The takeoff view of the Mississippi River and St. Louis is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair are notable, the Mississippi's scale and the Gateway Arch area provide superior scenic value for the majority of the flight.
Flown STL to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Detroit is 439 miles (707 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Ohio River confluence near Cincinnati (visible to the south if flight path allows), Indiana agricultural plains, Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula with scattered lakes and farmland, Lake Michigan visible far to the west near Chicago area depending on exact routing
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Mississippi River as it curves northeast from St. Louis, plus the urban sprawl of the metro area. Right side faces inland with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario as you approach from the southwest. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the urban core of Detroit. Left side faces inland Michigan with fewer distinctive water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Detroit. The takeoff view of the Mississippi River and St. Louis is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair are notable, the Mississippi's scale and the Gateway Arch area provide superior scenic value for the majority of the flight.
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 Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Mississippi River as it curves northeast from St. Louis, plus the urban sprawl of the metro area. Right side faces inland with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, St. Louis urban core and Gateway Arch area, Illinois floodplain to the east.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario as you approach from the southwest. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the urban core of Detroit. Left side faces inland Michigan with fewer distinctive water features. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario skyline, Detroit metropolitan area.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Detroit?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) 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 St. Louis to Detroit flight path pass over?
Ohio River confluence near Cincinnati (visible to the south if flight path allows), Indiana agricultural plains, Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula with scattered lakes and farmland, Lake Michigan visible far to the west near Chicago area depending on exact routing