You've just landed at DTW. Maybe the flight was bumpy, or maybe you're just dying for a Coney dog. Either way, the last thing you want is a headache at the rental counter. Most people think renting a car at a massive hub like Detroit Metropolitan is a uniform experience regardless of the company. It isn't. Honestly, National Car Rental Detroit Wayne County Airport operates a bit differently than the budget brands sharing the same pavement.
If you're looking for the counter, you won't find it inside the terminal. Detroit is one of those "shuttle-required" airports. Whether you're at the sleek McNamara Terminal (Delta's home) or the Evans Terminal, you're hopping on a bus.
The Shuttle Dance and Finding the Lot
Getting to 338 Lucas Drive—that's the official address—takes about 10 minutes on a good day. Follow the "Ground Transportation" signs. They lead to the lower level. Look for the dedicated National shuttle; it usually shares a ride with Enterprise and Alamo since they're all under the same corporate umbrella.
Don't try to walk.
Seriously.
There are no sidewalks. You'll be trekking along the shoulder of a highway-speed service road with a suitcase. It's roughly 1.6 miles of industrial scenery and zero pedestrian safety. Just wait for the bus. They run 24/7, so even if your flight from London or Tokyo gets in at 3:00 AM, you're covered.
Where the Emerald Club Actually Saves You
The real reason people pick National at DTW is the Emerald Aisle. If you've ever stood in a forty-person line at a budget counter while a single agent slowly types in credit card numbers, you know the pain.
Members bypass that.
At the Detroit facility, the Emerald Club area is typically the first stop the shuttle makes or the first thing you see when walking onto the lot.
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- The Emerald Aisle: To the left.
- The Executive Area: To the right.
You basically just walk to the car you want, keys are usually in the ignition or the cup holder, and you drive to the exit booth. The agent there scans your barcode, checks your ID, and you're gone. It’s fast. Like, "I’m already on I-94 before my coworkers have their luggage" fast.
What's the Fleet Looking Like Lately?
Detroit is the Motor City. It feels right to rent something American here, and National usually obliges. You’ll see a heavy rotation of Chevrolet Malibus, Ford Explorers, and occasionally some beefier options like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
If you have Executive status, the "Executive Selection" at DTW often punches above its weight. It’s not rare to find a Cadillac XTS or a well-equipped SUV sitting there for the price of a Midsize. However, keep in mind that Detroit is a major business hub. On a Tuesday morning, the lot might look a little picked over. If you arrive on a Sunday night, the selection is usually much "fresher."
The "Under 25" Reality Check
Michigan isn't always the most forgiving state for young drivers, but National is pretty transparent about it. If you're 18 to 20, expect a daily surcharge around $36.50. If you're 21 to 24, it drops to about $15.75.
One thing to watch out for: if you're under 25, you can't just grab a massive Luxury SUV or a high-performance sports car. You're mostly restricted to Economy through Full Size. It's a bummer if you wanted to cruise Woodward Avenue in something flashy, but it's the standard policy.
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Debit Cards and the "Return Ticket" Rule
This is where people get stuck. National at Detroit Wayne County Airport is strict about debit cards.
If you aren't using a credit card, you must have a ticketed return travel itinerary. No return flight? No car. They also might hit you with a $500 to $850 deposit depending on the car class. If you're a local renter without a flight, stick to a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to avoid a massive headache at the booth.
Navigating Out of the Lot
Once you clear the exit gate, you’re basically thrown into the Michigan highway system.
Turn left onto Lucas Drive.
Then right onto W G Rogell Drive.
Follow the signs for I-94 East if you're heading to Downtown Detroit (about 20 miles/25 minutes).
Go West on I-94 if you’re heading toward Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan (about 30 miles/35 minutes).
The signage at DTW is actually decent, but the construction near the airport is a perpetual state of being. Keep your GPS active the moment you start the engine.
Returning the Car Without Stress
The return address is 295 Lucas Drive. It’s slightly different from the pickup entrance, but the airport signage for "Rental Car Return" is hard to miss.
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When you pull in, a staff member usually meets you with a handheld scanner. If you’re an Emerald Club member, they’ll email the receipt before you even get your bags out of the trunk.
Pro Tip: Check the backseat twice. People leave iPads and chargers in these cars constantly. The staff at this location, particularly a few long-term employees like "Coco" who travelers often rave about, are known for being helpful with lost items, but it's better not to lose them in the first place.
Is It Worth the Premium?
National is rarely the cheapest option at DTW. You can almost always find a lower rate at Dollar or Payless. But you're paying for time.
If you're in Detroit for a quick business meeting at the Renaissance Center or a game at Comerica Park, the 20 minutes you save by not waiting in a counter line is worth the extra $15 a day. Plus, the cars at this location are generally cleaner than the budget competitors. Nobody wants a car that smells like a stale cigarette or "airport floor." National’s fleet at DTW stays relatively fresh, likely because of the high volume of corporate travelers who demand it.
Your DTW Rental Checklist
- Join Emerald Club: It's free. Do it before you book. It turns a 30-minute ordeal into a 30-second walk.
- Screenshot Your Return Flight: If you're using a debit card, have that boarding pass or itinerary ready on your phone.
- Check the Tires: Michigan potholes are legendary. Before you leave the lot, do a quick walk-around. If a tire looks low or has a bulge, swap the car immediately.
- Fuel Up Away from the Airport: The stations right next to the airport entrance are notoriously expensive. Drive five miles out toward Romulus or Taylor for much better gas prices before you return.
If you follow these steps, your experience at National Car Rental Detroit Wayne County Airport will be the most forgettable part of your trip—which, when it comes to travel, is exactly what you want.