St. Louis Lambert International Airport

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the primary airport serving the greater St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri. Located approximately 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis, the airport handles nearly 16 million passengers annually and offers nonstop service to over 80 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Southwest Airlines dominates STL, accounting for approximately 59% of the airport's passenger traffic. The airport also serves as a focus city for several carriers including American Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

The airport consists of two terminals that are not connected post-security:

• Terminal 1: Main terminal with two concourses

  • Concourse A: 15 gates serving Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines
  • Concourse C: 20 gates serving Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines

• Terminal 2: Southwest Airlines hub and international arrivals

  • Concourse E: 18 gates primarily serving Southwest Airlines and Lufthansa (international flights)

The terminals are located approximately one mile apart. There is no airside connection between terminals, so all inter-terminal transfers require taking a shuttle bus or MetroLink and re-clearing security.

New Routes (2025-2026): Delta began nonstop service to JFK in September 2025. British Airways will launch nonstop service to London Heathrow in April 2026, marking the first STL-Heathrow connection in the airport's history. Alaska Airlines will begin service to Portland (PDX) in May 2026.

STL is located approximately 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. Travel times vary by method and traffic:

• Downtown St. Louis: 20-30 minutes by car, 25 minutes by MetroLink
• Clayton: 15-25 minutes by car
• St. Charles: 25-35 minutes by car
• Belleville, IL: 30-40 minutes by car

The most reliable option is MetroLink, which runs directly to downtown St. Louis and avoids highway traffic. During rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays), the train is often faster than driving.

Uber and Lyft are available at STL. Both terminals have designated rideshare pickup areas.

Pickup locations:

• Terminal 1: Exit the baggage claim area and follow signs to "Rideshare" pickup on the lower level
• Terminal 2: Exit baggage claim and follow signs to the designated rideshare area

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown St. Louis: $25-40
• Clayton: $20-35
• St. Charles: $40-60

Airport surcharge: Lyft charges a $3.00 airport surcharge for trips to/from STL.

Taxis are available at both terminals, regulated by the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission.

• Downtown St. Louis: approximately $45
• Airport pickup fee: $4 per trip
• Taxis are available 24/7 at designated stands outside baggage claim

Tip: St. Louis County Cab/Yellow Cab operates at the airport. For ADA-accessible taxi service, call 636-272-TAXI.

The MetroLink light rail system connects STL directly to downtown St. Louis and beyond. This is the most economical and reliable option for reaching the city.

MetroLink Stations at STL

Both terminals have MetroLink stations:

• Lambert Airport Terminal #1 Station (Terminal 1)
• Lambert Airport Terminal #2 Station (Terminal 2)

The Red Line serves both stations, connecting to downtown St. Louis and continuing east into Illinois.

Fares and Schedule

Fare Type	Price
Airport Fare (from STL)	$4.00
2-Hour Pass	$3.00
Day Pass (Adventure Pass)	$5.00
Weekly Pass	$27.00
Monthly Pass	$78.00

Reduced fares: Seniors 65+, disabled riders, and Medicare cardholders pay half price. Children 5-12 ride at half price; children 4 and under ride free with an adult.

Hours: MetroLink operates approximately 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, with trains running every 10-20 minutes depending on time of day.

Purchase tickets at vending machines at the MetroLink stations or via the Transit app.

Journey to Downtown St. Louis

1. Follow signs to "MetroLink" from baggage claim
2. Purchase ticket at vending machine ($4.00 airport fare)
3. Board the Red Line train toward downtown
4. Arrive at major downtown stations in approximately 25 minutes

Key downtown stops include:

• Union Station: Major landmark, shopping, aquarium
• Civic Center: Near Gateway Arch area
• 8th & Pine: Central downtown

Inter-Terminal Travel

MetroLink travel between the two airport stations is free as of July 2024. This can be a convenient alternative to the shuttle bus.

