Direct (nonstop) flights from Detroit to San Diego

1 airline flys nonstop from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). It's 1,956 miles (3,148 km), about 4h 54m in the air. Operated by Delta Air Lines.

DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
🇺🇸 Detroit, USA
SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
Flight Time
4h 54m
Distance
1,956 mi
3,148 km
CO₂/pax
331 kg
−36 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Delta Air Lines
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Delta Air Lines DL Delta Air Lines
Route
DTW → SAN
Flight Time
4h 54m
Distance
1,956 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Detroit to San Diego with one stop · direct emits 331 kg CO₂ per passenger

DTW OMA (Omaha) SAN
Leg 1: 2h 10m (651 mi) Leg 2: 3h 13m (1,312 mi) Total: ~5h 23m 🍃 367 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → OMA
2h 10m · 651 mi
View DTW to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → SAN
3h 13m · 1,312 mi
View OMA to SAN flights →
DTW IND (Indianapolis) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 14m (231 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,782 mi) Total: ~5h 29m 🍃 369 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → IND
1h 14m · 231 mi
View DTW to IND flights →
Leg 2
IND → SAN
4h 15m · 1,782 mi
View IND to SAN flights →
DTW MDW (Chicago) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 15m (227 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,729 mi) Total: ~5h 30m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MDW
1h 15m · 227 mi
View DTW to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → SAN
4h 15m · 1,729 mi
View MDW to SAN flights →
DTW MCI (Kansas City) SAN
Leg 1: 2h 5m (628 mi) Leg 2: 3h 25m (1,333 mi) Total: ~5h 30m 🍃 366 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MCI
2h 5m · 628 mi
View DTW to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → SAN
3h 25m · 1,333 mi
View MCI to SAN flights →
DTW MKE (Milwaukee) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 15m (237 mi) Leg 2: 4h 20m (1,739 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 363 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MKE
1h 15m · 237 mi
View DTW to MKE flights →
Leg 2
MKE → SAN
4h 20m · 1,739 mi
View MKE to SAN flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Detroit to San Diego?

A nonstop flight from Detroit (DTW) to San Diego (SAN) takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes. The distance is 1,956 miles (3,148 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Detroit to San Diego?

Just Delta Air Lines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Detroit to San Diego?

Yes. 1 airline: Delta Air Lines.

How far is Detroit from San Diego?

The flight distance from Detroit to San Diego is 1,956 miles (3,148 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Detroit to San Diego?

At 4h 54m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Detroit to San Diego?

Roughly 331 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,655 km.

Is the return flight from San Diego to Detroit also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Detroit to San Diego?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Airport for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.