A Local's Guide to Detroit
Getting Around Downtown Detroit:
A Local's Guide
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is just how easy it is to get around Downtown Detroit.
Although Detroit is a major metropolitan area, many of the restaurants, sports venues, hotels, cultural attractions, and entertainment districts visitors come to experience are clustered within just a few square miles of downtown.
In fact, if you're staying downtown for the weekend, there's a good chance you can park your car when you arrive and not use it again until it's time to head home. You'll spend minutes getting from place to place—not hours.
Explore all of our interactive Detroit maps, covering restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hotels, museums, neighborhoods, and more.
Why Trust This Guide?
Written by Downtown Detroit residents who regularly explore the city's neighborhoods, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment districts. Every recommendation is based on firsthand experience—no sponsored rankings or paid placements.
City of Detroit information only • Updated 2026
Quick Answer:
Do You Need a Car?
Good news: you probably don't need one.
Most visitors staying downtown can park once and spend the rest of the weekend walking, taking an occasional Uber, or hopping on the Detroit People Mover. Downtown attractions, restaurants, stadiums, and hotels are clustered within just a few square miles.
Walking: The Best Way to Experience Detroit
Walking is our favorite way to see the city. Downtown Detroit packs restaurants, bars, coffee shops, attractions, and entertainment into a surprisingly walkable area.
Campus Martius, Greektown, the Detroit Riverwalk, Comerica Park, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena, and dozens of restaurants and bars are all within easy walking distance of one another.
You'll notice Detroit's architecture, public art, and unexpected discoveries that you might miss from inside a car.
Detroit People Mover: Transportation and Attraction
The Detroit People Mover isn't just practical—it's part of the Detroit experience.
The elevated train loops through downtown, connecting visitors to Greektown, the Financial District, the Riverwalk, and several major event venues. The views of the city are unique, and the short ride offers a fun perspective on downtown.
A complete loop takes about 15–20 minutes, making it an easy way to see downtown from a different perspective.
QLINE: Easy Access to Midtown and New Center
The QLINE runs along Woodward Avenue and connects Downtown Detroit with Midtown and New Center.
The QLINE provides easy access to Midtown, Little Caesars Arena, New Center, the Detroit Museum District, restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural attractions outside the downtown core.
MoGo Detroit Bikes: A Fun Way to Explore
We find Detroit to be very bike-friendly.
MoGo Detroit's bike-share system makes it easy to explore the city on two wheels. Our favorite rides are along the Dequindre Cut and the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk and around Belle Isle.
Local Tip: Detroit is relatively flat, downtown traffic is often manageable, and biking can be a memorable way to experience the city.
E-Scooters for Getting Around Downtown Detroit
E-scooters have become one of the easiest and most fun ways to get around Downtown Detroit. Lime, Bird, and Spin all operate throughout the city, making it simple to cover short distances without waiting for a ride.
Local Tip: Scooters are especially useful for trips between neighborhoods, along the Detroit Riverwalk, and getting to busy sports and entertainment venues.
Uber and Lyft:
The Easiest Option
For many visitors, Uber and Lyft are the simplest transportation choice.
Wait times are typically short throughout downtown, and rides are often less expensive than dealing with event parking. We frequently recommend rideshare services for concerts, sporting events, or late-night dinners.
If you're wondering which option most visitors actually use, it's probably this one.
Airport Transportation
Flying into Detroit Metropolitan Airport?
Visitors can choose from Uber, Lyft, taxis, rental cars, and private transportation services to reach Downtown Detroit.
For airport trips, we typically choose whichever option is most convenient at the time—usually Uber, though Metro Cab is also a dependable choice.
Typical travel time:
25–35 minutes from DTW to Downtown Detroit, depending on traffic.
Continue Planning Your Detroit Trip
✓ Hotels
✓ Cocktail Bars
✓ Fine Dining
✓ Things to Do
✓ Breakfast & Brunch & Lunch
✓ Detroit Museums
Our Local Recommendation
If we were planning a typical weekend in Downtown Detroit, here's exactly what we'd do:
✓ Park once
✓ Walk everywhere
✓ Ride the People Mover
✓ Take the QLINE
✓ Rent a MoGo bike
Detroit is a city best experienced at street level, getting around is relatively easy for a major city.
Local Tip
If you're visiting for a weekend, choose one of our recommended hotels. You'll be within walking distance of restaurants, stadiums, bars, and many of Detroit's top attractions.