Direct (nonstop) flights from San Diego to Detroit

1 airline flys nonstop from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). It's 1,956 miles (3,148 km), about 4h 27m in the air. Operated by Delta Air Lines.

SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
🇺🇸 Detroit, USA
Flight Time
4h 27m
Distance
1,956 mi
3,148 km
CO₂/pax
331 kg
−35 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Delta Air Lines
Time Diff
+3h
Operated by Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Delta Air Lines DL Delta Air Lines
Route
SAN → DTW
Flight Time
4h 27m
Distance
1,956 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SAN MCI (Kansas City) DTW
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,333 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (628 mi) Total: ~5h 5m 🍃 366 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → MCI
3h 10m · 1,333 mi
View SAN to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → DTW
1h 55m · 628 mi
View MCI to DTW flights →
SAN OMA (Omaha) DTW
Leg 1: 3h 5m (1,312 mi) Leg 2: 2h (651 mi) Total: ~5h 5m 🍃 367 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → OMA
3h 5m · 1,312 mi
View SAN to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → DTW
2h · 651 mi
View OMA to DTW flights →
SAN STL (Saint Louis) DTW
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,557 mi) Leg 2: 1h 31m (440 mi) Total: ~5h 6m 🍃 369 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → STL
3h 35m · 1,557 mi
View SAN to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DTW
1h 31m · 440 mi
View STL to DTW flights →
SAN MDW (Chicago) DTW
Leg 1: 4h (1,729 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (227 mi) Total: ~5h 10m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → MDW
4h · 1,729 mi
View SAN to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → DTW
1h 10m · 227 mi
View MDW to DTW flights →
SAN PHX (Phoenix) DTW
Leg 1: 1h 25m (305 mi) Leg 2: 3h 47m (1,670 mi) Total: ~5h 12m 🍃 363 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → PHX
1h 25m · 305 mi
View SAN to PHX flights →
Leg 2
PHX → DTW
3h 47m · 1,670 mi
View PHX to DTW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW) takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. The distance is 1,956 miles (3,148 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Diego to Detroit?

Just Delta Air Lines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Diego to Detroit?

Yes. 1 airline: Delta Air Lines.

How far is San Diego from Detroit?

The flight distance from San Diego to Detroit 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 San Diego to Detroit?

At 4h 27m, 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 San Diego to Detroit?

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

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

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 San Diego International Airport for this flight?

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