While takeoff favors left seats for Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, the landing approach over the Detroit River and international border crossing is the more dramatic and memorable segment. Right seats capture this better during descent into DET.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses Lake Erie's northern shore and the agricultural landscape of southwestern Ontario. At cruise altitude, you'll see the long, flat expanse of Lake Erie (visible on both sides depending on exact routing), with the Ontario shoreline to the north and Michigan farmland to the south. The landscape transitions from the Niagara region's mixed terrain to increasingly flat agricultural plains as you approach Detroit. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route—the terrain is dominated by the Great Lakes system and glacially-flattened lowlands.
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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 Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Detroit. While takeoff favors left seats for Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, the landing approach over the Detroit River and international border crossing is the more dramatic and memorable segment. Right seats capture this better during descent into DET.
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. BUF typically departs runway 24 (westbound) or 6 (eastbound). Westbound departures favor left seats for views of Lake Ontario's eastern shoreline and the Niagara River gorge as you climb out. Eastbound departures from runway 6 offer left-side views of the Niagara Escarpment and surrounding farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (north), Niagara River and gorge (west), Niagara Escarpment ridge (south-southwest), Greater Buffalo urban area (south).
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching DET (Coleman Young International, formerly Detroit City Airport) on typical landing runways 9 or 27 provides right-seat views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario across the water. The river crossing and international border are striking visual references during descent. Notable sights include: Detroit River (dominant feature), Windsor Ontario skyline (north bank), Downtown Detroit skyline (south bank), Belle Isle (island in river).
How long is the flight from Buffalo to Detroit?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Detroit City (DET) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Buffalo to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Erie's northern shore and the agricultural landscape of southwestern Ontario. At cruise altitude, you'll see the long, flat expanse of Lake Erie (visible on both sides depending on exact routing), with the Ontario shoreline to the north and Michigan farmland to the south. The landscape transitions from the Niagara region's mixed terrain to increasingly flat agricultural plains as you approach Detroit. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route—the terrain is dominated by the Great Lakes system and glacially-flattened lowlands.