The left side offers a stronger overall experience with the Detroit skyline and Great Lakes shoreline at takeoff, plus distant views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Ontario during cruise, giving more topographic variety than the right side's flatter mid-flight scenery.
Flown DTW to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Boston is 631 miles (1,015 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The route crosses the eastern end of Lake Erie near Buffalo, passes south of Lake Ontario, and continues over the Finger Lakes region and the southern edge of the Adirondack Mountains before crossing the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts on the way into Boston.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDeparting DTW on runway 22, aircraft typically climb southwest before turning left (north) onto an eastbound course toward Boston, briefly putting downtown Detroit and the Lake St. Clair shoreline in view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flat Michigan farmland during the same turn.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTArrivals into BOS commonly approach from the north over Boston Harbor onto runway 4R/4L, flying south. On that approach the right side of the aircraft faces west, revealing the downtown Boston skyline, the Charles River, and the harbor islands just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Boston. The left side offers a stronger overall experience with the Detroit skyline and Great Lakes shoreline at takeoff, plus distant views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Ontario during cruise, giving more topographic variety than the right side's flatter mid-flight scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DTW on runway 22, aircraft typically climb southwest before turning left (north) onto an eastbound course toward Boston, briefly putting downtown Detroit and the Lake St. Clair shoreline in view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flat Michigan farmland during the same turn. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair shoreline, Grosse Pointe waterfront.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into BOS commonly approach from the north over Boston Harbor onto runway 4R/4L, flying south. On that approach the right side of the aircraft faces west, revealing the downtown Boston skyline, the Charles River, and the harbor islands just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline, Charles River, Logan Airport's harborside runways.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Boston?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 631 miles (1,015 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Boston flight path pass over?
The route crosses the eastern end of Lake Erie near Buffalo, passes south of Lake Ontario, and continues over the Finger Lakes region and the southern edge of the Adirondack Mountains before crossing the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts on the way into Boston.