SAN - DTW

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$285
Typical prices: $438-$671
Frontier
Fri 11/9Wed 11/14
SAN - DTW • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$579
Typical prices: $539-$786
Delta
Mon 12/17Sat 12/22
SAN - DTW • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Delta. Average duration is 4h 27m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 93% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 45% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 16% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $317 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 14m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

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

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Diego to Detroit

Mon, Nov 9 - Sat, Nov 14
Frontier Logo
9:32 am - 9:19 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
20h 47m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
10:07 am - 8:37 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
25h 30m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$285Frontier
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
Frontier Logo
11:16 am - 3:26 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
25h 10m2 stops Denver Intl Houston George Bush Intcntl
Frontier Logo
11:35 am - 8:02 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
23h 27m2 stops Dallas/Fort Worth Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$288Frontier
Sat, Dec 26 - Mon, Jan 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 5:49 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
7h 49m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:38 pm - 11:58 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
10h 20m1 stop Denver Intl
$310Multiple Airlines
Tue, Dec 29 - Mon, Jan 4
American Airlines Logo
10:33 pm - 9:40 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
8h 07m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
American Airlines Logo
7:18 am - 2:21 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
10h 03m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$317American Airlines
Fri, Dec 18 - Mon, Dec 21
Southwest Logo
1:30 pm - 12:35 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
8h 05m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
3:45 pm - 11:05 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
10h 20m2 stops Chicago Midway Dallas Love Field
$467Southwest
Mon, Dec 28 - Tue, Jan 5
Southwest Logo
12:30 pm - 12:35 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
9h 05m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
2:15 pm - 8:40 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
9h 25m2 stops Chicago Midway Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$467Southwest
Fri, Nov 20 - Sat, Dec 5
Delta Logo
7:20 am - 8:48 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
10h 28m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Delta Logo
7:10 am - 9:20 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
17h 10m2 stops Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$566Delta
Sun, Nov 22 - Sat, Dec 5
Delta Logo
11:39 am - 7:03 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
4h 24mnonstop
Delta Logo
8:25 am - 10:27 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
5h 02mnonstop
$579Delta
Thu, Nov 19 - Fri, Nov 20
JetBlue Logo
10:55 am - 11:58 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
10h 03m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
1:05 pm - 7:44 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
9h 39m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$625JetBlue
Tue, Nov 17 - Fri, Nov 20
JetBlue Logo
8:59 pm - 11:19 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
11h 20m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
1:05 pm - 7:44 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
9h 39m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$625JetBlue
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

Round-trip flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport typically range from $438 to $671. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $285, on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. It’s 1% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 2% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at $452 round-trip.
•October ($598) and March ($578) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 32% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport the cheapest?

Flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport are cheapest 4 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 45% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Diego to Detroit

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Delta

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on DTW

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Key details for San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$74
Beat the crowds with an average 54% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 65% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

When to book flights from San Diego to Detroit

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Diego to Detroit based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:15 am and lands at 10:42 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:35 pm and lands at 3:02 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 27m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport:

    • Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    A nonstop flight from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport takes 4h 27m, covering 1,952 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport range from $438 to $671, with an average of $540 over the past 12 months. Anything below $438 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 49% above the $540 route average. Book 4 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $317 round-trip via Denver Intl (DEN), compared to $609 for nonstop.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Delta is the only airline operating San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights. 93% of its flights are on time.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$90 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    The Airbus A321-100/200 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Delta and JetBlue. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A321neo variants.

  • How are flight departures from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights, with 67% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 33%, evening flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $270 to $1,511. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights:

    • Delta
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $236, which is 8% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)?

    Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $31 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Budget
    • Thrifty
    • Alamo

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport usually depart from San Diego (SAN) and arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport route, 7% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 11m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport most commonly connect through:

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 46% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 15% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago Midway (MDW) - 12% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 8% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 3% on flights from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $538 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $554, a difference of $16.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Only Delta operates flights between San Diego and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Flying via Lambert-St Louis (STL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 14m, compared with 6h 24m via Nashville Intl (BNA) and 6h 51m via Salt Lake City (SLC).

