The right side captures the only real visual interest on this short, flat-terrain route — the Detroit skyline and waterways on departure, and the Twin Cities skyline with the Mississippi River on arrival. The left side offers largely featureless Midwest farmland throughout.
Flown DTW to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Minneapolis is 527 miles (848 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of southern Michigan and Wisconsin, scattered small lakes, no major terrain features at cruise altitude
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTClimbing out of DTW toward the northwest, the right side offers a look back at Detroit's downtown skyline and the Detroit River/Lake St. Clair shoreline before the route settles into farmland. The left side shows only flat southern Michigan fields with no distinguishing features.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTOn approach into MSP from the southeast toward runway 30, the right side gives a clear view of the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline and the Mississippi River bends before touchdown. The left side mostly shows suburban rooftops and flat farmland with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Minneapolis. The right side captures the only real visual interest on this short, flat-terrain route — the Detroit skyline and waterways on departure, and the Twin Cities skyline with the Mississippi River on arrival. The left side offers largely featureless Midwest farmland 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. Climbing out of DTW toward the northwest, the right side offers a look back at Detroit's downtown skyline and the Detroit River/Lake St. Clair shoreline before the route settles into farmland. The left side shows only flat southern Michigan fields with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Detroit downtown skyline, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair shoreline, Ambassador Bridge area.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSP from the southeast toward runway 30, the right side gives a clear view of the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline and the Mississippi River bends before touchdown. The left side mostly shows suburban rooftops and flat farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, St. Paul skyline, Minnesota River confluence.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Minneapolis?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 527 miles (848 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of southern Michigan and Wisconsin, scattered small lakes, no major terrain features at cruise altitude