Loading map...
RDU → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is slightly preferred for the scenic approach into St. Louis, which often provides a clearer view of the iconic Gateway Arch and the downtown skyline when landing from the east.
Blue Ridge Mountains
View the rolling peaks of the southern Appalachian range shortly after departing North Carolina.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Observe the distinctive patterns of horse farms and rolling limestone plateaus through central Kentucky.
Ohio River Meanders
Watch the massive Ohio River curve along the border between Kentucky and Indiana.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
On a typical westward approach, the city skyline and the 630-foot stainless steel monument appear clearly.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the St. Louis Arch during descent. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting as the sun illuminates the Arch's western face and the city skyline. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Mississippi River.
George Washington Forest
Dense, mountainous forest canopy stretching across the border of Virginia and West Virginia.
Charleston, WV
Look for the gold-domed state capitol building situated along the Kanawha River.
Ohio River Bridges
Aerial views of the industrial landscapes and bridges connecting the Midwest and the South.
Mississippi-Missouri Confluence
If the flight path stays north, you may see where the two longest rivers in North America meet.
The right side is ideal for viewing the rugged terrain of West Virginia. If the flight arrives at night, the right side offers views of the suburban lights of Florissant and northern St. Louis County during the final approach.
Distance: 1,072 km (666 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
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.