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ATL destination photo
STL destination photo

ATLSTL

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is generally preferred for this route as it provides the most direct views of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch during the standard arrival sequence into Lambert International Airport.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Atlanta Skyline

Aerial views of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta shortly after takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson.

🌊

Tennessee River

Dramatic bends of the river as the flight path crosses from Alabama into Tennessee.

🌉

Ohio River Crossing

A clear view of the massive Ohio River, marking the transition into the Midwest.

🚢

Mississippi River

The flight crosses this legendary waterway just before landing in St. Louis.

🗼

Gateway Arch

The iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument is often visible on the descent into STL.

Book a window seat on the left for sunset views during late afternoon flights. Keep your camera ready about 10-15 minutes before landing for the best chance to spot the Gateway Arch. On takeoff from ATL, if the plane departs to the west, you will get an excellent view of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
⛰️

Appalachian Foothills

The rolling green terrain of North Georgia and the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

🎸

Nashville Basin

The flight often passes just east of Nashville, offering distant views of the Music City skyline.

🛶

Land Between the Lakes

A massive national recreation area situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

🌽

Midwestern Prairies

Geometric patterns of Southern Illinois farmland that create a patchwork quilt effect from above.

💧

Missouri River Confluence

Depending on the wind and runway in use, you may see where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. It offers better views of the rural landscapes and the vast lake systems of Kentucky. If the airport is landing from the west, the right side may see the confluence of the two major rivers north of the city.

Top Activities in St. Louis
Route Information

Distance: 779 km (484 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min

Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)

Route Type: Domestic

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