Route guide
Cheap Flights from Detroit to Buffalo: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 240 mi
- Typical flight time
- 45 min – 1 h 45 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between Detroit and Buffalo: 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: Detroit to Buffalo is about 240 miles (390 km) and a typical flight takes 45 min to 1 h 45 min. There is no time difference. Detroit has 1 airport to compare and Buffalo has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown. Buffalo's airport is the usual gateway for visitors to Niagara Falls.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DTW to BUF | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | Buffalo Niagara International |
About the airports
- DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown. - BUF · Buffalo Niagara International
The main airport, northeast of downtown and the usual gateway to Niagara Falls.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- 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
Detroit
Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy.
Buffalo
Summer is the most popular time, especially for visits to the falls. Winters are cold and snowy, and lake-effect storms can disrupt flights.
How long is Detroit to Buffalo?
At about 240 miles, Detroit to Buffalo is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Getting between the airport and town
Detroit: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common ways to get from the airport to the city.
Buffalo: Rental cars, taxis and ride-hail are the most common ways into the city.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Winter weather can affect travel between December and March, so build in extra time.
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Buffalo to Detroit?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Detroit or all flights from Buffalo.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Detroit from Buffalo?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 240 miles (390 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Detroit to Buffalo?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 45 min to 1 h 45 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 Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). At Buffalo: BUF (Buffalo Niagara International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
There is no time difference.
When is the best time to fly from Detroit to Buffalo?
In Detroit: Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy. In Buffalo: Summer is the most popular time, especially for visits to the falls. Winters are cold and snowy, and lake-effect storms can disrupt flights. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Detroit to Buffalo?
Airlines with a major base at either end include 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.