Loading map...
DTW → LEX
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Blue Grass Airport (Lexington KY)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Cincinnati skyline as you cross the Ohio River and provides the best views of the sprawling horse estates on the final approach into Lexington.
Search flights from DTW to LEX
Detroit River Frontier
Upon departure, catch views of the Detroit River and the international border between the US and Canada.
Maumee Bay
Aerial perspective of the western tip of Lake Erie and the port of Toledo, Ohio.
Cincinnati Skyline
Excellent views of 'The Queen City,' featuring its downtown skyscrapers and historic bridges over the Ohio River.
Kentucky Bluegrass Country
Breathtaking views of world-famous horse farms with their signature white fences and emerald pastures.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the iconic Cincinnati riverfront. During morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or lower the shade periodically. As you descend into LEX, look for the geometric patterns of the thoroughbred farms which are most vibrant in late spring and early summer.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
DTW Runway Layout
A great view of the sprawling Detroit Metropolitan Airport complex immediately after takeoff.
Wright-Patterson AFB
Look for the massive runways and hangers of one of the Air Force's most historic bases near Dayton.
Western Ohio Farmland
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields and small rural towns typical of the Midwest.
Williamstown Lake
A prominent reservoir in Northern Kentucky that serves as a visual waypoint before the Lexington descent.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to avoid direct glare from the setting sun. While the views are primarily agricultural, the descent over Northern Kentucky offers beautiful rolling hills. Keep an eye out for the Ark Encounter landmark south of Cincinnati, which is often visible on the western side of the flight path.
Book Hotels in Lexington KYDistance: 476 km (296 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: LEX (38.0364990234375, -84.60590362548828)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.