The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a fleeting but genuine Manhattan skyline view at departure and a Great Lakes shoreline approach into Detroit — while the cruise phase over Pennsylvania and Ohio is largely flat farmland on both sides.
Flown EWR to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Detroit is 487 miles (783 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Rolling ridgelines of the central Pennsylvania Allegheny Plateau, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
RIGHTDeparting EWR on runway 22 and turning northwest toward Michigan, the right side of the aircraft faces the New York skyline across Newark Bay and the Hudson, giving a brief but striking view of Manhattan and the harbor before the plane climbs away from the coast.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTOn approach into DTW from the east, the aircraft typically tracks along the southern edge of Lake St. Clair before turning to align with the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake, the Detroit River, and the Detroit skyline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Detroit. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a fleeting but genuine Manhattan skyline view at departure and a Great Lakes shoreline approach into Detroit — while the cruise phase over Pennsylvania and Ohio is largely flat farmland on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing EWR on runway 22 and turning northwest toward Michigan, the right side of the aircraft faces the New York skyline across Newark Bay and the Hudson, giving a brief but striking view of Manhattan and the harbor before the plane climbs away from the coast. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay, Staten Island.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into DTW from the east, the aircraft typically tracks along the southern edge of Lake St. Clair before turning to align with the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake, the Detroit River, and the Detroit skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Ambassador Bridge.
How long is the flight from Newark to Detroit?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 487 miles (783 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Detroit flight path pass over?
Rolling ridgelines of the central Pennsylvania Allegheny Plateau, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio.