Route guide
Cheap Flights from Detroit to Minneapolis: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 530 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 15 min – 2 h 15 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Detroit and Minneapolis: 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 Minneapolis is about 530 miles (850 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. Minneapolis is 1 hour behind Detroit. Detroit has 1 airport to compare and Minneapolis has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International is a major hub in the upper Midwest, with a light rail line to downtown Minneapolis.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DTW to MSP | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | Minneapolis-Saint Paul International |
About the airports
- DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown. - MSP · Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
A major hub with a light rail line to downtown Minneapolis.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Detroit: Delta Air Lines
- At Minneapolis: Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates 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.
Minneapolis
Summer is warm and filled with festivals. Winters are very cold, and snow is possible from October into April.
How long is Detroit to Minneapolis?
At about 530 miles, Detroit to Minneapolis 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
Minneapolis is 1 hour behind Detroit, so you land at a local time 1 hour earlier than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
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.
Minneapolis: The Blue Line light rail runs between the airport and downtown Minneapolis.
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.
- In winter, de-icing and snow can slow operations, so avoid tight connections where you can.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Minneapolis to Detroit?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Detroit or all flights from Minneapolis.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Detroit from Minneapolis?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 530 miles (850 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Detroit to Minneapolis?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 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 Minneapolis: MSP (Minneapolis-Saint Paul International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Minneapolis is 1 hour behind Detroit.
When is the best time to fly from Detroit to Minneapolis?
In Detroit: Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy. In Minneapolis: Summer is warm and filled with festivals. Winters are very cold, and snow is possible from October into April. 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 Minneapolis?
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.