Direct (nonstop) flights from Detroit to San Francisco

2 airlines fly nonstop from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 2,079 miles (3,346 km), about 5h 13m in the air. Operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
🇺🇸 Detroit, USA
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
5h 13m
Distance
2,079 mi
3,346 km
CO₂/pax
351 kg
−30 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Delta Air Lines +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Delta Air Lines DL Delta Air Lines
Route
DTW → SFO
Flight Time
5h 13m
Distance
2,079 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
DTW → SFO
Flight Time
5h 13m
Distance
2,079 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Detroit to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 351 kg CO₂ per passenger

DTW MDW (Chicago) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 15m (227 mi) Leg 2: 4h 35m (1,855 mi) Total: ~5h 50m 🍃 381 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MDW
1h 15m · 227 mi
View DTW to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → SFO
4h 35m · 1,855 mi
View MDW to SFO flights →
DTW DEN (Denver) SFO
Leg 1: 3h 13m (1,122 mi) Leg 2: 2h 46m (967 mi) Total: ~5h 59m 🍃 378 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → DEN
3h 13m · 1,122 mi
View DTW to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → SFO
2h 46m · 967 mi
View DEN to SFO flights →
DTW OMA (Omaha) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 10m (651 mi) Leg 2: 3h 50m (1,433 mi) Total: ~6h 🍃 387 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → OMA
2h 10m · 651 mi
View DTW to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → SFO
3h 50m · 1,433 mi
View OMA to SFO flights →
DTW MSP (Minneapolis) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 51m (528 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,590 mi) Total: ~6h 6m 🍃 392 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → MSP
1h 51m · 528 mi
View DTW to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → SFO
4h 15m · 1,590 mi
View MSP to SFO flights →
DTW LAS (Las Vegas) SFO
Leg 1: 4h 27m (1,748 mi) Leg 2: 1h 43m (414 mi) Total: ~6h 10m 🍃 397 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DTW → LAS
4h 27m · 1,748 mi
View DTW to LAS flights →
Leg 2
LAS → SFO
1h 43m · 414 mi
View LAS to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Detroit (DTW) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. The distance is 2,079 miles (3,346 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Detroit to San Francisco?

2 airlines: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Detroit to San Francisco?

Yes. 2 airlines: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

How far is Detroit from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Detroit to San Francisco is 2,079 miles (3,346 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 Francisco?

At 5h 13m, 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 Francisco?

Roughly 351 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,755 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco 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 Francisco?

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.