Detroit Airport Parking Garage: Rates & Tips 2026

The detroit airport parking garage system at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport gives drivers two covered, attached structures: the McNamara Garage (serving Delta and SkyTeam flights) and the Big Blue Deck (serving all other airlines at Evans Terminal). Short-term rates start at $4 for the first 30 minutes, long-term daily caps sit at $23/day (Big Blue Deck) and $32/day (McNamara), and valet tops out at $51/day. Off-site lots bookable on Triply run about $10 to $12/day with free shuttles (the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott's rate is before about 27% tax). Triply rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date. Garage rates verified October 2026 per metroairport.com.

For a full overview of every DTW parking option — including the Green Lot, cell phone lots, and off-site alternatives — see the Complete DTW Airport Parking Guide.

• Two on-airport garages: McNamara Garage (Delta/SkyTeam) and Big Blue Deck (Evans Terminal airlines). Both are covered, attached, and walkable to their terminals.
• Long-term daily caps: Big Blue Deck $23/day, McNamara long-term $32/day (verified October 2026, +2.65% card fee).
• Short-term maxes out: Big Blue Deck short-term $43/day, McNamara short-term $44/day. Avoid these for stays over 5 hours.
• Valet at McNamara only: $12 for 0–2 hours, rising to $51 for 11–24 hours. Card only. SMS vehicle retrieval available.
• Height limit: Most garage areas max at 7 ft 0 in. Van-accessible spaces reach 8 ft 2 in. Taller vehicles must use the Green Lot.
• Off-site alternative: Lots bookable on Triply run about $10 to $12/day. For a 7-night trip, Triply checkouts of $92.93 to $104.54 compare with $184 at Big Blue Deck long-term, about $79 to $91 less.

Compare off-site DTW parking on Triply, from about $10/day before tax, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Which Terminal Are You Flying From? McNamara vs. Evans

Your terminal determines which detroit airport parking garage you should use. Pick the wrong garage and you'll need a shuttle ride between terminals — adding time you probably don't need.

DTW has two separate terminals with no indoor walkway connecting them. The Edward H. McNamara Terminal handles Concourses A, B, and C. The Evans Terminal (formerly North Terminal) handles Concourse D. Here's who flies where:

You cannot walk between the two terminals. If you park at the wrong one, you'll need to ride the free airport shuttle, which runs between McNamara Terminal, Evans Terminal and the parking lots. That costs you time, not money, but it's a headache during a tight connection or heavy bags situation.

The Green Lot is the only on-airport option that serves both terminals via free shuttle. If your airline's terminal changes — which occasionally happens — Green Lot is the more flexible choice. For a deep dive on Green Lot logistics and shuttle details, see our guide to the DTW Airport Green Lot.

Detroit Airport Parking Garage Rates: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

The biggest pricing trap at DTW is using a short-term section of the garage when you're actually staying overnight or longer. The two sections have very different daily caps.

McNamara Garage — Short-Term vs. Long-Term

Both sections are inside the same structure. The difference is which section you enter and how long you stay.

Per official airport data (verified October 2026), the McNamara long-term section maxes out at $32 after 7 hours. If you're parking for a single overnight or a weekend trip, always head for the long-term section. You save $12 per day compared to the short-term section — that's $84 saved on a 7-day trip.

Big Blue Deck — Short-Term vs. Long-Term

The Big Blue Deck long-term section hits its $23 daily cap after 5 hours. That makes it the cheapest on-airport covered parking option at DTW. Across 5 days, parking here costs $115 total, versus $160 at McNamara long-term or $220 at McNamara short-term. All rates are per published Wayne County Airport Authority parking data and carry a 2.65% credit/debit card processing fee per transaction.

For a full breakdown of how hourly rates stack up across every DTW option — including how quickly costs escalate for same-day trips — see our detailed guide to detroit airport parking rates.

McNamara Valet Parking: When It Makes Sense

McNamara valet is available only at the McNamara Terminal. It's the most convenient option — and the most expensive. As of 2026, valet is a card-only service (no cash accepted).

Valet Pricing Breakdown

To use valet, follow signs for Departures and Valet Parking at the McNamara Terminal. Hand off your keys at the drop-off lane. When you return, SMS vehicle retrieval lets you request your car before you clear baggage claim — so it's ready when you are. For a short meeting or a quick pick-up drop-off, valet at $12 for two hours is actually competitive with the short-term garage ($8 at 2 hours in either garage). The gap widens fast after that.

Valet makes the most sense for Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or other McNamara Terminal travelers who want door-to-door speed on short trips. For multi-day stays, valet at $51/day is $28 more per day than Big Blue Deck long-term, which is $196 extra on a 7-day trip.

Height Limits and Covered Parking at DTW Garages

Both the McNamara Garage and Big Blue Deck are fully covered, multi-level structures. Only the garages provide covered parking at DTW — the Green Lot is open-air.

