Affordable SFO to DTW Flights: Your Gateway from the Bay to the Motor City
Cheapest flight found
$155
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: SFO → DTW
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$155
Highest Fare
$364
Median Fare
$240
Price Spread
$209
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $155)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $364)
Biggest price drop caught: $185 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from San Francisco to Detroit range from $155 to $364, a $209 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 $185 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
San Francisco (SFO)
To
Detroit (DTW)
Airport Information
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves as a premier international gateway and a major hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Known for its world-class amenities, including an onsite aviation museum, a yoga room, and locally sourced dining options, SFO offers a high-end pre-flight experience. It is conveniently connected to downtown San Francisco and the wider Bay Area via the BART rapid transit system, making it easily accessible for all travelers.
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a massive, modern facility located in Romulus, Michigan, and serves as one of Delta Air Lines' primary hubs. The airport is famous for its McNamara Terminal, which features a stunning psychedelic LED light tunnel and an efficient ExpressTram to help passengers navigate the lengthy gates. DTW is consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction and offers easy access to the greater Detroit area via rental cars, shuttles, and rideshare services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average flight duration from SFO to DTW?
A non-stop flight from San Francisco to Detroit typically takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, covering a distance of about 2,080 miles.
Which airlines offer non-stop flights between SFO and DTW?
Currently, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are the primary carriers offering daily non-stop service between these two major airports.
Is there a time difference between San Francisco and Detroit?
Yes, Detroit is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco, which is in the Pacific Time Zone.
What are the best transport options from DTW to downtown Detroit?
The most common options include rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, or renting a car, which is popular given Detroit's layout. The drive typically takes 25-30 minutes.
Are there airport lounges available at SFO for this route?
Yes, SFO hosts several lounges including the United Club, Delta Sky Club, and the Centurion Lounge, accessible depending on your ticket class or membership.
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Our Methodology
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How Often Do Prices Drop?
Data study: drop frequency, average savings, and how long drops last.
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