While takeoff offers excellent river views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extensive scenery: the entire San Francisco Bay, Oakland Hills, and Mount Diablo create a more visually rewarding final hour of flight.
Flown STL to OAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Oakland is 1,721 miles (2,770 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Great Salt Lake (Utah), Sierra Nevada range (California-Nevada border), Lake Tahoe, Mono Basin, and the transition from the Great Basin's high desert to California's Central Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Mississippi River and its confluence with the Missouri River, plus the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at OAK
RIGHTRight side provides views of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland Hills, and the East Bay landscape during descent. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain east of the bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Oakland. While takeoff offers excellent river views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extensive scenery: the entire San Francisco Bay, Oakland Hills, and Mount Diablo create a more visually rewarding final hour of 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 immediate views of the Mississippi River and its confluence with the Missouri River, plus the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Missouri River confluence, Gateway Arch, St. Louis downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
When landing at Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland Hills, and the East Bay landscape during descent. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain east of the bay. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Oakland Hills, Mount Diablo, East Bay shoreline.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Oakland?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,721 miles (2,770 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Oakland flight path pass over?
Great Salt Lake (Utah), Sierra Nevada range (California-Nevada border), Lake Tahoe, Mono Basin, and the transition from the Great Basin's high desert to California's Central Valley