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$133 Cheap Flights from San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW)

Popular airlines from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

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Cheap Flights from San Jose to Detroit (SJC-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $133 for one-way flights and $305 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United

What you need to know for your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Travel from San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW) with a range of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore both full-service and budget carriers to find the best itinerary for your travel needs and budget, whether you're looking for cheap flights from San Jose or convenient weekly flights. Discover the essential details for your journey from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport as you visit the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$495, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from San Jose to Detroit, favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover spots include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Denver International Airport (DEN), all with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of layover time. This variety allows you to tailor your travel plans by balancing cost, total journey duration, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary for your needs.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive airline, Delta provides both non-stop and one-stop options, representing around 47% of flights on this route. One-way tickets generally range from $150 to $535, with an in-flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 7 hours.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier offers one-stop and multi-stop services, making up about 23% of departures on the route. One-way fares usually fall between $165 and $495, featuring a typical in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of roughly 7 hours.
  • American Airlines: A full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop flights and accounts for around 18% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically vary from $130 to $480, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 7 hours including layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop flights and comprises roughly 8% of departures on this route. One-way fares are generally between $130 and $485, with in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in an overall travel time of about 7 hours, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, representing around 3% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $130 to $265, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of about 7 hours, including layover.

Travelers can enhance their journey from San Jose to Detroit with an upgrade. Delta provides first-class service on this route for a more luxurious flying experience.

Best time to fly from San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Jose to Detroit are February, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 74.1°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.6°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $226. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $226, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $244.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from San Jose to Detroit, with approximately 14 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)Average11$244
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Moderately High11$226
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Average10$275
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Average12$290
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Average11$278
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Average13$316
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Moderately High14$322
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Moderately High13$278
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Moderately Low12$293
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Average13$266
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Moderately Low13$336
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Moderately Low11$317

*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 San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW)

  • Oakland to Detroit (OAK-DTW): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 28 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $150 and $410, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with popular layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Leading airlines operating on this route include Southwest Airlines, a budget carrier, and Delta.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Jose 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday generally provides cheaper options, although Thursday remains the busiest 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.*
  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 Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Detroit welcomes travelers from San Jose 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $133 and cheap return flights from $305 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $226 to $1144, and return flights typically cost between $420 and $1472. 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from San Jose, CA (SJC) to Detroit, MI (DTW), with average return fares around $341. This price is about 27% lower than the average throughout the year, as winter typically sees reduced travel demand. Other budget-friendly months to consider are April and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly direct from SJC to DTW on Delta, with around 7 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Jose, CA (SJC) to Detroit, MI (DTW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $307. 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from San Jose, CA (SJC) 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, Delta typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from SJC 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best time to fly from San Jose, CA (SJC) to Detroit, MI (DTW) is typically in February or April. During these months, you can find return flights at around $341, making them the cheapest options. February is ideal as it follows the holiday rush, while April offers pleasant spring weather, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) usually leaves at around 5:40 AM. This early flight can help you arrive in Detroit with a full day ahead of you. 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Jose (SJC) to Detroit (DTW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 44% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Detroit with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Direct flights from SJC to DTW usually take about 4 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 2,058 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 50 minutes to your journey. 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
First class is available on flights from SJC to DTW. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC)?
From Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to reach Detroit. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
Destination airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$304
Distance
2057 mi

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