While takeoff offers interesting water features on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, and St. Louis skyline—iconic landmarks that make the left side the better choice for the full journey.
Flown DTW to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to St. Louis is 439 miles (707 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Michigan and northwestern Ohio, passing over or near the Kalamazoo River valley, the flat agricultural landscape of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and the farmland of northwestern Ohio. The terrain gradually transitions from the Great Lakes region's glaciated landscape to the more gently rolling terrain approaching the Mississippi River valley. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topography are visible along this route; the primary features are agricultural fields, scattered lakes, and the gradual descent toward lower elevation as the aircraft approaches the Mississippi River system.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from DTW, so right-side windows capture the water features and the urban sprawl of the Detroit metropolitan area as it recedes below.
Landing at STL
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during approach to STL. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side windows capture the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch, and downtown St. Louis as the airport lies southwest of the city center.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to St. Louis. While takeoff offers interesting water features on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, and St. Louis skyline—iconic landmarks that make the left side the better choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from DTW, so right-side windows capture the water features and the urban sprawl of the Detroit metropolitan area as it recedes below. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit city grid, suburban sprawl extending toward Ann Arbor.
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 Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during approach to STL. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side windows capture the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch, and downtown St. Louis as the airport lies southwest of the city center. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
How long is the flight from Detroit to St. Louis?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 439 miles (707 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Michigan and northwestern Ohio, passing over or near the Kalamazoo River valley, the flat agricultural landscape of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and the farmland of northwestern Ohio. The terrain gradually transitions from the Great Lakes region's glaciated landscape to the more gently rolling terrain approaching the Mississippi River valley. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topography are visible along this route; the primary features are agricultural fields, scattered lakes, and the gradual descent toward lower elevation as the aircraft approaches the Mississippi River system.