Detroit to Buffalo flight pathDTWBUF

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 10m
Distance240
Heading076° → 080°
Best side
Right
★ 1.5 left·★ 2.5 right

The right side captures the only real visual interest on this short hop — Detroit's skyline at departure and Lake Erie's shoreline with a glimpse of Niagara's mist near arrival — while the left side over Ontario farmland stays visually flat throughout.

Flown DTW to BUF? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Detroit to Buffalo is 240 miles (387 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Flat farmland of southwestern Ontario, Canada, with the eastern basin of Lake Erie visible to the south as the flight nears Buffalo

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Detroit (right side) — Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Belle Isle, Windsor, Ontario shoreline

Takeoff from DTW

RIGHT

Departing DTW to the southwest before turning east toward Buffalo, the right side offers a brief look back at downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River/Windsor, Ontario shoreline before the aircraft levels over flat farmland.

Detroit RiverDowntown Detroit skylineBelle IsleWindsor
DTW Detroit Metro Wayne CoHub for Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines

Landing at BUF

RIGHT

On approach into BUF from the southwest, the right side faces north across Lake Erie's eastern basin toward Buffalo's downtown skyline and the Niagara River corridor, with the distant mist plume of Niagara Falls sometimes visible on clear days.

Lake Erie eastern shorelineBuffalo downtown skylineNiagara Riverdistant Niagara Falls mist
BUF Buffalo Niagara InternationalBuffalo, United States

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) 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 captures the only real visual interest on this short hop — Detroit's skyline at departure and Lake Erie's shoreline with a glimpse of Niagara's mist near arrival — while the left side over Ontario farmland stays visually flat throughout.

What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?

During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DTW to the southwest before turning east toward Buffalo, the right side offers a brief look back at downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River/Windsor, Ontario shoreline before the aircraft levels over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Belle Isle, Windsor, Ontario 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 into BUF from the southwest, the right side faces north across Lake Erie's eastern basin toward Buffalo's downtown skyline and the Niagara River corridor, with the distant mist plume of Niagara Falls sometimes visible on clear days. Notable sights include: Lake Erie eastern shoreline, Buffalo downtown skyline, Niagara River, distant Niagara Falls mist.

How long is the flight from Detroit to Buffalo?

The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 240 miles (387 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Detroit to Buffalo flight path pass over?

Flat farmland of southwestern Ontario, Canada, with the eastern basin of Lake Erie visible to the south as the flight nears Buffalo