New York (LGA) to Detroit (DTW) is about 500 miles and typically takes 1 h 35 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
LGA to DTW at a glance
| Route | New York (LGA) to Detroit (DTW) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 500 miles / 810 km |
| Typical flight time | 1 h 35 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | None |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | Delta Air Lines |
About the New York to Detroit route
Travelers between New York and Detroit typically choose between a nonstop flight and a one-stop routing through a hub, depending on price and schedule. The distance is about 500 miles.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 1 h 35 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 15 min to 2 h depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 500 miles (810 km), not a published schedule.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, LGA to DTW is longer than about 8% of them.
For comparison, New York to Charlotte (LGA to CLT) is about 540 miles, so Detroit is a bit closer away from LGA.
The airports
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia is the closest of the three New York airports to Manhattan and handles mostly domestic and Canadian flights. Full LGA guide.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metro is a Delta hub with a long, straight terminal that makes connections intuitive. Full DTW guide.
Nearby alternatives: around New York, JFK (JFK) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
Delta Air Lines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Delta Air Lines via Boston (BOS), which adds about 310 miles (63% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Seasonal factors to weigh: at DTW, lake-effect snow can slow winter operations. At LGA, morning and early-evening business banks fill up fast, so midday departures can be calmer and sometimes cheaper.
Ground transport
Getting to and from LGA
There is no direct rail link; most travelers use the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Jackson Heights, taxis or rideshare.
Getting to and from DTW
Rideshare and taxis reach downtown Detroit in about 30 minutes; there is no rail service.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like LGA to DTW often have the most frequencies on weekday mornings and evenings. If you need flexibility, a standard fare that allows changes is often worth the difference. See Basic Economy vs Main Cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Detroit?
A typical LGA to DTW flight takes about 1 h 35 min, with a likely range of 1 h 15 min to 2 h. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Detroit from New York by air?
The great-circle distance between LGA and DTW is about 500 miles (810 km).
Which airlines fly from New York to Detroit?
Delta Air Lines has a major presence at LGA or DTW, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
Are there other airports near New York?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include JFK (JFK) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book LGA to DTW?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving New York (LGA)
- New York to AtlantaLGA to ATL
- New York to BostonLGA to BOS
- New York to CharlotteLGA to CLT
- New York to ChicagoLGA to ORD
- New York to MiamiLGA to MIA
- New York to Washington, D.C.LGA to DCA
More flights involving Detroit (DTW)
- Boston to DetroitBOS to DTW
- Detroit to AtlantaDTW to ATL
- Detroit to Los AngelesDTW to LAX
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.