$233 Cheap Flights from Detroit (DTW) to Missoula (MSO)

Detroit (DTW) to Missoula (MSO) at a glance

Explore a range of options for Detroit to Missoula flights on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or are looking for cheap Detroit to Missoula flights, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. Discover the highlights of Missoula as you plan your journey from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Missoula International Airport (MSO).

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from Detroit to Missoula, often selected for their one-stop services. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an average layover time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), similarly timed. These options provide you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: As a premier full-service airline, Delta operates one-stop flights and holds a market share of about 38% on this route. One-way ticket prices generally range from $190 to $460. Passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• United: Another leading full-service option, United also provides one-stop service and accounts for roughly 38% of flights on this route. One-way fares typically fall between $190 and $490. The flight time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, with the overall journey lasting about 6 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• American Airlines: This full-service carrier contributes about 13% of departures for this route, offering one-stop service with one-way fares that usually range from $155 to $415. Travelers can anticipate an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of around 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layover times.
• Alaska Airlines: Representing about 5% of flights on this route, Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier that provides one-stop travel options. One-way fares generally vary from $200 to $350, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
• Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly airline, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop flights and captures around 5% of departures on this route. With one-way fares typically ranging from $145 to $205, expect about 5 hours and 30 minutes of flight time, leading to a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes when including the layover.

Best time to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Missoula (MSO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Detroit to Missoula are April, July, and September, when peak temperatures in Missoula reach up to 69.3°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 50.7°F. For better deals, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $230. Flight availability peaks in March, September, and December, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $230, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: July and June typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $240 to $251.
• Most flight options: March, September, and December have the highest number of flights from Detroit to Missoula, with approximately 9 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Detroit (DTW) to Missoula (MSO)

• Toledo to Missoula (TOL-MSO): Located roughly 49 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Toledo Express Airport (TOL) offers a convenient departure point for travelers heading to Missoula.
• Flint to Missoula (FNT-MSO): About 56 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Bishop International Airport (FNT) serves as another viable option for those flying to Missoula.
• Lansing to Missoula (LAN-MSO): Capital Region International Airport (LAN), situated nearly 74 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), provides an additional gateway to Missoula for passengers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Missoula (MSO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Detroit to Missoula is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book 2-8 weeks in advance. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, usually offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday not only provides cheaper prices but is also the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Missoula hotel and flight deals.
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Missoula International Airport from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Missoula welcomes travelers from Detroit with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Missoula efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Missoula, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Missoula International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Missoula International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Detroit to Missoula Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Detroit to Missoula

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Detroit to Missoula are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Detroit to Missoula with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Detroit to Missoula

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Detroit to Missoula: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Detroit to Missoula

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Detroit to Missoula in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $233 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Detroit to Missoula flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Detroit to Missoula airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.