- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Flights from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI depart on average 70 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $222 (€182) but you can travel from only $145 (€119) by bus.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 2087 miles (3359 km) distance in 6h 48m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 2087 miles (3359 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $222 (€182) |
Flights per day 70 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 6h 48m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Cheapest price
$393
Average price
$707
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
5 h 59 m
Flights per day
54
Distance
3359 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI will cost around $707 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $393.
Of the 54 flights that leave San Francisco, CA for Detroit, MI onSun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct flights cover the 3359 km distance in an average of 5 h 59 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the longest flights will take 6 h 56 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
AA6404+
AA1790
UA234
UA1642
AA3258 · AA690
AA2228 · AA1792
UA234
UA1642
UA1479 · UA1915
UA737 · UA2135
AA2543+
AA3500Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a train costs an average of $274.
Distance: 2087 miles (3359 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$352 Average price | $674 Average price | $258 Average price Cheapest |
7h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 58h 15m Average total duration 57h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 64h 6m Average total duration 63h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $94 (€77) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI costing on average $352 (€288).
A bus is $416 (€340) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI costing on average $674 (€551).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 57h 45m.
Bus takes on average 63h 36m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI flights for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA2168 · UA6131 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h56 | 5:56 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1479 · UA1915 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h27 | 2:27 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1198 · AA1786 | 5:23 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h06 | 6:29 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1790+ AA6404 | 5:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h18 | 4:58 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA419 · UA3586 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h12 | 8:12 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA582 · UA1583 · UA2426 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h19 | 10:19 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA419 · UA3558 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h19 | 6:19 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2614+ AA4931 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h34 | 9:34 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2614+ AA3500 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h26 | 8:26 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2614+ AA3980 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h59 | 4:59 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2305 · AA1786 | 6:45 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h44 | 6:29 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1149 · UA3586 | 7:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h12 | 8:12 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1708 · UA2835 · UA5232 | 7:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h22 | 8:22 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5236 · UA2426 · UA5232 | 7:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h07 | 8:22 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5236 · UA2426 | 7:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h04 | 10:19 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2904 · AA1786 | 8:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h29 | 6:29 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA359+ AA3500 | 8:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h26 | 8:26 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA359+ AA4931 | 8:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h34 | 9:34 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1849 · UA6246 | 8:10 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h52 | 7:02 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1960 · AA1794 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h03 | 7:18 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2414 · AA3140 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h09 | 10:24 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1642 | 8:35 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h52 | 4:27 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA500 · UA1686 · UA2135 | 10:05 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h52 | 11:57 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2192 · UA768 · UA2135 | 10:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h42 | 11:57 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA643 · UA1352 · UA2135 | 10:23 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h34 | 11:57 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA643 · UA2132 · UA1220 | 10:23 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h20 | 10:43 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2543+ AA3500 | 10:30 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h56 | 8:26 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2543+ AA4931 | 10:30 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h04 | 9:34 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1604 · UA1220 | 10:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h03 | 10:43 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1259 · UA685 | 10:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h34 | 10:24 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA336 · UA3995 | 10:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h01 | 11:51 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1849 · AA3108 | 11:25 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h13 | 10:38 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1849 · AA690 | 11:25 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h16 | 11:41 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA571 · UA1352 · UA2135 | 12:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h57 | 11:57 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2548 · AA3140 | 12:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h03 | 10:24 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3258 · AA690 | 12:36 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h05 | 11:41 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA540 · UA1220 | 12:43 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h00 | 10:43 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2274 · UA3995 | 12:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h06 | 11:51 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2562 · AA370 | 1:17 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h16 | 12:33 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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