Vehicle Height Restrictions by Location

• Standard garage clearance (most levels): 7 ft 0 in — this applies to the majority of spaces in both the McNamara Garage and Big Blue Deck.
• Van-accessible spaces: Up to 8 ft 2 in — located at McNamara Level 2 near the B elevators and Big Blue Deck Level 1, Zones A and B.
• Oversized vehicles (over 8 ft 2 in): Must use the Green Lot, which has no height restrictions as an open-air surface lot.

If you're driving a full-size pickup truck with a bed topper, a lifted SUV, or any vehicle taller than 7 ft, measure before you go. Many trucks and SUVs fall into the 7–8 ft range and can use the van-accessible spaces. Anything taller than 8 ft 2 in has no place in either garage — the Green Lot is your only on-airport option.

The Green Lot does require a shuttle ride to the terminals, but at $20/day flat it's also the most affordable on-airport rate. All long-term parking areas at DTW offer handicap-accessible spaces, per the Wayne County Airport Authority. For questions about current lot availability or status, the 24-hour parking hotline is (800) 642-1978.

Winter tip: Michigan winters can be brutal. The McNamara Garage and Big Blue Deck keep your car protected from snow and ice. If you're parking during a January storm, covered garage parking is worth the higher rate — you won't return to a snow-buried car or frozen doors.

EV Charging at the Detroit Airport Parking Garage

DTW offers electric vehicle charging inside the on-airport parking structures. EV charging costs nothing extra — standard parking rates apply. According to metroairport.com's EV parking page, DTW provides ChargePoint stations within the garage facilities for electric vehicle owners.

EV spaces are in limited supply, so arriving early matters — especially during peak travel periods. If the EV spaces are full, you'll park in a standard space and charge at home or at a nearby charger. For a live view of charger availability near DTW, ChargeHub's DTW airport map shows real-time station status. There is no additional cost to use the EV chargers beyond the parking rate you're already paying.

One note: if your vehicle is subject to an active safety recall related to the battery or charging system, check with the manufacturer before leaving it plugged in for an extended stay. The airport's EV parking policy follows standard safety practices for charging in enclosed structures.

Cell Phone Lots and Short-Term Pickup Areas

DTW has two free cell phone lots — one at each end of the airport. These are for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers, not for parking while you travel.

• DTW South Cell Phone Lot: On eastbound Eureka Road, west of John Dingell Drive. Convenient for picking up from the McNamara Terminal end.
• DTW North Cell Phone Lot: Located at the Evans Terminal end of the airport.

Both cell phone lots are free. Wait there until your passenger texts you they've grabbed their bags, then pull up to the curb. This keeps you from circling the terminal or paying short-term garage rates just to wait.

If you do need to go inside, to help with luggage, meet a traveler with mobility needs, or pick up a child, the short-term garage sections start at $4 for the first 30 minutes and $6 up to one hour. That rate applies to both the McNamara Garage and Big Blue Deck. Stay under 30 minutes and you'll pay $4. Go over an hour and you're at $7 (up to 1.5 hours), then $8 up to two hours. The rate climbs steeply after that ($12 up to 3 hours), so short-term parking really is only practical for quick pickups.

For Uber and Lyft drivers, the staging areas are separate from personal vehicle parking. Check the Uber DTW driver page or Lyft's DTW information page for rideshare staging lot locations — these change periodically.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to the Detroit Airport Parking Garage?

Yes. Off-site lots near DTW cost significantly less than any on-airport garage. Triply sells four lots near DTW, all with free shuttles and all listed well below the $23/day Big Blue Deck long-term rate. The garage rows in the table are paid at the airport, not through Triply.

The Detroit Metro Airport Marriott has the lowest base rate at about $10/day, but about 27% tax is added, so its 7-night checkout is $104.54, the highest of the four. Wyndham Garden Romulus has the lowest 7-night checkout at $92.93. For the same 7-night window (8 billed days), Big Blue Deck long-term costs $184 and McNamara long-term $256, before the 2.65% card fee. That puts the four off-site lots about $79 to $91 below Big Blue Deck and about $151 to $163 below McNamara. Valet Connections (2-day minimum) and Hampton Inn Detroit/Belleville (3-day minimum) collect most of their price at the lot, with the rest paid online. Triply bookings come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

The trade-off is clear: off-site lots are uncovered and require a shuttle ride. The on-airport garages are covered and walkable. If you're traveling in winter, protecting your car from snow matters. If you're on a budget, off-site parking saves about $79 to $91 on a 7-night trip versus Big Blue Deck long-term, and more versus McNamara. Hampton Inn Detroit/Belleville is the farthest lot at 7.1 miles, with an hourly shuttle. For a full comparison of every off-site option, including what to expect at shuttle pickup, read our guide to airport parking near DTW.

Driving to the DTW Garage: Construction and Road Conditions in 2026

The main access road to DTW is John Dingell Drive, which runs between both terminals and the parking garages. As of 2026, this road is under active construction as part of the $85.5 million Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation program — a federally funded project backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, running through 2027.

The project covers roadway surface repairs, lighting, ventilation, fire protection, structural repairs, and stormwater upgrades. Both the South and North Tunnels are also undergoing drainage and waterproofing work. Both terminals remain fully operational and no parking facility closures are expected. However, temporary lane closures and detours are possible on airport access roads — especially during peak travel periods.

