Transportation in and near Detroit, MI

The main ways to get around without a car are DDOT city buses, SMART regional buses, the QLINE streetcar on Woodward, the Detroit People Mover downtown, and MoGo bike share. Many Detroiters combine these with rideshare or walking for door-to-door trips.

A standard adult ride on DDOT or SMART buses is about $2 and usually covers a four-hour window with transfers, while some services like the QLINE and Detroit People Mover are currently free. Frequent riders often save money with regional Dart passes loaded in the Token Transit app.

The easiest non-driving option is usually an airport shuttle or express bus such as DAX or FAST Michigan, which can run around $6–$15 one way to downtown Detroit. Taxis and rideshare are faster but typically cost several times more, especially at busy times.

Yes, regular riders often use Dart passes that offer unlimited rides for set periods and reduced fares for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Some commuters also look for airport shuttle or rideshare discounts and occasional local transit-related offers through Groupon to trim daily costs.

You can pay with exact cash on DDOT and SMART buses, or use time-based Dart passes loaded on a mobile ticketing app such as Token Transit. Some riders keep a plastic regional pass card for quicker boarding and to avoid carrying small bills and coins.

Most Detroit-area buses, the QLINE, and the Detroit People Mover are wheelchair-accessible and offer priority seating plus reduced fares for eligible riders. Paratransit and assisted trip-planning services also help seniors and disabled riders schedule door-to-door or low-step options.

The QLINE is a streetcar running about 3.3 miles along Woodward Avenue with stops connecting downtown, Midtown, and nearby areas. It makes sense for short hops between major attractions, ballparks, theaters, campuses, and restaurants when you want to avoid parking or quick rideshare trips.

Many locals ride DDOT or SMART buses, then transfer to the QLINE or Detroit People Mover to reach venues near Campus Martius, the riverfront, or the stadium district. Others share rides or use parking garages a bit outside the core and finish the trip by short transit ride or walk.