Getting around Detroit

Public transport

Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) (tel: +1 313 933 1300 or +1 888 336 8287; www.detroitmi.gov/ddot) operates a dependable bus service within the city centre. Buses run as frequently as every six minutes during rush hour on some routes and about every 20 minutes at other times of the day. A five-day pass is available. Free transfers are allowed and can be used to change up to two buses.

SMART buses (tel: +1 866 962 5515; www.smartbus.org) service the suburbs. Major routes begin operating around 0500 and terminate after midnight. Transfers allow passengers to board a DDOT bus as well. There is also a monthly pass for both companies.

A light rail system, called the People Mover (tel: +1 313 224 2160; www.thepeoplemover.com), navigates a 4.7km (3 miles) elevated single track surrounding Detroit's downtown business district, Monday to Thursday 0630-0000, Friday 0630-0200, Saturday 0900-0200 and Sunday 1200-0000. You can purchase a monthly pass but tickets are not transferable to buses. Check out the mosaic tile designs that have been added to beautify the stations.

Taxis

Taxis operate 24 hours a day. In more remote locations, you can order taxi services by telephone from companies like Checker (tel: +1 313 963 7000). Tipping is not compulsory for standard journeys, but is always appreciated.

Driving

Traffic is heaviest in Detroit around rush hour (0730-0930 and 1630-1900), as workers fill the downtown area in the morning and hurry away in the evening. The freeways that connect the city centre with the outlying suburbs can become particularly congested. The city is laid out on a conventional grid system, but this is sometimes compromised by the meandering shoreline of the Detroit River and Lake St Clair. The most important streets downtown are Woodward Avenue and Jefferson Avenue.

For a list of city-run car parks, see www.detroitmi.gov/parking.

Car hire

Many car hire firms operate in Detroit, including Avis +1 734 942 3450; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +1 734 941 3632; www.budget.com) and Enterprise (tel: +1 313 393 2344; www.enterprise.com).

Drivers must be 21 years or older and drivers under 25 may have to pay a surcharge with certain firms. Foreign drivers must possess a valid national licence, but it's always advisable to check in advance with the car hire firm in case an International Driving Permit is required. Insurance is available from car hire companies.

Bicycle hire

Cycling in Detroit is becoming more popular and is relatively easy in this flat city. Wheelhouse Detroit (tel: +1 313 656 2453; www.wheelhousedetroit.com) hires out bikes to explore the ‘Motor City’, and offers guided biking tours around the riverfront and parks.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

The Inn on Ferry Street

This hotel brings together four separate buildings, each dating back to the 19th century. It’s essentially a bed and breakfast complex, with individually decorated rooms and comfy lounges with real fireplaces. The hotel also offers its guests a complimentary shuttle service within a 9km (5.6 miles) radius, though you’re within walking distance of many attractions.

Townsend Hotel

This trendy hotel located in the leafy Birmingham area of Detroit is perfect for star spotting. Celebrities like Paul McCartney have booked lavish suites at the hotel when in town, and many other performers choose the European-style elegance of the Townsend for their stay. The award-winning Rugby Grille restaurant serves contemporary American and European cuisine as well as afternoon tea.

The Atheneum Suite Hotel Detroit

This grand property’s location in Greektown is not taken lightly in terms of interior décor: you will find Greek revival touches and portraits of Greek mythology throughout. As the name suggests, the hotel offers suites only, and the 174 rooms have marble baths and the usual modern conveniences. There is no restaurant, but the hotel is situated close to a wide choice of eateries.

Dearborn Inn

Opened in 1931, this is actually the world’s first airport hotel, and though that specific airport has long since gone, the hotel retains a certain cachet. The Georgian building enjoys a plum location within 9 hectares (23 acres) of landscaped gardens, and feels like an oasis and an escape from the urban clamour. The hotel has two restaurants and a pool.

Holiday Inn Detroit Downtown

As well as a good range of value rooms, this well-located hotel has a choice of suites with their own kitchens if you plan to stay longer. A 24-hour business centre and full breakfast service are also big pluses, and you’re not far from the conveniences of downtown.

Hotel St. Regis

Just a few blocks from the Amtrak station, this hotel located conveniently close to the Motown Museum and downtown Detroit offers comfortable rooms in classy accommodations. St. Regis is a landmark among hotels, having housed such remarkable travelers as Martin Luther King and Mick Jagger. Their on-site restaurant, La Musique, hosts entertainment and cocktails weekly, and many lovers choose this building for their private weddings.

Introducing Detroit

While you’re there

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