Route guide
Cheap Flights from Detroit to St. Louis: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 440 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 St. Louis: 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 St. Louis is about 440 miles (710 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. St. Louis is 1 hour behind Detroit. Detroit has 1 airport to compare and St. Louis has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown. St. Louis has one main airport with a light rail link to downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DTW to STL | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | St. Louis Lambert International |
About the airports
- DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown. - STL · St. Louis Lambert International
The main airport, northwest of downtown and linked to the city by MetroLink light rail.
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.
St. Louis
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winter can bring snow and ice.
How long is Detroit to St. Louis?
At about 440 miles, Detroit to St. Louis 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.
Time zones and timing
St. Louis 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.
St. Louis: MetroLink light rail runs from the airport to downtown St. Louis. Taxis, ride-hail and rental cars are also available.
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 St. Louis to Detroit?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Detroit or all flights from St. Louis.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Detroit from St. Louis?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 440 miles (710 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Detroit to St. Louis?
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 St. Louis: STL (St. Louis Lambert International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
St. Louis is 1 hour behind Detroit.
When is the best time to fly from Detroit to St. Louis?
In Detroit: Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy. In St. Louis: Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winter can bring snow and ice. 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 St. Louis?
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.