DTW to SFO Route Guide
Detroit, United States → San Francisco, United States
Quick answer
KDTW (Detroit, United States) to KSFO (San Francisco, United States) is a 1,802 NM (3,337 km / 2,074 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 274° (W). Typical cruise altitude FL350, expected flight time 4h 25m, common aircraft: Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo.
Distance
1,802 NM
3,337 km / 2,074 mi
Initial Bearing
274° (W)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL350
35,000 ft
Block Time
4h 25m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
6,906 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
645 ft
KDTW
Arrival Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 1,802 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320neo
- Airbus A321neo
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
Weather considerations
Pilots flying DTW-SFO should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between DTW and SFO?
1,802 nautical miles (3,337 km / 2,074 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Detroit to San Francisco?
Approximately 4h 25m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly DTW-SFO?
Common types include Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX 8 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL350 (35,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
274° true (W). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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