Lot D

$10 a day is the trade for using STL’s farthest economy lot.

Lot D sits on airport property but feels remote compared with Lots A, B, and C, with a shuttle ride that can run close to 30 minutes end to end when you factor in circling and stops. The airport lists it as long-stay parking, and the math backs that up: $10 per day or $70 per week undercuts the garages by a wide margin if you’re gone 5–7 days. Think of it as on-airport pricing that’s closer to off-airport timing.

This is officially the most economical on-airport option at STL, with older guides still quoting around $7 per day for Lot D before recent increases. It’s next to the main terminal complex on the map, but in practice the walk to Terminals 1 or 2 is not the advertised 5 minutes for most travelers unless you land a spot near the front; most people ride the shuttle instead, especially with bags or kids.

Shuttles run to Terminals 1 and 2, but late at night riders report gaps that stretch past 15 minutes, particularly after 11 p.m. in light traffic. In winter, reviews mention slow snow removal and icy patches in the farthest rows, so parked in Row 20 at 5 a.m. in January can feel rough. If your arrival back into STL is after midnight, assume that 30 extra minutes from curb to car and build it into your pickup plan.

Regulars who use Lot D all the time say they budget an extra 20–30 minutes on departure day compared with parking in the garages, just to cover shuttle wait plus the longer loop. They also aim for spaces by the main covered shuttle shelters instead of drifting into empty back rows, cutting the post-trip walk with luggage down to a couple of minutes. If you’re flying out at 6 a.m., aim to hit the lot before 4:30 a.m. and you’ll keep your stress level in check.