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DCA → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic landmarks of both cities, including the National Mall upon departure and the Gateway Arch during the arrival into St. Louis.
Search flights from DCA to STL
The National Mall
Spectacular views of the US Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial during northbound takeoffs.
The Pentagon
The massive headquarters of the Department of Defense is clearly visible just west of the runway.
Potomac River Gorge
The dramatic transition of the river as it flows through the fall line at Great Falls.
The Gateway Arch
The world-famous 630-foot stainless steel monument marks the approach into St. Louis Lambert.
Mississippi River
The massive scale of the river's industrial shipping and levee systems becomes clear during descent.
Downtown St. Louis
Views of Busch Stadium and the city's urban core before final alignment for landing.
Request the right side specifically for the 'River Visual' approach or departure at DCA; if the plane heads north, the view of the monuments is unparalleled. For the best view of the Arch at STL, hope for an arrival from the east, which typically flies directly past the landmark. Morning flights provide the best sunlight for photography on this side.
Book Hotels in St. LouisOld Town Alexandria
Immediate views of the historic waterfront and the Masonic Temple south of the airport.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The rolling peaks of Shenandoah National Park provide a scenic transition into the Appalachian range.
Appalachian Plateau
Dense forest coverage and deep valleys of West Virginia and eastern Kentucky.
Downtown Cincinnati
Distant but clear views of the Ohio River and the skyline of the Queen City.
Midwestern Grids
The shift from mountains to the vast, perfectly square agricultural plots of Indiana and Illinois.
Chain of Rocks Bridge
The historic Route 66 bridge crossing the Mississippi River north of the city center.
Look out the window early for views of the Potomac River. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting on the Appalachian ridges without the glare found on the north-facing side. During winter, the lack of foliage makes the mountain topography much sharper.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,154 km (717 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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