While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience on the right side—with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the international border crossing—provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The Hudson River on descent is scenic but less visually striking than the Great Lakes water features at departure.
Flown DET to ALB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Albany is 469 miles (755 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies if flying directly over them), the Mohawk Valley, and the transition from the Appalachian Plateau to the Hudson River valley. The landscape gradually shifts from flat Great Lakes terrain to rolling forested hills and river valleys.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as you climb out over southeastern Michigan. The left side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb.
Landing at ALB
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains as you descend into Albany. The right side faces away from the major scenic features on approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Albany. While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience on the right side—with the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the international border crossing—provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The Hudson River on descent is scenic but less visually striking than the Great Lakes water features at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as you climb out over southeastern Michigan. The left side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario (across the border), downtown Detroit skyline.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains as you descend into Albany. The right side faces away from the major scenic features on approach. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, Albany skyline, Mohawk River confluence.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Albany?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 469 miles (755 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Albany flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies if flying directly over them), the Mohawk Valley, and the transition from the Appalachian Plateau to the Hudson River valley. The landscape gradually shifts from flat Great Lakes terrain to rolling forested hills and river valleys.