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Getting around Detroit

Detroit Public Transportation Made Simple

Two bus systems, a free streetcar, a free downtown loop, bike share and a big international airport. Here is how each one works and which one fits your trip.

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  • QLINE and People Mover are free
  • One DART pass for DDOT and SMART
  • Bus routes to DTW

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At a glance

Your Detroit transit options

ServiceWhere it goesHow to pay
DDOT busesRoutes across Detroit and into Dearborn, Highland Park and HamtramckCash, or a DART pass in the Token Transit app
SMART busesRegional service for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, including DTWFarebox, passes, or the Transit app; DART passes accepted
QLINE streetcar3.3 miles on Woodward Avenue with 13 stops, from New Center to downtownFree
Detroit People MoverElevated loop with 13 downtown stationsFree
MoGo bike shareStations in Detroit and nearby cities, including adaptive bikesPass online, in the Transit app or at a station
Buses

DDOT and SMART: Detroit's two bus systems

DDOT, the Detroit Department of Transportation, runs buses on set routes throughout the city and into Dearborn, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Riders can pay with cash or buy DART passes on their phone with the Token Transit app. DDOT's #12 Conant route even crosses to Belle Isle.

SMART has served Southeast Michigan since 1967 and is the region's suburban and regional bus system for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Besides fixed routes, it runs Connector curb-to-curb service and SMART Flex on-demand rides in some areas. Since May 4, 2026, K-12, college and university students with a valid student ID ride SMART fixed routes free.

One pass for both

DART regional passes work on both DDOT and SMART, and a DART standard fare is good for four hours on either system. Use the Transit app or SMART's bus tracker to see buses in real time.

Rail

QLINE and People Mover

The QLINE streetcar runs 3.3 miles up and down Woodward Avenue with 13 stops serving New Center, the North End, Midtown, Downtown and Hart Plaza. It is free, and streetcars arrive about every 15 minutes.

The Detroit People Mover is an elevated loop through downtown with 13 stations, including Greektown, Renaissance Center, Huntington Place and Grand Circus Park. All rides are free. The system had temporary closures for maintenance and repairs earlier in 2026, and its site listed it as open and operating in September 2026. Check the People Mover's service status page before you ride, especially on event days when hours change.

Flying

Getting to DTW, Detroit Metro Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has two terminals, McNamara and Evans. A free shuttle runs between them, with a stop at the airport's Westin hotel. Confirm your airline's terminal before you go.

  • SMART buses: Route 125 (Fort Street/Eureka Road) serves both terminals, Route 280 (Middle Belt South) serves Evans, and FAST Michigan Route 261 serves both terminals with limited stops.
  • Michigan Flyer: bus service that also picks up at the airport.
  • Rideshare, taxis and rental cars: pickup areas are marked at each terminal.
  • Parking: short-term, long-term, valet and EV parking, with live space counts on the airport's website.

Inside either terminal, follow the Public Transit signs to find the bus stop.

Driving and parking

Parking in Detroit

  • Use the ParkDetroit app to pay for on-street parking and participating garages and lots in the city, get alerts before time runs out and extend time up to the posted limit. A convenience fee applies to each transaction.
  • Read the signs. Posted limits and event rules change block by block downtown.
  • Plan for events. Big weekends close streets. See the Detroit events calendar.
  • Park and ride. On select weekends the QLINE offers park and ride near Amsterdam Street in New Center.
  • New to Michigan? Register your car and set up no-fault insurance first. See our Detroit auto guide.
Live near transit

Find a home close to the line

Along the QLINE

Midtown, New Center and the North End sit right on Woodward.

Explore Midtown →

Detroit homes for sale

Search listings near bus lines, downtown and the riverfront.

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Compare cities

Commute-friendly suburbs across six counties.

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Questions

Detroit transportation FAQ

Yes. The People Mover's website listed it as open and operating in September 2026 after temporary closures earlier in the year. Check its service status page before you ride.
Yes. The QLINE is free to ride. It runs 3.3 miles on Woodward Avenue with 13 stops, and streetcars arrive about every 15 minutes.
DDOT runs city buses in Detroit and a few neighboring cities. SMART runs regional buses across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. A DART pass works on both.
Take SMART Route 125 or FAST Michigan Route 261, which serve both terminals, or Route 280 to the Evans Terminal. Check smartbus.org for schedules.
On SMART, K-12, college and university students with a valid student ID ride fixed routes free starting May 4, 2026. Check DDOT's fare page for city bus student fares.
Use the ParkDetroit app or website for on-street parking and participating garages and lots in the city, or pay at the meter. A convenience fee applies in the app.

Find a city that fits your commute

Compare Detroit and more than 200 nearby cities and townships by location, homes and local services.

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Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

Call (833) 313-2434 Compare Detroit Cities