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$144 Cheap Flights from Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW)

Popular airlines from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

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Cheap Flights from Knoxville to Detroit (TYS-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $144 for one-way flights and $292 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
United

Alternative airports near Detroit

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $187 - $397 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from McGhee Tyson to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Travel between Knoxville (TYS) and Detroit (DTW) with a range of airlines offering convenient weekly flights on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose from full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that best suits your budget and schedule. Whether you're planning a trip to explore Detroit's renowned attractions or its vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find all the essential information for flights from McGhee Tyson Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$505, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Based on recent traveler bookings, we’ve compiled a list of the most favored airlines flying from Knoxville to Detroit, particularly for non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover options include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 1-hour stop, Nashville International Airport (BNA) also with roughly a 1-hour layover, and Denver International Airport (DEN), which similarly offers a 1-hour connection. These choices allow you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive airline, Delta provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, holding a significant 80% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices typically fall between $150 and $520, while a standard non-stop flight lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop routes and captures around 12% of the departures for this journey. One-way fares generally range from $150 to $510, with an in-flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United provides one-stop services and accounts for roughly 3% of the flights on this route. One-way prices typically range from $150 to $500, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest offers one-stop service and represents around 3% of departures on this route. Their one-way fares usually span from $150 to $400, with an in-flight duration of about 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, Frontier provides one-stop flights and makes up about 2% of the departures for this route. One-way tickets are generally priced between $150 and $235, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey duration of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, inclusive of layover.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Knoxville to Detroit by upgrading their flight with Delta, which provides first-class and premium economy service on this route.

Best time to fly from Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Knoxville to Detroit are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 54.5°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 32.9°F. For better deals, November usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $248. Flight availability peaks in June, July, and October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $248, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: December and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $254.
  • Most flight options: June, July, and October have the highest number of flights from Knoxville to Detroit, with approximately 11 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)Average7$333
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Average8$312
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Moderately High10$333
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Moderately High9$327
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Moderately Low8$286
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Average11$296
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Average11$298
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Average10$302
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Moderately Low9$258
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Moderately High11$278
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Average10$248
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Moderately Low9$249

*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 Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW)

  • Gatlinburg to Detroit (GKT-DTW): Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is located approximately 26 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), making it a convenient option for travelers heading to Detroit.

How to find the best prices for flights from Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Knoxville 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, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically yields cheaper prices, though Thursday remains the most popular 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 McGhee Tyson Airport

Detroit welcomes travelers from Knoxville with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, McGhee Tyson Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Knoxville. 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $144 and cheap return flights from $292 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $249 and $776, and return flights often range between $374 and $1017. 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Knoxville, TN to Detroit, MI, with average return fares around $318. This price is about 32% lower than the average throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other affordable months to consider are February and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly direct from TYS to DTW on Delta, with around 19 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Knoxville (TYS) to Detroit (DTW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $536. 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from Knoxville, TN (TYS) 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. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from TYS 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best times to fly from Knoxville, TN (TYS) to Detroit, MI (DTW) are January and September. You can expect return flights to be around $318, making these the cheapest months to travel. January is less busy after the holiday rush, while September offers pleasant early fall weather, making both months appealing for your trip.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
There are approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from McGhee Tyson (TYS) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from McGhee Tyson (TYS) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, allowing you to 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
For flights from Knoxville (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this period. This timing is beneficial as it allows you to maximize your day in Detroit upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
A nonstop flight from TYS to DTW typically takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, covering approximately 445 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 2 hours 40 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
First class seats are offered on the TYS to DTW route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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 McGhee Tyson (TYS)?
If you're planning to travel to Detroit from McGhee Tyson (TYS), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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 Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson) 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
McGhee Tyson
Destination airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$292
Distance
444 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 43 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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