Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Detroit

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). It's 2,079 miles (3,346 km), about 4h 39m in the air. Operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
🇺🇸 Detroit, USA
Flight Time
4h 39m
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
SFO → DTW
Flight Time
4h 39m
Distance
2,079 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → DTW
Flight Time
4h 39m
Distance
2,079 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SFO MDW (Chicago) DTW
Leg 1: 4h 10m (1,855 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (227 mi) Total: ~5h 20m 🍃 381 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → MDW
4h 10m · 1,855 mi
View SFO to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → DTW
1h 10m · 227 mi
View MDW to DTW flights →
SFO MSP (Minneapolis) DTW
Leg 1: 3h 42m (1,590 mi) Leg 2: 1h 44m (528 mi) Total: ~5h 26m 🍃 392 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → MSP
3h 42m · 1,590 mi
View SFO to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → DTW
1h 44m · 528 mi
View MSP to DTW flights →
SFO SMF (Sacramento) DTW
Leg 1: 1h 2m (86 mi) Leg 2: 4h 24m (2,013 mi) Total: ~5h 26m 🍃 381 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SMF
1h 2m · 86 mi
View SFO to SMF flights →
Leg 2
SMF → DTW
4h 24m · 2,013 mi
View SMF to DTW flights →
SFO STL (Saint Louis) DTW
Leg 1: 3h 55m (1,735 mi) Leg 2: 1h 31m (440 mi) Total: ~5h 26m 🍃 399 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → STL
3h 55m · 1,735 mi
View SFO to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DTW
1h 31m · 440 mi
View STL to DTW flights →
SFO SLC (Salt Lake City) DTW
Leg 1: 1h 59m (599 mi) Leg 2: 3h 32m (1,481 mi) Total: ~5h 31m 🍃 386 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SLC
1h 59m · 599 mi
View SFO to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → DTW
3h 32m · 1,481 mi
View SLC to DTW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Detroit (DTW) takes approximately 4 hours and 39 minutes. The distance is 2,079 miles (3,346 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Detroit?

2 airlines: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Detroit?

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

How far is San Francisco from Detroit?

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

At 4h 39m, 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 Francisco to Detroit?

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

Is the return flight from Detroit to San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco International for this flight?

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