Route guide
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Detroit: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,970 mi
- Typical flight time
- 4 h 15 min – 5 h 15 min
- Airports
- 5 × 1
- Time difference
- 3 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles to Detroit is about 1,970 miles (3,170 km) and a typical flight takes 4 h 15 min to 5 h 15 min. Detroit is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and Detroit has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Los Angeles spreads across a vast basin, so the best airport depends on where you are staying. LAX is the main gateway, but several smaller airports sit within driving distance. Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| LAX to DTW | Los Angeles International | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| BUR to DTW | Hollywood Burbank | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| SNA to DTW | John Wayne (Orange County) | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| LGB to DTW | Long Beach | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| ONT to DTW | Ontario International | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
About the airports
- LAX · Los Angeles International
The main gateway, on the west side near the coast. - BUR · Hollywood Burbank
A smaller airport that is convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. - SNA · John Wayne (Orange County)
A good option if you are staying in Orange County. - LGB · Long Beach
A small, easy airport near the southern part of the region. - ONT · Ontario International
An inland airport that suits trips to the eastern suburbs. - DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Detroit: 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
Los Angeles
Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season.
Detroit
Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy.
How long is Los Angeles to Detroit?
At about 1,970 miles, Los Angeles to Detroit is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.
Time zones and timing
Detroit is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so you land at a local time 3 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date.
Getting between the airport and town
Los Angeles: Freeway traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip at rush hour, so allow generous time between the airport and your destination.
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
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
- 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 Los Angeles?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from Detroit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from Detroit?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,970 miles (3,170 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Detroit?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 4 h 15 min to 5 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 Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario International). At Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Detroit is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to Detroit?
In Los Angeles: Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season. 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 Los Angeles to Detroit?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. 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.