Getting Around St. Louis
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Planning to fly into St. Louis? You’ll be using the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) - the main gateway to the city and one of the busiest airports in the Midwest. Conveniently located about 13 miles northwest of downtown, it’s easy to reach by car or train and well-equipped for business and group travelers.
The airport is known for its smooth travel experience and modern facilities. After a $70 million renovation, Terminal 1 now features larger security areas, clean restrooms, local-style dining, and bright, traveler-friendly spaces. Whether you’re here for a meeting or a big event, you’ll find plenty of options to relax or grab a quick bite before heading downtown.
Key Highlights and Tips
Location: Just 20–25 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Airlines: Served by major carriers like American, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, and Air Canada.
Destinations: Over 60 nonstop national and international routes.
Parking: Two garages plus six surface parking lots for short- and long-term stays. Free shuttles connect all lots to the terminals.
Public Transport: MetroLink light rail connects both terminals to downtown and attractions like the Gateway Arch. A two-hour pass costs about $4.
Dining: Local favorites such as Mike Shannon’s Grill, Schlafly’s Bar & Grill, and Eighteen-76 by Anheuser Busch.
Event Planner Tip: For groups, consider arranging private shuttles or pre-booking parking for smooth arrivals and departures.
The airport is known for its smooth travel experience and modern facilities. After a $70 million renovation, Terminal 1 now features larger security areas, clean restrooms, local-style dining, and bright, traveler-friendly spaces. Whether you’re here for a meeting or a big event, you’ll find plenty of options to relax or grab a quick bite before heading downtown.
Key Highlights and Tips
Location: Just 20–25 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Airlines: Served by major carriers like American, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, and Air Canada.
Destinations: Over 60 nonstop national and international routes.
Parking: Two garages plus six surface parking lots for short- and long-term stays. Free shuttles connect all lots to the terminals.
Public Transport: MetroLink light rail connects both terminals to downtown and attractions like the Gateway Arch. A two-hour pass costs about $4.
Dining: Local favorites such as Mike Shannon’s Grill, Schlafly’s Bar & Grill, and Eighteen-76 by Anheuser Busch.
Event Planner Tip: For groups, consider arranging private shuttles or pre-booking parking for smooth arrivals and departures.
St. Louis by Train
If you prefer traveling by train, St. Louis has excellent Amtrak service. The Gateway Transportation Center downtown is the city’s main train hub - modern, clean, and close to hotels and convention venues. There’s also a smaller Amtrak station in the suburb of Kirkwood for travelers west of the city.
For event planners, rail travel is a great eco-friendly choice for attendees coming from nearby cities like Chicago or Kansas City. It’s comfortable, affordable, and brings passengers right into the heart of St. Louis.
Quick Facts and Tips
Main Station: Gateway Transportation Center, South 15th Street, downtown St. Louis.
Suburban Stop: Kirkwood Station, around 15 miles from downtown.
Service: Daily trains connect St. Louis to major Midwest cities.
Best For: Group travel and out-of-town event guests coming from nearby states.
More Info: Visit the official Amtrak site for schedules and bookings.
For event planners, rail travel is a great eco-friendly choice for attendees coming from nearby cities like Chicago or Kansas City. It’s comfortable, affordable, and brings passengers right into the heart of St. Louis.
Quick Facts and Tips
Main Station: Gateway Transportation Center, South 15th Street, downtown St. Louis.
Suburban Stop: Kirkwood Station, around 15 miles from downtown.
Service: Daily trains connect St. Louis to major Midwest cities.
Best For: Group travel and out-of-town event guests coming from nearby states.
More Info: Visit the official Amtrak site for schedules and bookings.
St. Louis Ground Transportation
Getting around St. Louis is easy and affordable, whether you’re exploring the city or heading to an event venue. From public transit to private cars, there’s a range of reliable options for every budget.
Metro Transit
St. Louis has a well-connected public system with MetroBus and MetroLink (light rail).
MetroLink: 46 miles of rail with 38 stations linking the airport to downtown, Clayton, Forest Park, Busch Stadium, and even Scott Air Force Base.
MetroBus: Covers over 60 routes across Missouri and Illinois.
Fares: MetroLink rides cost $2.50; MetroBus rides cost $1. Day Passes for unlimited travel are $5 and can be purchased using the Transit app - perfect for busy event days.
Rental Cars
If you need flexibility, major car rental services like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty operate from the airport. Courtesy shuttles take you from the terminal to the rental lots.
Taxis, Vans & Limousines
Uniformed taxis are available at the airport, major hotels, and event venues. The St. Louis Metropolitan Taxicab Commission ensures safe and reliable standards. Limo services also cater to corporate travelers and event groups looking for premium transport.
Ride-Sharing Options
Uber and Lyft are widely available. Popular event sites like Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, and Chaifetz Arena have dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones.
Event Planner Tip: For large groups, book transportation in advance - especially during local events, baseball games, or conventions when demand spikes.
Metro Transit
St. Louis has a well-connected public system with MetroBus and MetroLink (light rail).
MetroLink: 46 miles of rail with 38 stations linking the airport to downtown, Clayton, Forest Park, Busch Stadium, and even Scott Air Force Base.
MetroBus: Covers over 60 routes across Missouri and Illinois.
Fares: MetroLink rides cost $2.50; MetroBus rides cost $1. Day Passes for unlimited travel are $5 and can be purchased using the Transit app - perfect for busy event days.
Rental Cars
If you need flexibility, major car rental services like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty operate from the airport. Courtesy shuttles take you from the terminal to the rental lots.
Taxis, Vans & Limousines
Uniformed taxis are available at the airport, major hotels, and event venues. The St. Louis Metropolitan Taxicab Commission ensures safe and reliable standards. Limo services also cater to corporate travelers and event groups looking for premium transport.
Ride-Sharing Options
Uber and Lyft are widely available. Popular event sites like Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, and Chaifetz Arena have dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones.
Event Planner Tip: For large groups, book transportation in advance - especially during local events, baseball games, or conventions when demand spikes.
