Transport Overview
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is about 15 miles from downtown St. Louis. Typical trips take 20–31 minutes in normal traffic. Ground transportation options include Taxi, Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft), Train/Metro (MetroLink), Public Bus, Shuttle services, and Rental Cars.
Quick Comparison
- Train/Metro: MetroLink Red Line from LAMBERT AIRPORT TERMINAL #1 to downtown (e.g., Civic Center) in about 31 minutes. Roughly hourly service; about $3 one-way (buy via the Transit app).
- Public Bus: MetroBus departs from the airport Bus Port and connects into the Metro system (routes vary; transfers to MetroLink are common). Greyhound/Burlington Trailways offers a once-daily direct bus to the downtown area (~20 minutes) typically $20–$40; reliable but limited by schedule.
- Taxi: Curbside taxi stands at the terminals; expect about $45 to downtown (plus a $4 pickup fee), ~20 minutes off-peak.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft are widely available with designated curbside pickup areas by terminal; pricing varies by demand and time of day.
- Shuttles: Shared and private rides to hotels/attractions (e.g., GO Airport Shuttle, SuperShuttle, Prime Time Shuttle). Shared rides can be around $15 one-way / $25 round-trip (private costs more).
- Rental cars: On-airport rentals (with shuttles to/from terminals) include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty; drive downtown via I-70 E (~20 minutes).
Traveler-Specific Recommendations
- Families with luggage: Choose a shuttle van, taxi, or Uber/Lyft XL; confirm car seat needs in advance.
- Business travelers: For predictable timing, MetroLink works well to downtown stations; for door-to-door service, book a private shuttle/black car (often more professional and direct).
- Budget travelers: MetroLink is usually the cheapest (~$3); MetroBus can also be economical if your destination is better served by bus.
- Travelers with disabilities: MetroLink is designed for accessible boarding; request accessible taxis or accessible shuttle vehicles when booking.
- Groups: Shared shuttles reduce per-person cost; larger parties should price a private van/SUV versus multiple rideshares.
Practical Transport Info
Follow signs for Ground Transportation and the Bus Port for public buses; taxis and rideshares use designated curb areas near terminal exits. Pay with cards or cash for taxis/shuttles (varies by provider); MetroLink tickets can be purchased via the Transit app. Use the Transit app and Metro tools for real-time arrivals. Tipping: plan on 15–20% for taxis/rideshares; shuttle tips are customary, especially with luggage help.
Timing Considerations
For late-night arrivals, taxis, rideshares, and some pre-booked shuttles are the most dependable. MetroLink typically runs from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., so very early or very late trips may require a car service. Rush hour can push driving times beyond 20 minutes; weekends/holidays can bring reduced public-transit frequency and limited intercity bus departures.
Getting into St. Louis
For downtown (Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, convention hotels), MetroLink or a direct car service is simplest. For suburbs or destinations not near rail, rideshare/taxi or a rental car is usually best. Many hotels do not run constant airport shuttles, so check your property and consider round-trip shuttle booking if you want a fixed price and guaranteed pickup.