Lambert St. Louis International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (STL)

How to get to Lambert St. Louis International Airport

St. Louis's downtown is several kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 30-35 minutes by MetroLink train.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown St. Louis in about 20-25 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

The MetroLink network has two stations at the airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) and reaches downtown in 30-35 minutes; base fare $2.50, with a special 2-hour pass for airport passengers at $4, or free with validation of the same airline ticket on the day of the flight.

By Bus

Some bus lines connect the airport to the city center.

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Tips With validation of your airline ticket, your MetroLink trip can be free on the day of your flight: inquire at the station about this specific benefit for airport passengers.

Average travel time to STL

Train30-35 minutes (MetroLink, 2.50 USD, free with flight ticket on travel day)

Shuttle busService available (local lines)

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes (30-40 USD)

Parking near Lambert St. Louis International Airport

Multi-level parking facilities are located adjacent to both terminals: Terminal 1 Garage costs 28 USD/day, Terminal 2 Garage 29 USD/day; Lot A costs 18 USD/day; more distant economy lots (Lot B/C/D) range from 10 to 13 USD/day with free shuttle.

How to get to St. Louis from STL

By Train

MetroLink, with stations in both terminals, reaches the center in 30-35 minutes; fare 2.50 USD (2-hour pass 4 USD, or free with validated airline ticket).

By Bus

Multiple public bus lines connect the airport to the city center.

By Taxi

Uber/Lyft cost approximately 25-50 USD; a metered taxi costs 30-45 USD, to the center, with a journey of 20-30 minutes (up to 40 during peak hour).

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Car rental at Lambert St. Louis International Airport

All major car rental companies have desks in both terminals.

With a license in Latin characters, a short stay requires only your license, passport, and credit card—no IDP needed.

Hotels near Lambert St. Louis International Airport

St. Louis Lambert is about 14 miles from downtown, but it is the only airport in this guide with a direct train: the MetroLink links the terminals to downtown and Forest Park in 25-35 minutes, changing at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station. For a dawn flight it's still convenient to stay near the terminals, with a free shuttle. Anyone staying more than one night gains by taking the train up to the Gateway Arch and the historic center, or out to Forest Park, where the zoo, art museum and botanical garden are free and the Central West End offers restaurants open until late.

Airport area

Free shuttle on request, less than a mile from the terminals.

Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight or an evening arrival who doesn't want to rely on the MetroLink at that hour.

Pros

Less than a mile from the terminals, free shuttle
The airport's MetroLink station is still just a few minutes away for anyone wanting to move on

Cons

An area of just hotels and highway interchanges
A car or the MetroLink is needed for any other destination

Recommended hotels

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City centre

Downtown and Gateway Arch

MetroLink from the airport in about 25-30 minutes, direct stop downtown; by car 20-25 minutes.

Best for: Anyone wanting the Gateway Arch, the stadium and downtown's museums within walking distance or via MetroLink.

Pros

Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium within walking distance
Direct MetroLink link with the airport, no changes needed

Cons

A quieter area on weekends with no stadium events
Hotel parking is almost always paid

Recommended hotels

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Neighbourhood

Forest Park and Central West End

MetroLink from the airport in about 30-35 minutes with a change at Forest Park-DeBaliviere; by car 20-25 minutes.

Best for: Forest Park's zoo, art museum and botanical garden, all free, plus the restaurants of the Central West End.

Pros

Forest Park's zoo, art museum and botanical garden are free
Central West End restaurants open until late

Cons

One MetroLink line change to get here from the airport
Further from the historic center and the Gateway Arch

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves St. Louis and the Midwest with domestic connections and some seasonal international routes.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers typical Missouri products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Various dedicated lounges welcome business-class passengers in transit.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The free Wi-Fi network covers the entire terminal, as does the signal from major American cellular providers.

Families & Children

Every terminal is equipped with play areas for children and has its own family services.

Terminal guide

Both terminals are directly connected to the MetroLink network.

Travelers using the flights should allow 2–2.5 hours of buffer.

Map of Lambert St. Louis International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Does St. Louis Airport have a subway station?

Yes, even two: MetroLink has a station at each of the 2 terminals.

Q. Can MetroLink be free for airport passengers?

Yes, by validating your own flight ticket on the day of travel; ask at the station about this benefit.

Q. Is St. Louis Airport still a major hub for an airline?

No, it lost that role after the merger between TWA and American Airlines in the early 2000s: today it's a regional airport, with traffic much lower than in its hub days.