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$144 Cheap Flights from Louisville (SDF) to Detroit (DTW)

View $144 flight on Sat, Oct 31, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Louisville Intl. Airport (SDF) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

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Cheap Flights from Louisville to Detroit (SDF-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $144 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Oct 20
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$295 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$295
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $295 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Oct 20
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$308 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$308
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $308 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Oct 20
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$339 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $339 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Tue, Sep 29
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$361 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$361
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $361 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Tue, Oct 27
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$361 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$361
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $361 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 18
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$364 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$364
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $364 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Oct 20
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$365 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$365
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $365 found 2 days ago
Delta
Fri, Jan 29 - Wed, Feb 3
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$465 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$465
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Jan 29 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Wed, Feb 3, priced at $465 found 6 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Sun, Nov 1
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$509 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$509
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $509 found 1 hour ago
United
Fri, Jan 29 - Wed, Feb 3
SDF
Louisville
DTW
Detroit
$524 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$524
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Jan 29 from Louisville to Detroit, returning Wed, Feb 3, priced at $524 found 6 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 $551
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $551

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

Louisville (SDF) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Travel between Louisville (SDF) and Detroit (DTW) on a variety of airlines offering convenient options for this short domestic route. You can explore numerous flights from Louisville, comparing choices from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. With weekly flights available, you're well on your way to discovering the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Detroit. Check out the essential details for flights from Louisville International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$550, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Louisville to Detroit, often selected for non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Midway International Airport (MDW) with about a 1 hour 15 minute stop, Nashville International Airport (BNA) with a layover of around 1 hour, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the perfect itinerary.

  • Delta: As a premier full-service airline, Delta provides non-stop flights, representing around 74% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices usually fall between $150 and $570, with a total travel duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop service, making up about 19% of flights on this route. One-way fares generally range from $135 to $355, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, accounting for roughly 5% of departures on this route. One-way fare prices typically range from $135 to $460, with a flight time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from Louisville to Detroit can enhance their experience by upgrading to Delta's first class or premium economy service on this route, offering more comfort and amenities.

Best time to fly from Louisville (SDF) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Louisville to Detroit are April, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 72.9°F in August. 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, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $273. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, May, and July have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $273, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $287.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Louisville to Detroit, with approximately 12 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)Average8$398
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Moderately Low8$392
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Average10$335
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Moderately High9$324
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Moderately Low8$336
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Average9$314
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Average8$286
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Moderately High10$288
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Average11$273
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Moderately High12$318
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Moderately Low10$303
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Average11$359

*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 route from Louisville (SDF) to Detroit (DTW)

  • Louisville to Detroit (LOU-DTW): Bowman Field Airport (LOU) is located approximately 5 miles from Louisville International Airport (SDF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Louisville (SDF) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Louisville 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 typically found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book within two weeks. Evening departures between 6 PM and midnight tend to offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to noon are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesdays usually provides cheaper rates, even though Fridays are the busiest travel days.
  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 Louisville International Airport

Detroit welcomes travelers from Louisville 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 away, providing convenient access for travelers heading to their destinations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $144 and cheap return flights from $295 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $247 and $731, and return flights often range between $401 and $1133. 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
July is the cheapest month to fly from Louisville, KY (SDF) to Detroit, MI (DTW), with average round-trip fares around $418. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to be lower during the summer. Other cheap months to fly from Louisville to Detroit include June and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Delta operates around 27 direct flights from SDF to DTW every week.
How do I find cheap flights from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from Louisville, KY (SDF) 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. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from SDF 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best time to fly from Louisville, KY (SDF) to Detroit, MI (DTW) is in June or July. These months are both popular and affordable, with return flights averaging around $418. Flying during these months means you can enjoy summer activities in both cities while benefiting from good flight availability.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
On average, there are around 4 nonstop flights per day from Louisville Intl. (SDF) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in March, and an early departure can help you make the most of your day in Detroit. 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Louisville, KY (SDF) to Detroit, MI (DTW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Detroit with ample time for your plans.
How long does it take to fly from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Flying nonstop from SDF to DTW takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 306 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours longer than direct options. 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly first class between SDF and DTW. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How much is a business class flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Louisville, KY (SDF) to Detroit, MI (DTW) typically costs between $975 - $1,219. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville Intl. (SDF)?
If you're planning to travel to Detroit from Louisville Intl. (SDF), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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
Louisville Intl.
Destination airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$295
Distance
306 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 28 mins

Book with confidence

Louisville to Detroit Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Louisville to Detroit

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Louisville 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 Louisville 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 Louisville to Detroit in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $144 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 Louisville 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 Louisville 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.

 

Louisville to Detroit Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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