Rochester to Detroit flight pathROCDTW

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

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

Flight time1h 10m
Distance295
Heading260° → 256°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 2.5 left·★ 1.5 right

While the takeoff briefly favors the right with a glimpse of Lake Ontario, the left side offers more sustained scenery through cruise and the Detroit River approach, including lake shoreline and urban waterfront views near touchdown.

Flown ROC to DTW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Rochester to Detroit is 295 miles (475 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Flat farmland of western New York and northern Ohio, with the eastern basin of Lake Erie visible to the south of the flight path

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from ROC

RIGHT

Departing ROC on runway 22, the initial climb and turn briefly reveal Lake Ontario's shoreline to the north (right side), giving a nice blue horizon before the aircraft settles onto its westward track. The left side only shows flat farmland during this phase.

Lake Ontario shorelineRochester's Genesee River mouthflat Ontario Plain farmland
ROC Greater Rochester InternationalRochester, United States
Aerial window seat view during landing at Detroit (left side) — Detroit River mouth, Lake Erie western shoreline, Grosse Ile, Detroit-Windsor skyline

Landing at DTW

LEFT

On approach into DTW from the east, the descent path crosses the western end of Lake Erie and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers a view of the river mouth, Grosse Ile, and the Detroit-Windsor urban corridor before touchdown.

Detroit River mouthLake Erie western shorelineGrosse IleDetroit-Windsor skyline
DTW Detroit Metro Wayne CoHub for Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Greater Rochester International (ROC) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rochester to Detroit. While the takeoff briefly favors the right with a glimpse of Lake Ontario, the left side offers more sustained scenery through cruise and the Detroit River approach, including lake shoreline and urban waterfront views near touchdown.

What can I see during takeoff from Greater Rochester International in Rochester?

During takeoff from Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ROC on runway 22, the initial climb and turn briefly reveal Lake Ontario's shoreline to the north (right side), giving a nice blue horizon before the aircraft settles onto its westward track. The left side only shows flat farmland during this phase. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, Rochester's Genesee River mouth, flat Ontario Plain farmland.

What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?

When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into DTW from the east, the descent path crosses the western end of Lake Erie and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers a view of the river mouth, Grosse Ile, and the Detroit-Windsor urban corridor before touchdown. Notable sights include: Detroit River mouth, Lake Erie western shoreline, Grosse Ile, Detroit-Windsor skyline.

How long is the flight from Rochester to Detroit?

The flight from Greater Rochester International (ROC) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 10 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 Rochester to Detroit flight path pass over?

Flat farmland of western New York and northern Ohio, with the eastern basin of Lake Erie visible to the south of the flight path