Metered cabs line up outside both STL terminals
If your phone dies at 10:45 p.m. in Terminal 1, Airport Taxi is the low-brainpower move: walk out, get in, go. Taxis queue at marked stands outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and overhead signs inside the building just say “Taxis” instead of listing company names.
Count on about 20–30 minutes from STL to downtown by taxi when traffic on I‑70 behaves. Drivers also handle common routes like Clayton and Central West End all day, so you usually don’t need to spell out directions street by street.
Pricing is meter-based, and riders often report paying noticeably more than an UberX or Lyft for the same downtown trip. Some frequent flyers say they casually agree on an approximate total for “downtown” or “Clayton” before the ride just so any extra minutes at a red light don’t turn into an argument at drop-off.
One upside: several locals note that STL cab drivers tend to know obscure suburban addresses in places like Overland or Florissant better than rideshare drivers. If you’re headed to a small apartment complex, older motel, or a relative’s place in the county, a taxi can save a lot of map explanations.
How to use Airport Taxi step by step
- 1. After landing in Terminal 1 or 2, follow overhead signs for “Baggage Claim” and then “Ground Transportation.”
- 2. Look for the white “Taxis” signs pointing toward the curb; you do not need to call ahead.
- 3. Join the taxi line at the marked stand; an attendant is sometimes present at busier times like 5–8 p.m.
- 4. Before you put bags in the trunk, confirm the driver can take card vs. cash and ask for a rough price to your destination (for example “downtown” or “Clayton”).
- 5. During the ride, watch the meter and check that any airport surcharge or tolls are either on the meter or clearly explained.
- 6. On arrival, pay and get a paper or text receipt that shows the taxi number plus the fare, helpful if you later need to report lost items.
Watch out for
Reviews mention older vehicles and higher fares than rideshare, plus occasional “card machine is broken” claims at drop-off. To avoid drama, carry at least $40–$60 in cash for a downtown or Clayton run, confirm payment method before you shut the door, and snap a quick photo of the cab number when you get in.