The right side maintains a consistent visual thread of Detroit River and Lake Erie shoreline scenery from takeoff through cruise and into landing, while the left side over flat Ontario and New York farmland offers little visual variety for this short flight.
Flown DET to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Buffalo is 220 miles (355 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flight path crosses the north shore region of Lake Erie and southern Ontario farmland between Michigan and New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTDeparting DET, the right side offers a view down the Detroit River toward downtown Detroit's skyline and the western basin of Lake Erie, giving some urban and water interest during the initial climb. The left side over Michigan farmland and suburbs is comparatively featureless.
Landing at BUF
RIGHTOn approach to BUF, especially if landing on runway 05 from the southwest, the flight path tracks near the north shore of Lake Erie, keeping open water and shoreline visible on the right side almost until touchdown. The left side shows only flat Ontario and New York farmland with little variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Buffalo. The right side maintains a consistent visual thread of Detroit River and Lake Erie shoreline scenery from takeoff through cruise and into landing, while the left side over flat Ontario and New York farmland offers little visual variety for this short flight.
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. Departing DET, the right side offers a view down the Detroit River toward downtown Detroit's skyline and the western basin of Lake Erie, giving some urban and water interest during the initial climb. The left side over Michigan farmland and suburbs is comparatively featureless. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Belle Isle, western Lake Erie shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to BUF, especially if landing on runway 05 from the southwest, the flight path tracks near the north shore of Lake Erie, keeping open water and shoreline visible on the right side almost until touchdown. The left side shows only flat Ontario and New York farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Niagara River outflow area, Buffalo's downtown skyline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Buffalo?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) 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 Detroit to Buffalo flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the north shore region of Lake Erie and southern Ontario farmland between Michigan and New York.