While takeoff favors the right side for water features, the landing view on the left is more geographically distinctive and visually rewarding. The Finger Lakes region—particularly Seneca Lake and the surrounding glacial topography—provides more varied and interesting terrain than the relatively flat approach corridor. Left side captures the unique geography that makes this route memorable.
Flown DTW to ROC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Rochester is 295 miles (475 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin. Midway through the flight at cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), you'll be over open water with the Ontario shoreline visible to the north. The Niagara Escarpment runs east-west and may be visible as a subtle topographic feature on the southern Ontario landscape if conditions permit. The flight generally tracks northeast across the lake, with the Canadian shoreline remaining visible to the north throughout the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight side offers the best views during Detroit's typical northeasterly departures. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system spreading out beneath you as you climb, with the urban core of Detroit visible to your left but the water features dominating the right side.
Landing at ROC
LEFTRochester typically lands on runways 04 or 22 depending on wind. For either approach, left-side seats offer superior views of Finger Lakes geography. On westbound approaches (runway 04), you'll see Seneca Lake and the surrounding Finger Lakes terrain. On eastbound approaches (runway 22), the Genesee River valley and Lake Ontario become visible.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Greater Rochester International (ROC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Rochester. While takeoff favors the right side for water features, the landing view on the left is more geographically distinctive and visually rewarding. The Finger Lakes region—particularly Seneca Lake and the surrounding glacial topography—provides more varied and interesting terrain than the relatively flat approach corridor. Left side captures the unique geography that makes this route memorable.
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 offers the best views during Detroit's typical northeasterly departures. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system spreading out beneath you as you climb, with the urban core of Detroit visible to your left but the water features dominating the right side. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Lake Huron (distant northeastern horizon), Windsor Ontario across the river.
What can I see when landing at Greater Rochester International in Rochester?
When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rochester typically lands on runways 04 or 22 depending on wind. For either approach, left-side seats offer superior views of Finger Lakes geography. On westbound approaches (runway 04), you'll see Seneca Lake and the surrounding Finger Lakes terrain. On eastbound approaches (runway 22), the Genesee River valley and Lake Ontario become visible. Notable sights include: Seneca Lake (largest Finger Lake), Genesee River valley, Lake Ontario (northern horizon), Rochester urban area and Genesee River gorge.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Rochester?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 295 miles (475 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Rochester flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin. Midway through the flight at cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), you'll be over open water with the Ontario shoreline visible to the north. The Niagara Escarpment runs east-west and may be visible as a subtle topographic feature on the southern Ontario landscape if conditions permit. The flight generally tracks northeast across the lake, with the Canadian shoreline remaining visible to the north throughout the cruise phase.