STL offers multiple parking options at varying price points:

Short-Term Parking

Location	Hourly Rate	Daily Max	Notes
Terminal Garage	$5 (0-2 hrs)	$22-23	Closest to terminals

Long-Term Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Lot A	$15	Uncovered, closer to terminals
Lot B	$10 (weekday) / $7 (weekend)	Long-term economy
Lot D (Economy)	$7	Most economical, free shuttle
Lot E (Economy)	$7	Budget-friendly with shuttle

Other Options

• Covered Parking: approximately $15/day
• Valet Parking: approximately $30/day
• Cell Phone Waiting Lots: Free while waiting to pick up arriving passengers

Off-site parking: Several off-site lots on Natural Bridge Road offer rates from $6-10/day with shuttle service. Options include The Parking Spot East ($8.50/day) and various hotel park-and-fly packages.

Tips:

• Pre-book online at flystl.com for potential discounts
• EV charging stations available at Lot A (5 stations)
• Economy lots fill during busy holiday periods

STL has approximately 33 food and drink outlets across both terminals. Local St. Louis favorites are well-represented alongside national chains.

Terminal 1

Concourse A:

• Mike Shannon's Grill (A10): St. Louis sports legend's steakhouse
• Ted Drewes (A15): Iconic St. Louis frozen custard
• Midtown Cafe (A16): Coffee and quick bites
• Vino Volo (A3): Wine bar with small plates
• Pizza Studio (A4): Custom pizzas
• Starbucks (A5): Coffee

Concourse C:

• Chili's: Full-service Tex-Mex
• Starbucks: Coffee
• Pei Wei: Pan-Asian cuisine, fast-casual
• NASCAR Drafthouse: Sports bar with all-day menu and full bar

Terminal 2 (Concourse E)

• Shake Shack: Danny Meyer's burger chain (St. Louis native's creation)
• 4 Hands Brewing/Peacemaker Lobster and Crab: Local craft beer and lobster rolls
• Crushed Red: Self-serve pizza kiosk
• Stella Artois Bar: Beer and bar food
• Urban Chestnut: St. Louis craft brewery

Local Favorites to Try

• Ted Drewes (Concourse A): The frozen custard institution has been a St. Louis staple since 1929
• 4 Hands Brewing (Terminal 2): Award-winning St. Louis craft brewery
• Shake Shack (Terminal 2): Founded by St. Louis native Danny Meyer

Note: Terminal 1 has some pre-security dining options, but Terminal 2 has very limited options outside the secure area.

Free WiFi is available throughout STL.

Network name: STL Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select "STL Free WiFi" from available networks
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. No password required

Duration: Complimentary access for approximately 60 minutes. Extended access is available for $7.95 per day.

Quality: Adequate for email, browsing, and light streaming. For faster connections, airline lounges offer premium WiFi.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (both terminals): Electronics, SIM cards, chargers
• Hudson News (multiple locations): Limited selection of prepaid phones and cards
• Wireless carrier kiosks

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic data packages.

Tip: For better prices, consider ordering an eSIM before arrival or purchasing a SIM at a carrier store in St. Louis after landing.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals. The primary banking services are provided by U.S. Bank.

ATM Locations:

• Multiple ATMs throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• U.S. Bank on the lower level of Terminal 1, near Concourse C security checkpoint

Currency Exchange:

• U.S. Bank (Terminal 1, lower level): Foreign currency exchange available for U.S. Bank customers only
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Phone: (314) 429-1248

Note: Currency exchange options are limited at STL. For better rates, use ATMs with your bank card (check for foreign transaction fees) or exchange currency before arriving or in downtown St. Louis.

STL offers retail options in both terminals, though selection is more limited than larger hub airports.

Terminal 1:

• Hudson News (multiple locations): Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• St. Louis Cardinals Team Store: MLB merchandise
• Local gift shops: St. Louis souvenirs, regional products

Terminal 2:

• Hudson News: Travel essentials
• InMotion: Electronics
• Various newsstands and convenience stores

Local products to look for: St. Louis Cardinals gear, Anheuser-Busch merchandise, local food items (gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli), and St. Louis-themed gifts.

