Route guide
Cheap Flights from Denver to Detroit: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,120 mi
- Typical flight time
- 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- 2 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Denver and Detroit: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Denver to Detroit is about 1,120 miles (1,800 km) and a typical flight takes 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min. Detroit is 2 hours ahead of Denver. Denver has 1 airport to compare and Detroit has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Denver's airport lies on the plains northeast of the city, roughly 25 miles from downtown, so ground transport time matters. Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DEN to DTW | Denver International | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
About the airports
- DEN · Denver International
Sits roughly 25 miles northeast of downtown, with a commuter rail line to Union Station. - DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Denver: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Detroit: Delta Air Lines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Denver
Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual.
Detroit
Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy.
How long is Denver to Detroit?
At about 1,120 miles, Denver to Detroit is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Detroit is 2 hours ahead of Denver, so you land at a local time 2 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Denver: The A Line commuter train runs from the airport to Union Station downtown. Shuttles and rental cars serve the mountains.
Detroit: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common ways to get from the airport to the city.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- If you are heading to a ski area, allow extra time on mountain roads in winter, and watch the forecast before travel day.
- Winter weather can affect travel between December and March, so build in extra time.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Detroit to Denver?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Denver or all flights from Detroit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Denver from Detroit?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,120 miles (1,800 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Denver to Detroit?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Denver: DEN (Denver International). At Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Detroit is 2 hours ahead of Denver.
When is the best time to fly from Denver to Detroit?
In Denver: Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual. In Detroit: Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Denver to Detroit?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.