Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Mississippi River and St. Louis during departure, and the Sierra Nevada foothills during arrival. The westbound flight path naturally favors right-side views of major geographical features.
Flown STL to MHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Sacramento is 1,661 miles (2,673 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Great Plains, passing over the Missouri River valley in Kansas/Colorado, then enters the Rocky Mountain region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Colorado Front Range (visible as a distant ridge on the western horizon during cruise), and the high desert plateau of eastern Colorado and western Kansas. The terrain transitions from flat Midwestern farmland to increasingly arid, rolling high plains with sparse vegetation, then to mountainous terrain as the aircraft approaches the Sierra Nevada.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch area as the aircraft climbs westward. The river's distinctive curves and the urban core of St. Louis are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at MHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the American River valley during descent into Sacramento. The mountainous terrain east of the city and the river's path through the valley are prominent visual features on approach.
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 Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Sacramento Mather (MHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Sacramento. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Mississippi River and St. Louis during departure, and the Sierra Nevada foothills during arrival. The westbound flight path naturally favors right-side views of major geographical features.
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 and the Gateway Arch area as the aircraft climbs westward. The river's distinctive curves and the urban core of St. Louis are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (immediate foreground), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois floodplain to the east, Missouri River confluence.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento Mather in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento Mather (MHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the American River valley during descent into Sacramento. The mountainous terrain east of the city and the river's path through the valley are prominent visual features on approach. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills (eastern horizon), American River valley, Sacramento metropolitan area grid, Folsom Lake to the northeast.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Sacramento?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Sacramento Mather (MHR) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,661 miles (2,673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Sacramento flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Great Plains, passing over the Missouri River valley in Kansas/Colorado, then enters the Rocky Mountain region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Colorado Front Range (visible as a distant ridge on the western horizon during cruise), and the high desert plateau of eastern Colorado and western Kansas. The terrain transitions from flat Midwestern farmland to increasingly arid, rolling high plains with sparse vegetation, then to mountainous terrain as the aircraft approaches the Sierra Nevada.