Loading map...
STL → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch upon departure, along with better positioning for the Detroit skyline during most landing patterns.
Search flights from STL to DTW
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument is often visible shortly after takeoff, providing a signature view of the city.
Mississippi River
Expansive views of the river winding north, marking the boundary between Missouri and Illinois.
Midwestern Agricultural Grid
A geometric tapestry of corn and soybean fields stretching across central Illinois and Indiana.
Detroit Renaissance Center
As the plane banks for arrival, the towering headquarters of GM and the downtown cluster appear prominently.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing on the left to capture the Gateway Arch without engine obstruction. For evening flights, this side faces north, minimizing glare while providing clear views of the illuminated city grids.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Metro East Industrial Corridor
View the heavy industrial and rail infrastructure of East St. Louis and the surrounding Illinois riverfront.
Wabash River Valley
Scenic views of the river forming the natural border between Illinois and Indiana.
Lake Erie Shoreline
The southern approach often provides a sweeping look at the western edge of Lake Erie and its coastal marshlands.
Windsor Skyline
A unique perspective of the Canadian border city across the Detroit River during the final descent.
The right side is preferred for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Great Lakes region. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes for views of the Ambassador Bridge and the international border.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 707 km (439 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 11 min
Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.