St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the largest airport in Missouri serving metro St. Louis. The airport connects mostly to domestic destinations, with international service including Frankfurt on Lufthansa and seasonal leisure routes like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Construction on a single modern terminal to replace the two existing ones is scheduled to begin soon, but until then, these tips will help you make the most of what’s here.
Tips to enjoy St. Louis airport terminals
St. Louis Airport has two terminals, connected through a free 24-hour shuttle. Terminal 1 handles most airlines like Delta and American, while Terminal 2 services Southwest and Lufthansa. Both terminals can get busy, but I find Terminal 2 extra uncomfortable at times due to how popular Southwest is.
Terminal 1 was last upgraded more than a decade ago and going through its ticketing area with restored vaulted ceilings and skylights is one of the things I enjoy about STL. Post-security, however, both terminals can feel cramped during peak times (think early mornings and afternoons). If you can, try to fly during off-peak hours when the airport is often surprisingly quiet.
If you’re stuck there during a rush, I’ve found that Vino Volo (near Gate A3 in Terminal 1 and Gate E18 in Terminal 2) is a decent escape. It’s a wine bar that doesn’t seem to get as crowded, maybe because St. Louis is such a beer town.
I usually travel just with a carry-on, but if you’re checking bags, expect more wait time, particularly at Terminal 2. It only has two baggage carousels for a whole lot of people. STL offers luggage carts, but unlike other airports around the world, this service is not free: it costs about the same as a latte in a major US city.
Car options at STL
Getting in and out of St. Louis Airport by car can be problematic at peak hours when the road layout creates congested lanes. Still, if I’m feeling particularly tired and need door-to-door service, I go for a ride app like Uber or Lyft. Cabs service STL as well, but I tend to use the apps more often for two reasons: comparable cost and convenience.
Outside of surge pricing, a ride app can cost the same or even cheaper than a cab. It’s also more convenient. At Terminal 1, cabs are located at Exit Door 14 to the Garage Yellow Level, while the ridesharing pick-up is curbside by Door 6 at the upper level. At Terminal 2, the cab stand is located across from Door 12 in the Terminal 2 Garage, while the ridesharing pick-up is curbside by Door 12 on the arrivals level.
If you’re planning to stay outside of major urban areas, renting a car might be a good option – after all, this is a city where everyone drives. The rental car center is off-site, but a free shuttle will take you there from either terminal. Just make sure to book your car in advance, because they can sell out fast.
Best way to get into the city
My favorite airport transport option is MetroLink, especially if you want to avoid rush hour traffic. MetroLink is a great (if underappreciated) St. Louis light rail system that has two lines, Blue and Red. You’ll use the Red Line, which connects the airport to famous St. Louis areas like Delmar Loop, Central West End and downtown.
Getting to the station is easy from both terminals. In Terminal 1, you’ll find it via Exit Door 1 on the Ticketing Level, east of all ticket counters. From Terminal 2, it’s a bit of a walk (you’ll go through Exit Door 12 and proceed through the parking garage). Just follow the blue MetroLink signs.
There is also bus service at STL. The Bus Port central hub, located a shuttle-ride away from both terminals, picks up Greyhound and MetroBus passengers. I wouldn’t waste my time on it as the MetroLink costs about the same as the MetroBus and is much easier to access.
Navigating security lines at STL
Going through security at STL can be a hit or miss. I make full use of my TSA pre-check status (there’s now an enrollment center at Terminal 2 through CLEAR), but even pre-check lines can take up to 30 minutes at peak times. Some days the security lines move fast, while others they can be painfully slow.
CLEAR is also an option at both terminals and can be a real time-saver. It uses biometrics to speed you through identity verification. It’s especially useful if you frequently travel internationally, since it’s available in some airports abroad.
Terminal 1 has a couple of quirks to watch out for. First, the security checkpoints are on the upper ticketing level. If you’re coming from the lower baggage claim area, look for the elevators up. Second, Concourses A and C aren’t connected post-security, so double-check your gate and use the correct checkpoint. The A gates are to the west (left when entering) and C gates are to the east (right).
Things to do at the airport
Local dining scene
Airport food is rarely great. Thankfully, STL has a number of decent options at each terminal that are local to the city. In my experience, Terminal 2 has better choices, including such St. Louis favorites like Three Kings Public House (at Gate E33) and Urban Chestnut brewery (by Gate E8).
A word of warning: many places close by 6 pm or after the last flight departs. If you don’t mind bar food, a few spots stay open till 10pm, including the NASCAR Drafthouse at Terminal 1 and Eighteen 76 at Terminal 2.
You can also find some local treats in the vending machines. I like getting a cup of chocolate frozen custard from Ted Drewes, a St. Louis institution, at either terminal. At Terminal 2, you can get a self-serve pizza at a kiosk from the St. Louis chain Crushed Red. The pizza itself is just ok, but it will do in a pinch.
Airport art
As an art fan, my favorite thing about STL is the airport art program. You’ll find pieces scattered throughout both terminals. One of my top picks is a tile mural called “Nucleic Life Formations” by Amy Cheng at the Terminal 1 MetroLink station. It’s another good reason to take the train.
Terminal 1 also has a small gallery space near Exit 11 on the arrivals level with rotating exhibits. Over in Terminal 2, there’s a row of big red rocking chairs. I’m still not sure if they’re art or just a comfy place to sit, but either way, I’m a fan.
Lounges at St. Louis airport
STL has one lounge in each terminal. In Terminal 1, you’ll find the American Airlines Admirals Club near the entrance to Concourse C. It’s open to members, certain premium cabin travelers and elite status holders. It also accepts day passes, which cost double the typical lounge fee.
I fly American a lot, but I’ve never sprung for the day pass here. The cost just doesn’t seem worth it to me. When I’m flying out of Terminal 1, I usually just time my arrival to minimize my wait at the gate.
Over in Terminal 2, Priority Pass members can use The Club STL (formerly the Wingtips lounge) at Gate E31. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a solid escape when the terminal is a zoo. Just be sure to check its hours before you go—it’s closed on Saturdays and is reserved for Lufthansa Business Class passengers on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
