How to travel from San Francisco to Detroit, United States of America

The distance between San Francisco and Detroit is around 2,102 miles (3,383km) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 5h 50m.

7 routes found

We've found 7 different ways to get from San Francisco to Detroit by plane, subway, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out DetroitSan Francisco if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
plane
+

Fly to Detroit (DTW)

Fly from Oakland (OAK) to Detroit (DTW).

  • Duration5h 50m
  • Flight time4h 25m
  • Typical cost
    $225
Operated by

Delta

+ 4 others

3 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Las Vegas Downtown then Dayton Trotwood and then to Detroit.

  • Duration2 days 9h
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $335
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
train
+
bus
+

Train and Bus

Take the train to Chicago Union Station then take the bus to Detroit.

  • Duration2 days 9h
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $285
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Detroit.

  • Duration1 day 12h
  • Distance2,397 miles (3,857km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between San Francisco and Detroit

There are several options for getting from San Francisco to Detroit by plane, subway, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around $225 and will take around 5h 50m.

The distance between San Francisco and Detroit is around 2,102 miles (3,383km).

It takes around 6h 10m to get from San Francisco and Detroit by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 12h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from San Francisco to Detroit is to fly which takes around 5h 50m and will set you back approx $225.

The cheapest way to travel between San Francisco and Detroit, if you exclude driving, is to fly which will typically cost around $225 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between San Francisco and Detroit. We recommend that you fly from Oakland (OAK) to Detroit (DTW). instead which will take 5h 50m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from San Francisco and Detroit. It typically takes around 2 days 9h and departs 6 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from San Francisco to Detroit. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Las Vegas Downtown, NB Main after Fremont and Dayton Trotwood. These services run 6 times a week and will take a minimum of 2 days 9h.

Flixbus USA and Greyhound USA run regular bus services between San Francisco and Detroit. Buses run 6 times a week and take around 2 days 9h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from San Francisco and Detroit. Flights depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Detroit (DTW). The flight takes around 4h 50m.

Yes there is a direct flight between San Francisco and Detroit with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 4h 50m.

United Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Inc. fly between San Francisco and Detroit. Flights depart from San Francisco (SFO) and and arrive into Detroit (DTW). These flights usually take around 4h 50m.

The flight from San Francisco to Detroit typically takes around 4h 50m. Flights depart from San Francisco (SFO) and and arrive into Detroit (DTW).

The closest major airport to Detroit is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) (DTW) which is approximately 29km (18 miles) from Detroit. Bishop International Airport (FNT) (FNT) and Toledo Express Airport (TOL) (TOL) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from San Francisco and Detroit. The distance is around 2,397 miles (3,857km) by road and it will take around 1 day 12h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from San Francisco to Detroit is to fly which takes, on average, 6h 10m and will usually cost around $510.

How do I get from San Francisco to Detroit

Compare travel optionsbetween San Francisco and Detroit

Transport options from San Francisco to Detroit
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly to Detroit (DTW) + 3 similar
5h 50m
$225
hourly3,383km (2,102 miles)
Fly6h 10m
$510
hourly3,397km (2,111 miles)
Train and Plane7h 50m
$565
hourly3,441km (2,138 miles)
Plane and Bus8h 50m
$415
once daily3,785km (2,352 miles)
Bus
2 days 9h
$335
6 times a week4,467km (2,775 miles)
Train and Bus
2 days 9h
$285
6 times a week4,345km (2,700 miles)
Drive
1 day 12h
$235
on demand3,857km (2,397 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between San Francisco and Detroit

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Detroit

The following major airports near Detroit offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
International Airport
Distance
18 miles (29km) from Detroit
FNT
Bishop International Airport (FNT)
International Airport
Distance
57 miles (91km) from Detroit
TOL
Toledo Express Airport (TOL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
64 miles (103km) from Detroit