Route guide
Cheap Flights from New York to Detroit: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 510 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 15 min – 2 h 15 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between New York 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: New York to Detroit is about 510 miles (820 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. There is no time difference. New York has 3 airports to compare and Detroit has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
New York is served by three major airports across two states, so choosing the right airport is one of the biggest levers on both price and door-to-door time. Detroit Metropolitan is a major hub located roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to DTW | John F. Kennedy International | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| LGA to DTW | LaGuardia | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
| EWR to DTW | Newark Liberty International | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County |
About the airports
- JFK · John F. Kennedy International
Queens. The largest gateway for international flights, with an AirTrain link to subway and commuter rail. - LGA · LaGuardia
Queens. The closest of the three to Midtown, focused on domestic and nearby routes. - EWR · Newark Liberty International
New Jersey. Often convenient for Lower and West Manhattan, with a rail link to Penn Station. - DTW · Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
About 20 miles southwest of downtown.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At New York: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- 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
New York
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid.
Detroit
Late spring to early fall is the most comfortable period. Winters are cold and snowy.
How long is New York to Detroit?
At about 510 miles, New York to Detroit 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.
Getting between the airport and town
New York: Subway, commuter rail and buses link all three airports to Manhattan. Taxis and ride-hail are everywhere but depend heavily on traffic.
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.
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- 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 New York?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from New York or all flights from Detroit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is New York from Detroit?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 510 miles (820 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from New York to Detroit?
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 New York: JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), EWR (Newark Liberty International). At Detroit: DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County). 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 New York to Detroit?
In New York: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid. 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 New York to Detroit?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways. 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.