Duty-free: Available for international departures from Terminal 2.

Lounge options at STL are limited compared to larger hub airports.

Priority Pass Lounges

Wingtips Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Location: Near gate E22
• Hours: Varies by flight schedules
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club
• Day pass: $38 with departing boarding pass
• Amenities: Complimentary drinks, snacks, WiFi, workstations

Important: The Wingtips Lounge is in Terminal 2 only. If departing from Terminal 1, accessing this lounge requires taking the shuttle to Terminal 2, using the lounge, then returning and re-clearing security. Not recommended for tight connections.

Airline Lounges

American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 1)

• Location: Entrance of Concourse C, past security
• Hours: 4:30 AM - 7:00 PM daily
• Access: Admirals Club membership, Qantas Club membership, Alaska Lounge+ membership, or flying business/first class on qualifying routes
• Note: Priority Pass does NOT provide access

Access Requirements: Must have same-day boarding pass on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines.

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X cardholders can access Wingtips Lounge via Priority Pass
• Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass membership
• There is no Amex Centurion Lounge at STL

USO Lounge

James S. McDonnell USO Lounge (Terminal 1)

• Location: Lower level, across from baggage carousel M6 (pre-security)
• Access: Active duty military, reservists, National Guard, and their families
• Hours: 24/7, 365 days

Hotels near STL are concentrated along Natural Bridge Road and I-70, with most offering complimentary airport shuttle service.

Closest to Airport:

• Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel (0.5 miles): Four-Diamond property with 393 rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary shuttle. Marriott Bonvoy property.
• Marriott St. Louis Airport (0.7 miles): Full-service hotel with pool, fitness center, club lounge for elite members, complimentary shuttle. Pet-friendly ($50 fee).
• Hilton St. Louis Airport (nearby): Full-service with shuttle

Budget Options:

• Hampton Inn St. Louis Airport (5 min): Reliable mid-range with free shuttle
• Fairfield Inn & Suites (5 min): Budget-friendly with shuttle
• Home2 Suites by Hilton: Extended-stay option

Most airport-area hotels offer free 24-hour shuttle service to STL.

St. Louis offers a rich blend of American history, world-class attractions (many free), and distinctive Midwestern cuisine.

From the Airport

• Downtown St. Louis: 25 min by MetroLink ($4.00)
• Gateway Arch: 30 min by MetroLink + short walk
• Forest Park: 20-30 min by car or MetroLink + bus

St. Louis Highlights

• Gateway Arch National Park: The iconic 630-foot monument with tram rides to the top, free museum, and riverfront views. Reserve tram tickets in advance.
• Forest Park: One of the largest urban parks in the US, home to the free St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and Science Center
• Busch Stadium: Home of the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
• City Museum: Quirky, one-of-a-kind attraction built from repurposed architectural and industrial objects
• Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Free tours of the historic Budweiser brewery
• The Hill: Italian-American neighborhood famous for toasted ravioli and authentic Italian dining
• Union Station: Historic train station converted to hotel, shopping, and the St. Louis Aquarium

St. Louis Food Specialties

Must-try local dishes:

• Toasted ravioli: Breaded and fried ravioli, a St. Louis original
• St. Louis-style pizza: Thin, cracker-like crust with Provel cheese
• Ted Drewes frozen custard: Iconic concrete (frozen custard so thick you can turn it upside down)
• Gooey butter cake: Rich, gooey dessert bar
• St. Louis-style BBQ: Pork steaks and sweet, sticky ribs

Getting Around St. Louis

MetroLink light rail and MetroBus cover the urban core and major attractions. A Day Pass ($5.00) provides unlimited rides. Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the metro area.

Pro tip: Many of St. Louis's best attractions are free, including the Gateway Arch Museum, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center. Plan accordingly to maximize your visit.