While takeoff offers compelling river and city views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides the route's most iconic visual—the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch—making the left side the stronger choice overall for this corridor.
Flown YUL to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to St. Louis is 968 miles (1,558 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills (western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio) at cruise altitude, where ridgelines and river valleys run northeast-southwest. The Ohio River becomes visible during descent into the St. Louis region, flowing northwest toward its confluence with the Mississippi. Lake Erie is briefly visible to the north during the initial climb if departing eastbound, but most departures head southwest, missing it. The terrain transitions from forested hills in the northeast to flatter agricultural land and river valleys as you approach the Mississippi basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's urban core during the initial climb. Runway 06L/24R and 06R/24L typically handle departures; climbing eastbound or westbound both offer river views, but right seats maximize the contrast between the river's curves and the city grid.
Landing at STL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis's riverfront landmarks. Typical arrivals use runways 02L/20R or 02R/20L; descending from the northeast, left seats frame the river's confluence with the Illinois River and the Gateway Arch area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to St. Louis. While takeoff offers compelling river and city views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides the route's most iconic visual—the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch—making the left side the stronger choice overall for this corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's urban core during the initial climb. Runway 06L/24R and 06R/24L typically handle departures; climbing eastbound or westbound both offer river views, but right seats maximize the contrast between the river's curves and the city grid. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (flowing northeast), Montreal downtown skyline, Mount Royal (distant, west-southwest), Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame in the river.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis's riverfront landmarks. Typical arrivals use runways 02L/20R or 02R/20L; descending from the northeast, left seats frame the river's confluence with the Illinois River and the Gateway Arch area. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (flowing south), Gateway Arch on the riverfront, St. Louis downtown skyline, Illinois River confluence (northeast of the arch).
How long is the flight from Montreal to St. Louis?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 968 miles (1,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills (western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio) at cruise altitude, where ridgelines and river valleys run northeast-southwest. The Ohio River becomes visible during descent into the St. Louis region, flowing northwest toward its confluence with the Mississippi. Lake Erie is briefly visible to the north during the initial climb if departing eastbound, but most departures head southwest, missing it. The terrain transitions from forested hills in the northeast to flatter agricultural land and river valleys as you approach the Mississippi basin.