While takeoff offers a nice glimpse of St. Louis on the left, the right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-Utah border during cruise and the striking Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe approach into Sacramento, giving far more terrain variety and mountain drama across the whole flight.
Flown STL to SAC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Sacramento is 1,672 miles (2,690 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Great Plains of Kansas, the eastern Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-Utah border, the arid basins of Utah and Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada before descending into California's Central Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTDeparting STL to the west, the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis with the Gateway Arch are visible off to the south (left side) shortly after takeoff, giving a brief but recognizable urban and river view before the plains take over.
Landing at SAC
RIGHTOn approach into Sacramento from the east, the descent path crosses the Sierra Nevada, with Lake Tahoe and its surrounding granite peaks visible to the north (right side) before the plane drops into the flat Sacramento Valley.
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 Executive (SAC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Sacramento. While takeoff offers a nice glimpse of St. Louis on the left, the right side wins overall because it captures the dramatic Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-Utah border during cruise and the striking Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe approach into Sacramento, giving far more terrain variety and mountain drama across the whole 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. Departing STL to the west, the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis with the Gateway Arch are visible off to the south (left side) shortly after takeoff, giving a brief but recognizable urban and river view before the plains take over. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, confluence area with the Missouri River.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento Executive in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento Executive (SAC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the east, the descent path crosses the Sierra Nevada, with Lake Tahoe and its surrounding granite peaks visible to the north (right side) before the plane drops into the flat Sacramento Valley. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe basin, Sacramento Valley farmland, American River.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Sacramento?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Sacramento Executive (SAC) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,672 miles (2,690 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Sacramento flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Plains of Kansas, the eastern Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-Utah border, the arid basins of Utah and Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada before descending into California's Central Valley.