Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch during departure, then the Neuse River and Durham area during approach. The flight path itself crosses the Appalachian foothills and Shenandoah Valley, which are better positioned for right-side viewing during cruise.
Flown STL to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Raleigh-Durham is 666 miles (1,072 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Appalachian Mountains (Blue Ridge visible as a ridge line around 45 minutes into flight), Shenandoah Valley in Virginia (visible as a linear valley between ridges), and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The Ohio River valley is visible during the initial eastbound climb. No major bodies of water are crossed during cruise; the route follows a direct path over the Appalachian plateau and foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTSTL typically departs eastbound on Runway 30L or 30R. Right-side seats face south initially, giving views of the Mississippi River bend and the Gateway Arch area before the turn eastward. Left seats face north toward Illinois farmland.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTRDU typically lands on Runway 5L or 5R (northeast approach). Right-side seats face northwest during descent, providing views of the Neuse River, Durham's downtown area, and the Piedmont terrain. Left seats face southeast toward open farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Raleigh-Durham. Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch during departure, then the Neuse River and Durham area during approach. The flight path itself crosses the Appalachian foothills and Shenandoah Valley, which are better positioned for right-side viewing during cruise.
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. STL typically departs eastbound on Runway 30L or 30R. Right-side seats face south initially, giving views of the Mississippi River bend and the Gateway Arch area before the turn eastward. Left seats face north toward Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (distinctive meander south of airport), Gateway Arch (visible as a thin line near downtown), downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois River valley to the north.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU typically lands on Runway 5L or 5R (northeast approach). Right-side seats face northwest during descent, providing views of the Neuse River, Durham's downtown area, and the Piedmont terrain. Left seats face southeast toward open farmland. Notable sights include: Neuse River (visible as a winding waterway), Durham downtown area, Research Triangle Park (visible as developed corridors), Piedmont rolling terrain.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 666 miles (1,072 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachian Mountains (Blue Ridge visible as a ridge line around 45 minutes into flight), Shenandoah Valley in Virginia (visible as a linear valley between ridges), and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The Ohio River valley is visible during the initial eastbound climb. No major bodies of water are crossed during cruise; the route follows a direct path over the Appalachian plateau and foothills.