PHL to DTW Direct Flights: Experience the Connection Between the City of Brotherly Love and the Motor City
Cheapest flight found
$129
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: PHL → DTW
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$129
Highest Fare
$240
Median Fare
$193
Price Spread
$111
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $129)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $240)
Biggest price drop caught: $60 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Philadelphia to Detroit range from $129 to $240, a $111 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 $60 between hourly checks on this route.
Track this route and save
Get email alerts when PHL to DTW prices drop. We check every hour.
Start Tracking This FlightSearch this route
From
Philadelphia (PHL)
To
Detroit (DTW)
Airport Information
Philadelphia (PHL)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves as a major gateway for the Delaware Valley and is a primary hub for American Airlines. Located just seven miles from downtown, the airport features seven terminals and offers a wide array of dining options, from local favorites like Chickie's & Pete's to high-end boutiques. Its efficient rail link, the SEPTA Regional Rail, provides quick access to Center City, making it highly accessible for both local residents and visiting travelers.
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs and a massive international gateway for Delta Air Lines. Known for its sleek, modern architecture, particularly the McNamara Terminal with its iconic light tunnel and red tram, the airport offers an exceptional passenger experience. It is located in Romulus, Michigan, about 20 miles from downtown Detroit, and is consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Detroit?
The average flight time for a direct trip from PHL to DTW is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering a distance of about 450 miles.
Which airlines offer nonstop flights on this route?
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines are the primary carriers offering regular nonstop service between Philadelphia and Detroit.
What is the best way to get from DTW to downtown Detroit?
Most travelers utilize rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or rent a car for the 20-minute drive via I-94. Public transit via the SMART bus system is also available for budget-conscious travelers.
Are there airport lounges available at PHL and DTW?
Yes, Philadelphia International features several American Airlines Admirals Clubs, while Detroit Metropolitan offers multiple Delta Sky Clubs, primarily in the McNamara Terminal.
Learn More About Price Tracking
Flight Price Tracker
How Trip Manta monitors prices hourly vs Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak.
Best Flight Price Trackers
Compare the top 7 trackers side by side — features, pricing, and check frequency.
Trip Manta vs Google Flights
How hourly tracking compares for catching short-lived price drops.
Our Methodology
How we track prices, trigger alerts, and what our data covers.
How Often Do Prices Drop?
Data study: drop frequency, average savings, and how long drops last.
Flight Price Alerts
Get email alerts when PHL to DTW prices drop — free.