Loading map...
MSP → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the winner for this route as it consistently follows the path of the Mississippi River and offers the most iconic views of the St. Louis riverfront and Gateway Arch upon arrival.
Search flights from MSP to STL
St. Paul Skyline
Clear views of the Minnesota state capital and the initial southward bend of the Mississippi River immediately after takeoff.
Rochester & Mayo Clinic
View the sprawling medical campus of the world-famous Mayo Clinic as you cross the Minnesota-Iowa border.
Iowa City
Look for the University of Iowa campus and Kinnick Stadium as the flight passes over eastern Iowa.
Mississippi River Locks
A series of locks and dams are visible along the river, showcasing the engineering used to manage the mid-continent's main artery.
Missouri-Mississippi Confluence
Watch the dramatic point where the muddy Missouri River merges with the clearer Mississippi just north of St. Louis.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The best angle for spotting the iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument during the final approach into STL.
Book a seat on the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you or to the right, ensuring better photo lighting. During the descent into St. Louis, the pilots typically follow the river valley, making the left side the 'prime' seat for skyline viewing. In winter, look for interesting ice patterns forming on the river's edges and near the dams.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Minneapolis Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium if departing to the south or east.
Midwestern 'Quilt'
The famous geometric grid of Iowa and Missouri farmland, appearing as a patchwork of greens, golds, and browns.
Des Moines River
Occasional views of the Des Moines River as it snakes through the rolling hills of southern Iowa.
Mark Twain National Forest
Dense patches of oak-hickory forest become visible as the landscape transitions into the Ozark Plateau foothills.
Missouri River Valley
The wide, fertile floodplains of the Missouri River are prominent on the right side just before landing.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the 'golden hour' glow over the Iowa cornfields, though the sun will be directly in your eyes. On departure from MSP, this side often sees the sprawl of the southern suburbs like Bloomington. If the plane lands from the west, the right side may offer a better view of Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo.
Book Hotels in St. LouisDistance: 722 km (449 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.