Fare is $2 cash on SMART 125 from DTW into Detroit
SMART Bus Route 125 runs from Detroit Metro (DTW) to downtown Detroit along Fort Street and Eureka Road, and it’s the cheapest airport link by a long shot at about $2 per ride. This is a regular city bus, not an express, so build in extra time if you’re trying to make a meeting or game downtown.
The bus stop sits outside the Ground Transportation Center at both McNamara and Evans terminals; follow signs for “Public Transit / SMART” once you exit baggage claim. Buses generally run seven days a week, with more frequent service in daytime hours and thinner service later at night, especially after 9 p.m.
Route 125 connects DTW to points along Eureka Road, then toward Fort Street and into Detroit, with key links in Southgate and Lincoln Park before continuing north. Travel time from the airport to downtown Detroit can easily run 60–80 minutes depending on traffic and time of day, since the bus makes multiple local stops.
Standard SMART fare on Route 125 is around $2, payable in cash on board, and drivers do not make change, so bring small bills and coins. If you plan multiple rides in one day, a SMART day pass or mobile ticket bought in advance can beat paying per trip; check SMART’s site or app for current fare options before you land.
Service typically starts in the early morning and winds down by late evening, with weekday schedules slightly tighter than weekends. The latest outbound buses from DTW toward Detroit usually leave before midnight, so if your flight lands after 11 p.m. you should have a backup plan like a rideshare or cab.
Route 125 uses standard city buses with front-door boarding at DTW, and there’s limited luggage space, so a 26-inch checked bag and a carry-on is about as much as you’ll want to wrangle. The bus shares the road with I-94 and local traffic, so rush hour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. often adds 10–20 minutes to the ride.
Pro tip: Screenshot the latest SMART 125 timetable before you take off, then aim for a flight arrival that lands at least 20–30 minutes before the bus you want, in case your checked bag takes a while to hit the carousel.