While the Tampa Bay departure is scenic, the St. Louis arrival offers a more iconic and recognizable landmark—the Gateway Arch and downtown riverfront—making the right side the stronger overall choice despite a largely flat, unremarkable cruise phase over the Southeast.
Flown TPA to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to St. Louis is 870 miles (1,400 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Flat coastal plains of Georgia and Alabama, the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, and rolling farmland of western Tennessee and southern Missouri before the descent toward the Mississippi River
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
LEFTDeparting TPA, the initial climb and left turn toward the northwest puts Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway span, and the barrier islands of St. Petersburg on the left side. The right side shows only inland Tampa suburbs and flat scrubland.
Landing at STL
RIGHTOn approach into STL from the south, the flight path typically passes east of downtown before turning onto final for runway 30, putting the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the St. Louis skyline on the right side. The left side during this turn shows mostly flat Missouri farmland.
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 Tampa International (TPA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to St. Louis. While the Tampa Bay departure is scenic, the St. Louis arrival offers a more iconic and recognizable landmark—the Gateway Arch and downtown riverfront—making the right side the stronger overall choice despite a largely flat, unremarkable cruise phase over the Southeast.
What can I see during takeoff from Tampa International in Tampa?
During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing TPA, the initial climb and left turn toward the northwest puts Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway span, and the barrier islands of St. Petersburg on the left side. The right side shows only inland Tampa suburbs and flat scrubland. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg waterfront, Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into STL from the south, the flight path typically passes east of downtown before turning onto final for runway 30, putting the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the St. Louis skyline on the right side. The left side during this turn shows mostly flat Missouri farmland. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline, Eads Bridge.
How long is the flight from Tampa to St. Louis?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 870 miles (1,400 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Flat coastal plains of Georgia and Alabama, the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, and rolling farmland of western Tennessee and southern Missouri before the descent toward the Mississippi River