Loading map...
IAH → SDF
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Louisville International Standiford Field (Louisville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more scenic vantage point of the Ouachita Mountains and the iconic crossing of the Mississippi River, along with the unique geography of Land Between the Lakes.
Search flights from IAH to SDF
Sam Houston National Forest
Dense, sprawling pine forests visible shortly after departure from Houston.
Ouachita Mountains
The rugged ridges and valleys of western Arkansas provide excellent topographical contrast.
Mississippi River Crossing
A wide, meandering view of the mighty river as you transition from Arkansas into Tennessee.
Land Between the Lakes
A massive national recreation area nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Churchill Downs
If the flight approaches SDF from the north, look for the iconic twin spires of the Kentucky Derby home.
Sit on the left for the best morning light, as the sun will be behind you. Watch for the dramatic change from the flat Texas coastal plain to the hilly Ozark and Ouachita regions about 45 minutes into the flight. In autumn, the foliage through Arkansas and Kentucky is particularly vibrant from this side.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Port of Houston
One of the world's largest ports is visible to the southeast during the initial climb.
Nashville Skyline
Depending on the flight path, the 'Music City' skyline and the AT&T 'Batman' building are often visible.
Tennessee River
Broad sections of the river winding through the Tennessee valley.
Bernheim Forest
A massive 16,000-acre protected forest located just south of Louisville during the descent.
Ohio River
The state border between Kentucky and Indiana becomes prominent as you descend into SDF.
This side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun. Keep an eye out for the Nashville metro area roughly two-thirds of the way through the flight. During the final descent, you'll get a great sense of the Ohio River Valley's industrial and natural scale.
Book Hotels in LouisvilleDistance: 1,268 km (788 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.