While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing view from the right provides more sustained visual interest—the Mississippi River's meanders are visible for 50+ miles on approach, and the Gateway Arch and downtown skyline create a memorable arrival sequence that outweighs the departure views.
Flown SLC to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to St. Louis is 1,153 miles (1,856 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Uinta Basin (Utah), then transitions over the Colorado Plateau and into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Book Cliffs (visible from altitude as a long escarpment in eastern Utah), the Green River valley, and the transition into flatter terrain over western Colorado and Kansas. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible in the final approach phase as you descend into Missouri.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTSLC typically departs northbound (Runways 16L/R) or southbound (Runways 34L/R). Left seats offer the best view of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern escarpment as you climb out, with the snow-capped peaks rising sharply from the Salt Lake Valley floor.
Landing at STL
RIGHTSTL typically lands on Runways 30L/R (eastbound) or 12L/R (westbound). Right seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meander as you descend into the approach corridor, plus the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline come into view on the right side during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to St. Louis. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing view from the right provides more sustained visual interest—the Mississippi River's meanders are visible for 50+ miles on approach, and the Gateway Arch and downtown skyline create a memorable arrival sequence that outweighs the departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. SLC typically departs northbound (Runways 16L/R) or southbound (Runways 34L/R). Left seats offer the best view of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern escarpment as you climb out, with the snow-capped peaks rising sharply from the Salt Lake Valley floor. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (immediately east), Great Salt Lake (northwest, visible as a large pale body of water), Antelope Island (within the lake), Oquirrh Range (west across the valley).
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. STL typically lands on Runways 30L/R (eastbound) or 12L/R (westbound). Right seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meander as you descend into the approach corridor, plus the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline come into view on the right side during final approach. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (with distinctive meanders), Gateway Arch (downtown St. Louis), Missouri River confluence (north of downtown), Illinois bluffs (east bank).
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to St. Louis?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,153 miles (1,856 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Uinta Basin (Utah), then transitions over the Colorado Plateau and into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Book Cliffs (visible from altitude as a long escarpment in eastern Utah), the Green River valley, and the transition into flatter terrain over western Colorado and Kansas. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible in the final approach phase as you descend into Missouri.