What is the minimum connection time at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?

The official minimum connection time at DTW is 45 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 120 minutes for international connections. These times account for typical terminal transfer, but do not factor in delays. Early morning flights tend to have fewer delays.

How much time do I need to connect at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?

The minimum connection time at DTW is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 120 minutes for international connections. DTW has an on-time rate of 81%, and when flights are delayed, the average delay is 77 minutes. We recommend adding at least 15-30 minutes of buffer above the minimum, especially during winter months or afternoon travel.

Do I need to go through security again at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?

Yes, some connections at DTW require going through TSA security again. McNamara and North terminals are not connected airside. Changing between them requires a bus and re-screening. ExpressTram within McNamara Terminal; bus between McNamara and North Terminal. Allow 3-5 minutes within McNamara; 15-20 minutes between terminals for terminal transfers.

How do I get between terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?

ExpressTram within McNamara Terminal; bus between McNamara and North Terminal. 3-5 minutes within McNamara; 15-20 minutes between terminals. DTW has the following terminals: McNamara Terminal (Concourses A and B — Delta), North Terminal (Concourses C and D).

Will I make my connection with a 45-minute layover at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?

A 45-minute layover at DTW is risky. The estimated miss rate is about 17%. We recommend at least 138 minutes for a comfortable connection.

DTW Minimum Connection Time

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County — Detroit

The minimum connection time at DTW is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 120 minutes for international connections. DTW has an on-time arrival rate of 81%. When flights are delayed, the average delay is 77 minutes.

Official Minimum Connection Time at DTW

45m

Domestic Minimum

120m

International Minimum

Getting Between Terminals at DTW

Terminals: McNamara Terminal (Concourses A and B — Delta) | North Terminal (Concourses C and D)

How to transfer: ExpressTram within McNamara Terminal; bus between McNamara and North Terminal

Transfer time: 3-5 minutes within McNamara; 15-20 minutes between terminals

!TSA re-screening: Required for some terminal changes — McNamara and North terminals are not connected airside. Changing between them requires a bus and re-screening.

Terminal-to-Terminal Walk Times at DTW

From	To	Time
McNamara Concourse A (near)	McNamara Concourse A (far)	10-12 min (or 3 min by tram)
McNamara Terminal	North Terminal	15-20 min (bus)

Miss Rate by Layover Time at DTW

Miss rate = estimated % chance of missing your connection based on BTS delay data. Click any row for details.

Check Your Specific Layover at DTW

Enter your exact connection time and travel month for a personalized risk assessment.

Pro Tips for Connecting at DTW

→Delta owns the McNamara Terminal and most connections stay within it. The ExpressTram makes Concourse A connections fast.

→If you are connecting between Delta (McNamara) and Spirit or Southwest (North Terminal), budget at least 20 extra minutes.

→Detroit winters can cause significant delays. Add buffer time for connections from December through February.

→Book both legs on the same ticket. If you miss your connection, the airline must rebook you at no charge. Separate tickets mean you're on your own.

→Choose morning flights for your first leg. Flights before 8 AM are delayed significantly less than afternoon flights.

→Avoid checking bags on tight connections. Carry-on only gives you maximum flexibility if you need to switch flights.

More About DTW

Full DTW delay stats & on-time performance →Missed your connection? Here's what to do →Your rights — what the airline owes you