A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river in the foreground.

$166 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW)

View $166 flight on Fri, Oct 30, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Detroit (SAN-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $166 for one-way flights and $317 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Fri, Oct 30
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$317 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $317 found 10 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Fri, Oct 30
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$322 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $322 found 14 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Thu, Oct 29
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$323 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$323
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $323 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Thu, Oct 29
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$326 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $326 found 12 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Thu, Oct 29
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$328 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $328 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$332 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $332 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Fri, Oct 30
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$334 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $334 found 3 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 29 - Wed, Oct 7
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$417 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$417
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $417 found 1 hour ago
Sun Country Airlines
Sun, Nov 1 - Mon, Nov 2
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$463 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$463
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Sun Country Airlines flight, departing Sun, Nov 1 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $463 found 1 day ago
Delta
Fri, Oct 23 - Sat, Oct 24
SAN
San Diego
DTW
Detroit
$504 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$504
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Detroit, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $504 found 14 hours ago

Alternative airports near Detroit

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County DTW. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $364
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $364

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $190 - $451 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Diego Intl. to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Travel from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a range of airlines offering one-way flights on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service options or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare flight prices to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Explore Detroit's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods as you plan your journey. Use a flight finder to simplify your search for flights from San Diego to Detroit.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$560, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from San Diego to Detroit, favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover options include Denver International Airport (DEN) with a 1-hour 15-minute layover, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) also with a 1-hour 15-minute layover, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with a 1-hour 30-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal travel itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline operates both non-stop and one-stop flights, commanding around 56% of departures along this route. One-way tickets generally range from $150 to $670, with a typical non-stop flight taking about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low fares, Southwest provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop options. It represents about 17% of flights on this route, with one-way prices usually falling between $155 and $475, and a typical one-stop flight lasting around 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey of approximately 7 hours.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a budget carrier, Frontier offers one-stop services, accounting for about 15% of departures. One-way fares typically range from $105 to $265, and passengers can expect in-flight times of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, with total travel time nearing 7 hours when including layovers.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel, making up roughly 5% of departures. Fares for one-way journeys range from $110 to $515, featuring an in-flight duration of about 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time close to 7 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • JetBlue Airways: As another low-cost option, JetBlue offers one-stop services, representing about 4% of flights on this route. One-way fares usually range from $135 to $355, with an in-flight travel time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of around 7 hours, including any layovers.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Detroit can enhance their journey by upgrading their flight. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service on this route.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Detroit are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 74.1°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 41.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $269. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 30 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $269, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June, August, and July typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $272 to $286.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Detroit, with approximately 30 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Average18$354
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Moderately Low17$324
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Moderately High24$357
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Moderately High26$314
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Average27$269
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Average30$272
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Moderately High28$286
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Average28$273
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Moderately Low20$310
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Average29$311
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Moderately Low25$296
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Average23$306

*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 San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW)

  • San Diego to Flint (SAN-FNT): Located approximately 56 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Bishop International Airport (FNT) serves this route. One-way economy ticket prices generally vary between $145 and $445, influenced by the season and when you make your reservation. Flights on this route typically involve one-stop options, predominantly connecting through O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines providing service include American Airlines and United.
  • Carlsbad to Detroit (CLD-DTW): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is situated about 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). For one-way economy fares, expect to pay anywhere from $180 to $500, depending on the time of year and when you book. This route usually offers one-stop flights, with most connections occurring through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the leading carrier on this route, and first-class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Detroit 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 usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 pm-12 am) often provide lower prices, while morning flights (5 am-12 pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday tends to offer both affordability and high demand.
  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.*
  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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport from San Diego International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Detroit, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County 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.
  • Public transportation: From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Dearborn Station, a train station, is located about 8.3 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $166 and cheap return flights from $317 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $275 and $1394, and roundtrip flights usually range from $480 to $1856. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW), with average return fares around $438. This fare is about 18% lower than the average price throughout the year, likely due to reduced travel demand after the summer. Other budget-friendly months for this route include May and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly direct from SAN to DTW on Delta, with around 27 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $250. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Spirit Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from SAN to DTW, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The ideal months to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW) are September and August, with average return flight prices around $438. These months provide a good mix of reasonable prices and favorable weather conditions, enhancing your travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
On average, there are around 4 nonstop flights per day from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW) typically leaves at around 12:55 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, giving you an early start to your journey. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego International (SAN) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This accounts for around 33% of total traffic. Many travelers prefer this time because it allows them to arrive in Detroit with a full day ahead to explore or attend meetings.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
A nonstop flight from SAN to DTW typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,953 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 50 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
First class seats are offered on the SAN to DTW route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Detroit, MI (DTW) typically costs between $1,587 - $1,974. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Detroit from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to reach Detroit. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Detroit. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) Detroit Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$317
Distance
1953 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 49 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to Detroit Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Detroit

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 San Diego to Detroit are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to Detroit with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Detroit

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego to Detroit: 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 San Diego to Detroit

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 San Diego to Detroit in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $166 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 San Diego to Detroit 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 San Diego to Detroit 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.

 

San Diego to Detroit Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia