While the takeoff offers excellent river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River's distinctive industrial valley, and Cleveland's waterfront—making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown STL to CLE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Cleveland is 486 miles (783 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Ohio, passing over or near Columbus (Ohio's capital, visible as a sprawling urban area around 35 minutes into flight). The terrain transitions from the Mississippi River valley's flatter agricultural landscape to gently rolling terrain in Indiana and Ohio. The Ohio River is not typically visible on this direct northeast route, but scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Ohio may appear as blue patches. The landscape remains predominantly agricultural with scattered towns and forests, offering limited dramatic scenery in the middle section of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River as it curves through St. Louis and the Gateway Arch area during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the confluence with the Missouri River are clearly visible from 5,000–10,000 feet on the eastern bank side.
Landing at CLE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Cuyahoga River valley and Cleveland's downtown lakefront as the aircraft descends into Cleveland Hopkins. Lake Erie dominates the northern horizon, and the river's industrial bend through the city is distinctive from 3,000–5,000 feet on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Cleveland. While the takeoff offers excellent river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River's distinctive industrial valley, and Cleveland's waterfront—making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River as it curves through St. Louis and the Gateway Arch area during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the confluence with the Missouri River are clearly visible from 5,000–10,000 feet on the eastern bank side. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its meanders, Gateway Arch (small but visible), Missouri River confluence, St. Louis urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
When landing at Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Cuyahoga River valley and Cleveland's downtown lakefront as the aircraft descends into Cleveland Hopkins. Lake Erie dominates the northern horizon, and the river's industrial bend through the city is distinctive from 3,000–5,000 feet on approach. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Cuyahoga River valley, Cleveland downtown skyline, industrial waterfront.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Cleveland?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 486 miles (783 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Cleveland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Ohio, passing over or near Columbus (Ohio's capital, visible as a sprawling urban area around 35 minutes into flight). The terrain transitions from the Mississippi River valley's flatter agricultural landscape to gently rolling terrain in Indiana and Ohio. The Ohio River is not typically visible on this direct northeast route, but scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Ohio may appear as blue patches. The landscape remains predominantly agricultural with scattered towns and forests, offering limited dramatic scenery in the middle section of the flight.