A question on shuttles in Dearborn ?

Question

We will be landing in Detroit in a month at DTW. We need to get to a Dearborn area hotel as we are visiting the Henry Ford area for a few days. Is a taxi or Uber the best and only way to get to Dearborn? Also are there any medium priced hotels that have a shuttle to the Henry Ford?

Answer

Arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and needing to get to Dearborn is straightforward, but transportation options are somewhat limited. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are the most convenient and direct ways to reach your hotel, especially if you have luggage or a tight schedule. The drive from DTW to the Henry Ford area in Dearborn is usually about 20–25 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

If you prefer not to rely on rideshares or taxis, there is a public transit option, though it can be less convenient with luggage. SMART buses operate routes connecting the airport to parts of Dearborn, but this usually involves at least one transfer and a longer travel time.

Regarding hotels, some medium-priced options near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village offer shuttle service to the attractions. Staying at one of these hotels can save on transportation hassle:

Drury Inn & Suites Detroit Dearborn: A reliable mid-range hotel offering shuttle service to local attractions, including the Henry Ford.
Best Western Greenfield Inn: Conveniently located near the museum and often provides shuttle service or can help arrange transportation.
Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Dearborn: Offers comfort at a reasonable price, and some guests have noted availability of shuttle options to Henry Ford attractions—confirm at booking.

Other options may include the Marriott Residence Inn or Courtyard in Dearborn; while not all provide regular shuttles, they often have local taxi partnerships or can coordinate rides. Calling ahead to confirm shuttle availability is strongly recommended, especially if your visit coincides with a busy weekend or event.

In summary, the simplest approach is Uber/taxi from DTW to your hotel, then using a hotel shuttle (if available) or a short Uber to get to the Henry Ford attractions. Public transit is possible but generally less practical for tourists with luggage or a tight schedule.