City in Michigan, United States
Getting around Detroit
How to get around Detroit
A car is the norm. Downtown, Midtown and Corktown work on foot, the QLine and the People Mover; Uber and Lyft cover the rest. DDOT and SMART buses are slow.
Ways to get around Detroit
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| QLine streetcar | Free | Woodward Avenue, 13 stops from downtown to New Center; every 15 min |
| Detroit People Mover | About US$0.75 | Elevated loop around downtown only |
| DDOT / SMART buses | About US$2 | Slow, infrequent in evenings; useful between downtown and neighborhoods |
| Uber or Lyft | US$10–18 for 5 km | Most practical for nights and outer neighborhoods |
Ride-hailing apps in Detroit
A 5 km ride costs about $10–18 ($10–18).
- Street-hail taxis are rare; use apps. Waits can be long outside downtown late at night.
Arriving in Detroit
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
About 20 miles from downtown; Uber or Lyft US$40–65, 25–40 min; SMART bus FAST to downtown is cheaper but slower.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Shared e-scooters operate downtown in warmer months; elsewhere cars dominate.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Detroit?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around Detroit?
A car is the norm. Downtown, Midtown and Corktown work on foot, the QLine and the People Mover; Uber and Lyft cover the rest. DDOT and SMART buses are slow.
How do I get from the airport to Detroit?
About 20 miles from downtown; Uber or Lyft US$40–65, 25–40 min; SMART bus FAST to downtown is cheaper but slower.
Is Detroit walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Detroit
Going to Detroit solo?
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Sources
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
- FlixBus
- QLine Detroit (free fares, hours)
- SMART Bus
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport
- Visit Detroit
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.