Allow extra time when driving to the airport. Interstate 94 is the main east-west approach; Interstate 275 provides a north-south bypass. From downtown Detroit, DTW is about 21 miles southwest — typically 25–40 minutes by car, but construction can push that higher. Before you leave, check real-time traffic on Waze to spot any active lane closures on Dingell Drive or the approach roads.

How Early Should You Arrive When Using the DTW Parking Garage?

Budget your time based on where you park and which security line you'll use. Walking from the McNamara Garage or Big Blue Deck to your terminal takes just minutes — but security adds real time.

• From either on-airport garage to security: Allow 10–15 minutes to park, walk to the terminal, and reach the checkpoint.
• TSA standard screening: Add 20–40 minutes during peak hours. Review TSA security screening guidelines for what to expect at the checkpoint.
• TSA PreCheck holders: TSA PreCheck typically cuts wait times significantly, often 5–10 minutes or less. If you fly regularly, enrollment pays off quickly.
• From the Green Lot or an off-site lot: Add shuttle time on top of the above. Off-site shuttle waits vary by lot: Valet Connections runs every 10-15 minutes, the Marriott is on demand with about a 30-minute wait, and Wyndham Garden Romulus and Hampton Inn Detroit/Belleville run hourly.
• During peak periods or with Dingell Drive construction: Add another 15–30 minutes for the drive itself.

For domestic flights, most travelers arriving 90 minutes early with a garage spot are comfortable. For international departures at McNamara Terminal (Air France, KLM, Korean Air), two hours is more prudent. Consider TSA PreCheck enrollment if you're not already enrolled — it's one of the simplest ways to reduce airport stress regardless of where you park.

Detroit Airport Parking Garage: Step-by-Step Arrival Guide

First time using the DTW garages? Here's exactly what to expect from highway exit to terminal door.

1. Know your terminal before you leave home. Delta and SkyTeam partners → McNamara Terminal → McNamara Garage. All other airlines → Evans Terminal → Big Blue Deck.
2. Take I-94 or I-275 to the airport. Follow signs for your specific terminal. Dingell Drive leads to both. Budget extra time for 2026 construction delays.
3. Enter the correct garage section. Choose long-term if staying more than 5–7 hours. Short-term if you'll be back within a few hours.
4. Take a photo of your level and zone. Seriously, do this every time. Both garages have multiple levels and zones, and forgetting where you parked is common.
5. Walk directly to your terminal. McNamara Garage connects to McNamara Terminal. Big Blue Deck connects to Evans Terminal. No shuttle needed.
6. Keep your ticket or note your entry time. The garages charge by time, and you'll pay at exit. Note the 2.65% card processing fee.
7. On return, retrieve your car and pay at the exit. The process is straightforward: insert your ticket, pay the displayed amount, and exit.

If you chose McNamara valet, request your vehicle via SMS before you reach baggage claim. Follow signs for Valet Parking on the Departures level when you return.

Long-Term Parking in the Garage: Is It Worth It for Multi-Day Trips?

For trips up to 3 days, the on-airport garages are a reasonable choice — especially in winter when covered parking matters. For trips of 5 days or more, the cost gap versus off-site lots grows fast.

• 3-day trip, Big Blue Deck long-term: $69 total
• 3-day trip, McNamara long-term: $96 total
• 3-day trip, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott (off-site): about $31 before tax, plus about 27% tax
• 7-day trip, Big Blue Deck long-term: $161 total
• 7-day trip, Valet Connections (off-site): about $82, with most of it paid at the lot

Covered parking has real value in a Michigan winter. On a 3-day trip, Big Blue Deck long-term costs $69 against about $31 before tax at the Marriott, and the gap grows with every added day. If you can live with an uncovered lot and a free shuttle, the off-site lots cost far less on any longer trip. For extended stays of a week or more, our guide to detroit metro airport parking long term covers exactly what a full week or two weeks costs across every option.

If you have an early-morning flight, all four off-site lots Triply sells near DTW run free shuttles around the clock. The Marriott's shuttle is on demand (about a 30-minute wait) and Wyndham Garden Romulus and Hampton Inn Detroit/Belleville run hourly, so plan your pickup time ahead.

Find the Best Detroit Airport Parking Garage Rate — Compare Before You Go

The detroit airport parking garage at DTW gives you covered, walk-to-terminal convenience — but at a premium over off-site alternatives. The Big Blue Deck long-term at $23/day is the best value of the on-airport covered options. McNamara long-term at $32/day is reasonable for Delta travelers who value the direct walk. Valet at $51/day suits short trips where speed matters most.

Off-site lots bookable on Triply run about $10 to $12/day across four lots, all with free shuttles. For the same 7-night window, Triply checkouts of $92.93 to $104.54 compare with $184 at Big Blue Deck long-term, about $79 to $91 less. Garage rates are verified as of October 2026. Before you commit to the garage, take 60 seconds to compare.

Compare off-site DTW lots on Triply, from about $10/day before tax, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.