Route guide
Cheap Flights from Detroit to Phoenix: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,670 mi
- Typical flight time
- 3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- 2–3 h behind

This page covers the practical side of flying between Detroit and Phoenix: 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.
Airport pairs to compare
Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown. Phoenix's main airport sits unusually close to the city center, which keeps the trip into town short.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DTW to PHX | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | Phoenix Sky Harbor International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Detroit: Delta Air Lines
- At Phoenix: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
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.
Phoenix
Winter and spring are the popular, milder seasons. Summer highs routinely top 100°F, which is why fares often soften then.
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.
Phoenix: The PHX Sky Train connects the terminals and the light rail, and ride-hail and rental cars are widely used.
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.
- Spring training baseball in February and March lifts demand. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, which affects time differences with other states.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Detroit from Phoenix?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,670 miles (2,680 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Detroit to Phoenix?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 3 h 30 min to 4 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 Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). At Phoenix: PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, Phoenix is 2 hours behind Detroit; in summer, Phoenix is 3 hours behind Detroit. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
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.