal residence in the US. Finally, you’ll also have to take a vision test and then receive your Michigan driving licence.

Useful links

• Michigan Department of State – Licences and IDs

Air travel in Detroit

Exploring other parts of the US and North America will be easy from Detroit. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is considered one of the country’s best, offering domestic and international services. Thanks to the new Detroit Air Express (DAX) shuttle, it’s also easy to get to the airport.

Useful links

• The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport