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SDF destination photo
DTW destination photo

SDFDTW

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Louisville skyline during departure and provides the best angle for the Detroit riverfront and skyline during common southern approaches into DTW.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Downtown Louisville

Immediate views of the KFC Yum! Center and the city's urban core after taking off to the north.

🌊

The Ohio River

Watch the wide river bend sharply as the plane climbs and turns toward the northeast.

🏢

Dayton Metro

Aerial perspective of the Dayton area, known as the birthplace of aviation, roughly halfway through the flight.

🏙️

Detroit Riverfront

On southern approaches, get a panoramic view of the GM Renaissance Center and the downtown Detroit skyline.

🏗️

Zug Island

A glimpse of Detroit's heavy industrial history located along the river just before the final descent.

Sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. For evening flights, this side offers the best views of the city lights reflecting off the Detroit River. During winter, look for ice floes on the river as you descend.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🌉

Big Four Bridge

The historic pedestrian bridge connecting Kentucky to Indiana is visible during the initial climb out of SDF.

🌾

Midwestern Heartland

A vast 'quilt' of agricultural fields across Ohio that changes from vibrant green in spring to gold in autumn.

⚓

Port of Toledo

View the shipping activity at the mouth of the Maumee River where it enters Lake Erie.

🏝️

Western Lake Erie

Distant views of the Lake Erie Islands, including Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, on exceptionally clear days.

🇨🇦

Windsor, Ontario

The Canadian city of Windsor is clearly visible on the far side of the Detroit River during the approach.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Ohio plains. If the flight path takes you slightly east, you may catch a distant view of the Cedar Point skyline on the Lake Erie coast.

Top Activities in Detroit
Route Information

Distance: 492 km (306 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 49 min

Departure: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)

Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)

Route Type: Domestic

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