Detroit to Portland flight pathDTWPWM

Sit on the left 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 time2h 00m
Distance667
Heading077° → 086°

Detroit to Portland is 667 miles (1,073 km), a flight of about 2 hours.

Best side
LeftMostly left

While takeoff offers good water views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Casco Bay's rocky islands and the Maine Atlantic coastline—more visually rewarding than the relatively flat Great Lakes departure.

Takeoff · DTWRIGHTDetroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario shoreline
Landing · PWMLEFTCasco Bay islands, Atlantic coastline, Portland Harbor

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Lake Erie (southern shore visible during cruise), Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, Finger Lakes region of central New York, Hudson River valley, New England terrain transition into Maine

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Detroit (right side) — Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario shoreline, Grosse Pointe peninsula

Takeoff from DTW

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from DTW. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake stretching toward the horizon.

Detroit RiverLake St. ClairWindsor Ontario shorelineGrosse Pointe peninsula

Landing at PWM

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to PWM. You'll see Casco Bay's islands and the Maine coastline, including the rocky Atlantic shore and Portland's harbor area as you descend toward the airport.

Casco Bay islandsAtlantic coastlinePortland HarborCape Elizabeth

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Portland International Jetport (PWM)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Portland. While takeoff offers good water views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Casco Bay's rocky islands and the Maine Atlantic coastline—more visually rewarding than the relatively flat Great Lakes departure.

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. Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from DTW. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake stretching toward the horizon. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario shoreline, Grosse Pointe peninsula.

What can I see when landing at Portland International Jetport in Portland?

When landing at Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to PWM. You'll see Casco Bay's islands and the Maine coastline, including the rocky Atlantic shore and Portland's harbor area as you descend toward the airport. Notable sights include: Casco Bay islands, Atlantic coastline, Portland Harbor, Cape Elizabeth.

How long is the flight from Detroit to Portland?

The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 667 miles (1,073 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Detroit to Portland flight path pass over?

Lake Erie (southern shore visible during cruise), Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, Finger Lakes region of central New York, Hudson River valley, New England terrain transition into Maine