While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The Tiber delta and Alban Hills provide far more visual interest than the relatively flat Great Lakes region on departure.
Flown DET to FCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Rome is 4,593 miles (7,392 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic roughly along 45°N latitude. Notable waypoints include: the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence (visible on departure if climbing northeast), the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area (not visible but crossed), the Irish coast near County Clare or County Galway (if visible during daylight), the UK and France (depending on routing), and the Alps (visible on descent into Italy if approaching from the north). Most transatlantic routing will pass south of Greenland and Iceland, then cross the Atlantic in the 40-50°N band, making landfall over Ireland or the UK before routing southeast toward Italy.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTRight side captures the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario immediately after departure. Most DET departures use runways 3L/3R or 9L/9R heading east or west; right seats get the clearest view of the water boundary and urban sprawl north toward Pontiac.
Landing at FCO
LEFTLeft side offers the best approach views into Fiumicino. Most arrivals use runways 16L/16R or 34L/34R; left seats descending from the north or northwest will see the Tiber River delta, Rome's urban sprawl, and the Alban Hills to the southeast—the most distinctive geography around FCO.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Rome. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The Tiber delta and Alban Hills provide far more visual interest than the relatively flat Great Lakes region on 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 captures the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario immediately after departure. Most DET departures use runways 3L/3R or 9L/9R heading east or west; right seats get the clearest view of the water boundary and urban sprawl north toward Pontiac. Notable sights include: Detroit River (immediate foreground), Windsor skyline across the river to the north, Lake St. Clair visible to the northeast as you climb, suburban sprawl of Macomb County extending east.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers the best approach views into Fiumicino. Most arrivals use runways 16L/16R or 34L/34R; left seats descending from the north or northwest will see the Tiber River delta, Rome's urban sprawl, and the Alban Hills to the southeast—the most distinctive geography around FCO. Notable sights include: Tiber River delta and marshlands (immediate approach), Rome's urban grid visible inland, Alban Hills (Castelli Romani) as a low ridge on the southeastern horizon, Mediterranean Sea to the west.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Rome?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,593 miles (7,392 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Rome flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic roughly along 45°N latitude. Notable waypoints include: the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence (visible on departure if climbing northeast), the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area (not visible but crossed), the Irish coast near County Clare or County Galway (if visible during daylight), the UK and France (depending on routing), and the Alps (visible on descent into Italy if approaching from the north). Most transatlantic routing will pass south of Greenland and Iceland, then cross the Atlantic in the 40-50°N band, making landfall over Ireland or the UK before routing southeast toward Italy.