The left side wins for both takeoff and landing phases, combining a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline on departure with a clear view of the Detroit River and skyline on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, undistinguished Midwest terrain throughout the short cruise.
Flown BUF to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Buffalo to Detroit is 220 miles (355 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flat farmland and small towns of southern Ontario and Lake Erie's eastern basin, with no major landmarks at cruise altitude on this short hop
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUF
LEFTDeparting BUF to the southwest on runway 23, the left side offers views back over Lake Erie's shoreline and the Buffalo waterfront before the route curves toward Detroit. Passengers get a brief but distinct look at the lake's open water meeting the urban shoreline.
Landing at DET
LEFTArriving into Detroit City Airport typically approaches from the northwest on runway 33 or southeast on 15, giving left-side passengers a view of the Detroit River and the downtown Detroit skyline with its distinctive riverfront towers before landing. The right side mostly sees residential neighborhoods with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Detroit. The left side wins for both takeoff and landing phases, combining a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline on departure with a clear view of the Detroit River and skyline on arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat, undistinguished Midwest terrain throughout the short cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BUF to the southwest on runway 23, the left side offers views back over Lake Erie's shoreline and the Buffalo waterfront before the route curves toward Detroit. Passengers get a brief but distinct look at the lake's open water meeting the urban shoreline. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo waterfront, Niagara River outlet.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into Detroit City Airport typically approaches from the northwest on runway 33 or southeast on 15, giving left-side passengers a view of the Detroit River and the downtown Detroit skyline with its distinctive riverfront towers before landing. The right side mostly sees residential neighborhoods with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Renaissance Center skyline, Ambassador Bridge, Belle Isle.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to Detroit?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 220 miles (355 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Buffalo to Detroit flight path pass over?
Flat farmland and small towns of southern Ontario and Lake Erie's eastern basin, with no major landmarks at cruise altitude on this short hop