Detroit, known also as Motor City, is the largest city in the state of Michigan. Famed for its once dominant auto industry and as the birthplace of the Motown sound, a soul-influenced genre of pop music, it has seen hard times. The city is beginning to experience a resurgence through a determined effort by local government to regain control of its finances and invest in revitalization. Visitors can witness this transformation as it develops, and reflect on the checkered history of this once mighty metropolis. If you visit Detroit during the summer months, you’ll find temperatures of 80 – 84 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s high tourist season, with a busy schedule of festivals and events, so flight and accommodation prices will be at their peak. In winter, Detroit is frigid, with daily high temperatures at 29 – 39 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to fight the crowds though, so it could be a good time to travel here. The only busy period is between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, and fall is less busy than spring, so it may be a better choice for your Detroit getaway.
In general, August is the cheapest month to fly from United States to Detroit. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $156. The month of March is another great option to travel to Detroit, with average flight prices from United States averaging around $173.
We recommend purchasing flights from United States to Detroit 30 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Detroit for $208. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Detroit from United States for as low as $57 on momondo.
Our data shows that Saturday is the least expensive day to fly to Detroit. Tickets to fly out on this day can be as low as $239. Flights from United States to Detroit on a Sunday will generally be more expensive and average around $296. Keep in mind that these prices on both days could fluctuate depending on the season and the demand.
Our most recent data shows that the best time of day to fly to Detroit is in the afternoon. Flights from United States to Detroit during this time can be as low as $241. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying in the evening when prices are $287 on average. Flights to Detroit from United States in the evening are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travelers’ schedules.
If you’re looking to do your hiking in warmer conditions, consider planning your flight to Detroit for May, June, and September. Parks like Comerica Park are popular hot spots in those months.
The best time to go skiing is usually when temperatures are low and chances of snow are high. The month of January is considered the best time for skiing in the Detroit area. Boyne Mountain is a recommended mountain in the area. Alternatively, Boyne Highlands is also a very popular ski mountain in the Detroit area.
Currently, United States travel restrictions include travel to Detroit. Entry restrictions
The United States has restricted the entry of all foreign nationals who have passed through or have been in China, Iran, Most European Countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City), the UK, Ireland and Brazil in the past 14 days. With the exception of certain travelers which includes certain family members of US citizens or permanent residents including; spouses, children (under the age of 21), parents (provided that his/her US citizen or permanent resident child is unmarried and under the age of 21), and siblings (provided that both the sibling and the US citizen or permanent resident are unmarried and under the age of 21); There is also an exception for travelers with the following visas: A-1, A-2, C-1, C-1/D, C-2, C-3, CR-1, CR-2, D, E-1 (as an employee of TECRO or TECO or the employee's immediate family members), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, IR-1, IR-4, IH-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa; Members of the US Armed Forces, spouses, and children of members of the US Armed Forces; Travelers with invitation of the USA government for a purpose related to the containment/mitigation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19); Travelers with documents issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection, or US Department of State indicating that the traveler is exempt from the restriction; B1 crew crewmembers that are engaged in lightering, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activity, wind farm activity, private air/sea crew and other similar crewmember activities; Students with an F-1 or M-1 visa and their F-2 and M-2 dependents, if they arrive from or have been in Ireland, the UK or Schengen Area in the past 14 days.
Entry requirementsStarting on January 26, all travelers (including US citizens and transit passenger) must present a negative COVID-19 viral or antigen test result issued 72 hours prior to departure or have an evidence of having contracted and recovered from COVID-19 prior to boarding the plane. US citizens and permanent residents arriving from the UK must present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result issued within 72 hours prior to departure.
Quarantine requirementsTravelers returning to the US are advised to stay home as much as possible, avoid being around people and consider getting tested for COVID-19 after returning from travel and participated in higher risk activities.
All other infoTravelers are subject to COVID-19 measures set by the state/territory of their final destination. For more information go to CDC website.
If you are planning to travel to Detroit at this time, it is recommended that you stay up to date on current restrictions and follow proper safety measures while in public.Book direct flights to Detroit from cities across the US with Delta, United, jetBlue, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or Spirit Airlines. Flights with one or more stops are available from Korean Air or China Eastern.
Detroit Metro Airport is a major international airport with 2 terminals covering 4,850 acres in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. You have several options for travel from the airport into Downtown Detroit.
Taxis
Only 2 taxi companies are authorized to operate at the airport; you’ll find them in the ground transportation center at both terminals, on level 4. The trip into Detroit will take around 30 minutes and cost you about $44.00 USD.
Shuttles
Commercial shuttles and hotel courtesy shuttles are available at ground transportation for both terminals. You may prearrange pickup. Always ask when booking a hotel if they offer shuttle services.
Public Transportation
Board the SMART Express bus 261 at either terminal and ride to Cass Ave and Michigan Ave in about an hour, for a fare of $2.00 USD. You can also take SMART bus 125 from McNamara Terminal to Larned St and St. Antoine St, then walk 2 minutes to Jefferson Ave and St Antoine St and board Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus 25, 34, or 7 and ride to Michigan Ave and Washington Blvd. The fare, including transfer, is $2.25 USD.
Car Rentals
Driving in Detroit? Look for deals on car rentals with momondo.
If you plan to venture beyond Downtown Detroit, your best bet is to rent a car. Otherwise, you can get around on foot, by bus, or use the elevated rail service called the People Mover. Here’s what you should know about Detroit transportation.
Public Transportation
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) buses serve most parts of the city. An adult fare is $1.50 USD and children under 44 inches ride free with an adult. Another excellent public transport option for visitors is the elevated light rail system, the People Mover, which runs a 3-mile loop through downtown and offers exciting views of famous landmarks. There are 13 stops including the Renaissance Center, Joe Louis arena where the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings play, Campus Martius Park, and Greektown. The fare for the People Mover is an economical $0.75 USD.
Taxis
Taxis are typically easy to hail around stadiums, museums and hotels or other tourist hotspots. They charge $2.50 USD to start, with an additional $1.00 USD per mile, and a waiting charge of $24.00 USD per hour, plus tips. You may get a cheaper ride if you call Uber or Lyft; both services operate in Detroit.
Bike Share
For those who prefer to get around on two wheels, Detroit’s bike-share program, MoGo, offers 43 stations within the downtown area where you can pick up a bike and ride. An $8.00 USD day pass allows you unlimited 30-minute rides.
No visa is required for domestic travelers within the U.S. For foreign nationals, please check the U.S. Department of State website.
If you want to visit a lively city with energy, you should certainly travel to Detroit. You can witness the exciting revitalization that is taking place as entrepreneurs and visionaries work to restore their beloved home. Here are some suggestions for your itinerary.
Detroit has earned a bad reputation due to its high crime rate, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. Practice caution, and avoid venturing into questionable neighborhoods, especially after dark. Always lock your vehicle, and don’t wear expensive clothing and jewellry while using public transit.
There are certainly safe parts of the city where you can feel as confident walking around as you do in any large city. These include Downtown Detroit, Greektown, Midtown and Corktown (during daylight hours).