The right side wins overall because the Miami arrival delivers one of the most visually spectacular approaches in the eastern US, with Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic all simultaneously visible. The left side takeoff view of the Arch is brief and the right side is largely featureless Illinois farmland during climb. En route, the right side also picks up Gulf Coast views over Alabama and Florida's panhandle.
Flown STL to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Miami is 1,070 miles (1,721 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The route tracks southeast over the Tennessee River valley in western Tennessee, crosses northern Mississippi and Alabama, passes over Birmingham and the southern Appalachian foothills, then crosses central Georgia before entering Florida. Over Florida the route passes over the flat pine and scrub landscape of central Florida before descending toward Miami. The Gulf of Mexico is visible to the right over Alabama and the Florida panhandle at cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTLambert typically departs southeast on runway 12L/12R, putting the left side facing northeast toward downtown St. Louis. You'll get a clear view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River as the aircraft banks south. The city grid and Forest Park are also visible before the aircraft climbs out over Illinois.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTMiami International typically receives aircraft from the north on approaches to runway 08R/09, or from the northwest on runway 26L, with the final approach often tracking over Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach barrier island. The right side faces south and east, giving views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean on approach. The left side faces inland toward the Everglades.
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 Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Miami. The right side wins overall because the Miami arrival delivers one of the most visually spectacular approaches in the eastern US, with Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic all simultaneously visible. The left side takeoff view of the Arch is brief and the right side is largely featureless Illinois farmland during climb. En route, the right side also picks up Gulf Coast views over Alabama and Florida's panhandle.
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. Lambert typically departs southeast on runway 12L/12R, putting the left side facing northeast toward downtown St. Louis. You'll get a clear view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River as the aircraft banks south. The city grid and Forest Park are also visible before the aircraft climbs out over Illinois. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Mississippi River and its wide bend at St. Louis, Forest Park, East St. Louis floodplain across the river.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Miami International typically receives aircraft from the north on approaches to runway 08R/09, or from the northwest on runway 26L, with the final approach often tracking over Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach barrier island. The right side faces south and east, giving views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean on approach. The left side faces inland toward the Everglades. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay and its turquoise shallow water, Miami Beach barrier island and South Beach, Port of Miami with cruise ship terminals, the Florida Keys chain visible on the southern horizon.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Miami?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,070 miles (1,721 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Miami flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the Tennessee River valley in western Tennessee, crosses northern Mississippi and Alabama, passes over Birmingham and the southern Appalachian foothills, then crosses central Georgia before entering Florida. Over Florida the route passes over the flat pine and scrub landscape of central Florida before descending toward Miami. The Gulf of Mexico is visible to the right over Alabama and the Florida panhandle at cruising altitude.