  • What is the time difference between San Diego and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 3 hours ahead of San Diego (Eastern Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

    Some of the most popular sights in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport are Greektown Casino, Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights?

    Among airlines operating San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights:

    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Delta: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Can I rent a car at DTW?

    You can easily rent a car at DTW, as it features locations for car rentals like Alamo, Budget, Avis, National, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty. As their counters are within the airport’s terminals, you won’t need ground transportation to get to your preferred car rental counter.

  • What is the fastest way to travel to SAN from downtown San Antonio?

    To travel to SAN from downtown San Antonio, you can board a bus or a taxi. Between the two, the taxis travel faster. Hence, if you’d like to travel to SAN from downtown San Antonio as fast as you can, you should board a taxi.

  • Does SAN have a prayer room?

    In case you’d like to pray before boarding your flight to Detroit, you’re in luck, as this airport features a prayer room. Located Airside in Terminal 2, this prayer/meditation room is open to all, regardless of religion.

  • Where is the pharmacy at DTW?

    DTW’s pharmacy, Mills Pharmacy, is near Gate B2 in McNamara Terminal. It offers traditional medications and is usually open from 5 am to 10 pm.

Your guide to booking San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $538, about $16 less than Sunday fares (3% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 4 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 45% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport trip for January. Fares historically average $452 round-trip in that month - typically $146 less than the most expensive month, which is October (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Denver Intl Airport (DEN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $317 round-trip on this route - about $292 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

    • The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
  • While waiting for your flight to Detroit at San Diego International Airport (SAN), you can relax at Airspace Lounge a short distance from Gates 22 and 23 in Terminal 2, United Club on the Mezzanine Level of Terminal 1, or Delta Sky Club next to Gate 37 in Terminal 2. At any of these lounges, you’ll enjoy access to a comfortable seat, several entertainment sources, clean washrooms, a selection of drinks, and a wide range of snacks. Kindly note that to enter Delta Sky Club or United Club, you’ll have to show proof that you’re flying with the airline they are affiliated with.
  • If you’d like to withdraw some cash at SAN, you can do so without hassle, as this airport is home to several ATMs. In Terminal 1, the ATMs are near Gates 1, 2, 5, and 13, whereas in Terminal 2, they are near Gates 23 and 36.
  • You can grab a meal at SAN while waiting for your flight to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), given that this remarkable airport is full of dining options. You can enjoy custom-built burgers at The Counter, a hot drink at Pacifica Breeze Café, and a quick meal at Urban Crave in Terminal 1, while in Terminal 2 West, you can order a Mexican-cuisine dish at Qdoba Mexican Grill, a Thai dish at Saffron Thai, and an American-styled dish at PGA Tour Grill. For snacks, you should check out Terminal 2 East, which features several fast-food restaurants and cafes.
  • If you travel with your baby to DTW, you can comfortably breastfeed before departing this airport, as it features several nursing rooms. In the McNamara Terminal, these nursing rooms are near Gates A15, A25, A53, A63, and C2, while in the North Terminal, they are found near Gates D8, D15, and D24.
  • Before exiting DTW, you can enjoy relaxing spa services at the Be Relax Spa, near Gate A45 in McNamara Terminal. Don’t worry about incurring a massive bill if you visit it, given that this spa offers its services at affordable rates.

Prefer to fly direct from San Diego to Detroit?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Diego Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Monday

Delta

Delta

Tuesday

Delta

Delta

Wednesday

Delta

Delta

Thursday

Delta

Delta

Friday

Delta

Delta

Saturday

Delta

Delta

Sunday

Delta

Delta

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County to San Diego

Monday

Delta

Delta

Tuesday

Delta

Delta

Wednesday

Delta

Delta

Thursday

Delta

Delta

Friday

Delta

Delta

Saturday

Delta

Delta

Sunday

Delta

Delta

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Diego to Detroit

Complete your trip to Detroit with a hotel stay or car rental