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DTW â STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning vantage point for the Detroit River at takeoff and the iconic St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, upon the final approach into STL.
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Lake Erie & Detroit River
Immediately after takeoff, view the western tip of Lake Erie and the busy shipping lanes of the Detroit River bordering Canada.
Maumee River Basin
Cross over the fertile agricultural lands of Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana, characterized by a distinct grid pattern.
Downtown St. Louis
On the standard descent from the northeast, the left side provides a clear view of the urban core and high-rise buildings.
The Gateway Arch
The 'Gateway to the West' is often visible on the left side as the plane banks over the Mississippi River for landing.
Mississippi River Bridges
See the numerous historic and modern bridges, including the Eads Bridge, connecting Illinois to Missouri.
To maximize your chances of seeing the Gateway Arch, choose a window seat on the left side. During late afternoon flights, the sun sets to the west, casting a golden glow over the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Note that visibility of the Arch depends on the specific landing runway in use, but the left side remains the most consistent bet.
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Metro Detroit Suburbs
Watch the transition from industrial Detroit to the sprawling residential communities of Dearborn and Ann Arbor.
Illinois Prairie
Observe the vast expanses of the Midwestern Corn Belt, which turns from vibrant green in summer to golden brown in autumn.
Missouri River Confluence
Just north of the city, look for the massive junction where the Missouri River flows into the Mississippi.
North St. Louis County
Views of the diverse landscapes and suburban developments of North St. Louis as you approach Lambert International.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. While you might miss the Arch, the right side often provides a better view of the confluence of the two great American rivers (Missouri and Mississippi) if the flight path takes a northern approach. Keep an eye out for the distinctive circular patterns of center-pivot irrigation in the Illinois fields.
Book Hotels in St. LouisDistance: 707 km (439 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 11 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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