How much is a taxi from STL to downtown St. Louis?

Taxi fares: about $45–$60. The ride takes 20–35 min depending on traffic.

How far is STL from downtown St. Louis?

About 14 miles, or 20–35 min by taxi.

Which airlines fly from STL?

Airlines at STL include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Icelandair and Lufthansa. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave STL on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown St. Louis, an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at STL?

American Admirals Club (Terminal 1); Wingtips lounge (Terminal 2, pay-in).

How long do I need to connect at STL?

We recommend at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our STL connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at STL?

Economy lots with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at STL?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection. International arrivals are processed in Terminal 2.

How do I find cheap flights from St. Louis?

Add STL as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from St. Louis drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

St. Louis · airport guide

St. Louis Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at STL?

Yes. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 aren't connected inside security. You ride the free terminal shuttle bus or the MetroLink Red Line (free between the two terminals) and go through TSA again. Southwest flies from Terminal 2, so most Southwest connections stay put.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport has Terminal 1 (Concourses A and C) and Terminal 2 (Concourse E). The quickest way from STL to downtown St. Louis is the MetroLink Red Line (about 40 minutes, about $2.50–$4).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown St. Louis

40 min

MetroLink Red Line, about $2.50–$4

Taxi

20–35 min

about $45–$60

Connecting here

50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from STL to downtown St. Louis is the MetroLink Red Line (about 40 minutes, about $2.50–$4). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Southwest, American, Delta, United and Alaska.

Terminals: Terminal 1 (Concourses A and C) and Terminal 2 (Concourse E)
Taxi: 20–35 min, about $45–$60
Distance: About 14 miles to downtown St. Louis
Connecting: At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: American Admirals Club (Terminal 1); Wingtips lounge (Terminal 2, pay-in)

Getting from STL to downtown St. Louis

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

MetroLink Red Lineto downtown St. Louisabout 40 minabout $2.50–$4
Taxi or rideshare20–35 minabout $45–$60

Inside STL

Terminals and connections

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 aren't connected inside security. You ride the free terminal shuttle bus or the MetroLink Red Line (free between the two terminals) and go through TSA again. Southwest flies from Terminal 2, so most Southwest connections stay put.

How long a layover you need at STL

Lounges

•American Admirals Club (Terminal 1)
•Wingtips lounge (Terminal 2, pay-in)

Sleep, showers and hotels

•No hotel inside the terminals

Parking at STL

•Economy lots with shuttles, the cheapest
•Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 garages

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check STL's official site.

STL tips

•Southwest-to-Southwest connections stay in Terminal 2 and don't need another security check.

Can you leave STL on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown St. Louis and back, the fastest way40 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at STL

Major airlines that fly from STL (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Sun Country Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 11 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Icelandair Carry-on 55 × 40 × 20 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees

STL airport FAQ

The quickest option is the MetroLink Red Line to downtown St. Louis: about 40 minutes for about $2.50–$4. A taxi takes 20–35 min (about $45–$60).

Cheap flights from St. Louis (STL)The latest fare drops we've found from STL.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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