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STL destination photo
DCA destination photo

STLDCA

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is premier for this route because it offers the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, granting passengers a front-row seat to the National Mall and D.C. monuments.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

St. Louis Skyline

A view of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis shortly after departure from STL.

🌽

Midwestern Grid

Geometric patterns of Illinois and Indiana farmland transitioning into the Ohio River Valley.

⛰️

Appalachian Folds

Dramatic views of the linear ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains in Maryland and West Virginia.

🏛️

The National Mall

Unrivaled views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol during the River Visual approach.

⚪

The White House

Visible just north of the National Mall as the aircraft banks following the Potomac River.

Sit on the left for the best chance at the 'River Visual' landing on Runway 19. For photography, mid-morning flights avoid harsh glare, while sunset flights provide a stunning glow over the white marble monuments. Be prepared for a sharp bank left just before touchdown.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Ohio River

Follow the winding path of the Ohio River as the flight moves toward the Eastern Seaboard.

🌲

Monongahela Forest

Lush, dense forest canopies covering the rugged terrain of West Virginia.

🌄

Shenandoah Valley

The picturesque valley situated between the Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.

🛡️

The Pentagon

A direct overhead or side view of the world's largest office building just before landing.

🏢

Crystal City

The dense urban architecture of National Landing and Amazon's HQ2 in Northern Virginia.

The right side is ideal for nature enthusiasts enjoying the vast green expanses of West Virginia. If the airport is using Runway 1 (landing to the North), the right side actually provides a better view of the D.C. skyline across the water. Keep an eye out for the Pentagon on the final seconds of the flight.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 1,154 km (717 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min

Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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