Chicago to St. Louis flight pathORDSTL

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 05m
Distance258
Heading211° → 209°

Chicago to St. Louis is 258 miles (415 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 2.0 left·★ 1.5 right

The route is short and flat for most of its length, but the STL approach on the left side offers a brief but genuine urban landmark view of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River, giving it a slight edge over the mostly flat cruise scenery.

Takeoff · ORDRIGHTChicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare terminal complex
Landing · STLLEFTGateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Flat farmland of central Illinois, with the Illinois River visible below during cruise

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (right side) — Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare terminal complex

Takeoff from ORD

RIGHT

ORD departures to the south/southwest typically bank in a way that gives right-side passengers a view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline receding behind, before flattening out over farmland.

Chicago skylineLake Michigan shorelineO'Hare terminal complex
Aerial window seat view during landing at St. Louis (left side) — Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline

Landing at STL

LEFT

On approach to STL runway 12, aircraft descending from the northwest pass over the Missouri River valley and give left-side passengers a view of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch along the Mississippi River before landing.

Gateway ArchMississippi Riverdowntown St. Louis skyline

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to St. Louis. The route is short and flat for most of its length, but the STL approach on the left side offers a brief but genuine urban landmark view of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River, giving it a slight edge over the mostly flat cruise scenery.

What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORD departures to the south/southwest typically bank in a way that gives right-side passengers a view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline receding behind, before flattening out over farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare terminal complex.

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. On approach to STL runway 12, aircraft descending from the northwest pass over the Missouri River valley and give left-side passengers a view of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch along the Mississippi River before landing. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline.

How long is the flight from Chicago to St. Louis?

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 258 miles (415 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Chicago to St. Louis flight path pass over?

Flat farmland of central Illinois, with the Illinois River visible below during cruise