Lambert St. Louis International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

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 in this area

Hyatt Select St. Louis Airport: Less than a mile from the terminals with a free shuttle, opened in 2020 with renovated rooms and corridors.
Hampton Inn by Hilton St Louis Airport: Access to the pool and restaurant of the adjacent Hilton St. Louis Airport, with hot breakfast included.

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Downtown and Gateway Arch

City centre · 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 in this area

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton: Occupies the historic 1894 railway station, with an evening light show in the Grand Hall.
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch: Opposite the Gateway Arch, with 910 rooms renovated in 2017 and views of the river or the city.

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Forest Park and Central West End

Neighbourhood · 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 in this area

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis: An Italian Renaissance-style 1922 building, less than two miles from Forest Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park: A 10-minute walk from Forest Park and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, with a fireplace in the lobby.

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