DTW to SFO Flight Guide: Connect from the Motor City to the Bay Area
Cheapest flight found
$149
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: DTW → SFO
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$149
Highest Fare
$249
Median Fare
$210
Price Spread
$100
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $149)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $249)
Biggest price drop caught: $45 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Detroit to San Francisco range from $149 to $249, a $100 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $45 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Detroit (DTW)
To
San Francisco (SFO)
Airport Information
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serves as a primary international gateway and a major hub for Delta Air Lines. Known for its efficiency and modern architecture, the airport features two main terminals: the Edward H. McNamara Terminal and the Warren Cleaveland Evans Terminal. Travelers appreciate the SkyTram inside the McNamara Terminal, which quickly transports passengers across the mile-long concourse, along with a wide array of local Michigan-inspired dining options and high-end retail stores.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a premier hub for United Airlines and a major gateway to the Pacific. Located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, it is world-renowned for its commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort, boasting features like yoga rooms, an aviation museum, and high-quality local eateries. The airport is seamlessly connected to the city via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to reach the city center or the East Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average flight from DTW to SFO?
The average nonstop flight duration from Detroit to San Francisco is roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 2,080 miles.
Which airlines offer nonstop service between these cities?
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are the primary carriers offering daily nonstop flights, while other airlines like American, Southwest, and Alaska provide connecting services through their respective hubs.
Is there a time difference between Detroit and San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is 3 hours behind Detroit's Eastern Time Zone; keep this in mind when scheduling your ground transportation or meetings.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
The BART train is the most efficient method, taking about 30 minutes to reach downtown; alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at designated pickup zones in the parking garages.
Do I need to arrive early for my DTW departure?
It is generally recommended to arrive at Detroit Metro Airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to account for security screening and the walk to your gate, especially in the large McNamara Terminal.
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Our Methodology
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