Both sides are limited by the short, flat-terrain nature of this route, but the STL approach's view of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River gives the right side a slightly more distinctive, recognizable landmark payoff than the brief Nashville skyline glimpse on departure.
Flown BNA to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to St. Louis is 272 miles (437 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The route crosses western Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes region, passing near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, then continues over flat southern Illinois farmland before reaching the Mississippi River near St. Louis.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
LEFTBNA's runway configuration typically has departures climb northbound before turning left toward STL, swinging the wing over downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River bends just northwest of the airport. It's a brief but recognizable skyline glimpse before the flat Tennessee-Kentucky countryside takes over.
Landing at STL
RIGHTArrivals from the southeast into STL commonly track toward the northwest-facing runways, passing just south of downtown St. Louis. This puts the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the Eads Bridge in view on the right side during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to St. Louis. Both sides are limited by the short, flat-terrain nature of this route, but the STL approach's view of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River gives the right side a slightly more distinctive, recognizable landmark payoff than the brief Nashville skyline glimpse on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. BNA's runway configuration typically has departures climb northbound before turning left toward STL, swinging the wing over downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River bends just northwest of the airport. It's a brief but recognizable skyline glimpse before the flat Tennessee-Kentucky countryside takes over. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Tennessee State Capitol area.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals from the southeast into STL commonly track toward the northwest-facing runways, passing just south of downtown St. Louis. This puts the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the Eads Bridge in view on the right side during the final descent. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline, Eads Bridge.
How long is the flight from Nashville to St. Louis?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 272 miles (437 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The route crosses western Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes region, passing near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, then continues over flat southern Illinois farmland before reaching the Mississippi River near St. Louis.