Landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and need wheels to explore? It's a common question, and thankfully, getting a rental car is pretty straightforward, especially with Budget. Now, here's a little heads-up right from the start: you won't find rental car desks inside the terminals themselves. Think of it more like a convenient hub just off-site.
So, what's the drill when you arrive? Whether you're flying into the Evans Terminal (which handles a whole host of airlines like American, United, Spirit, and JetBlue, among others), the McNamara Terminal (Delta and Air France territory), or the International Terminal, the process is similar. Once you've collected your luggage from baggage claim, just follow the signs for "Ground Transportation." You'll head to the lower level, and from there, you'll be looking for the "Walkway to Ground Transportation" or simply signs pointing towards the shuttle buses. Budget runs a courtesy shuttle, and it's your ticket to the rental counter and car lot, which are located together on airport property.
Don't worry if the bus isn't waiting the moment you step outside. There are courtesy phones available; just dial Budget Car Rental, and they'll get a shuttle on its way. Keep in mind, depending on which terminal you're at, the bus ride to the rental facility can take anywhere from about 7 to 11 minutes. The car lot itself is about 1.8 miles from the terminals.
For those of you who are local renters and not flying in, the directions are a bit different. If you're coming from I-94 Eastbound, you'll want to exit at Middle Belt Road. Turn right at the light, travel about half a mile, and then make a right onto Lucas Drive. Follow the signs from there to the Rental Car Campus.
Budget makes a point of trying to streamline the process. If you're a member of their Fastbreak service, you can often bypass the main counter lines and head straight to the Budget bus, where an associate will assist you. When it's time to return your car, just follow the airport signs for "Car Rental Return." You don't necessarily need to go back to the counter; you can simply record your mileage and fuel level on your rental agreement and drop it into the Budget Fastbreak return box. They'll mail you a finalized agreement within a couple of days.
And what about the cars themselves? Budget offers a pretty good range, from your standard sedans to more robust options like pickup trucks, passenger vans, and SUVs. They emphasize finding affordable vehicle options, and they even have a Best Rate Guarantee, which is always reassuring when you're trying to stick to a budget.
So, while the rental desks aren't in the terminals, the system is designed to be efficient. Just remember to factor in that shuttle time, and you'll be on your way in no time.
