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STL

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

St. Louis, Missouri 5 terminals Updated Oct. 15, 2026

STL to Downtown St. Louis: MetroLink, Uber, Taxi and Shuttle

Downtown St. Louis is about 15 miles from STL by road. MetroLink light rail ($2.50 rail cash base fare) is the cheap route, but the Terminal 1 station closed October 12 and the Terminal 2 station closes November 2, both until about mid-December. Check Metro's latest status first, and have a backup: a taxi, Uber or Lyft, or a prearranged car service.

Your options at a glance

Getting from STL to downtown St. Louis

Downtown St. Louis is about 15 miles from the airport by road, roughly 26 minutes without traffic. MetroLink light rail is the cheapest option, but both airport stations are closing this fall (see below). Taxis, Uber and Lyft, and prearranged car services fill in.

The airport does not publish a taxi or rideshare fare to downtown, so we do not quote one. Use the app for an upfront rideshare price.

Where the MetroLink stations are

  • Terminal 1: Exit Door 1 on the Ticketing Level, east of all ticket counters.
  • Terminal 2: Exit Door 12, through the parking garage. The platform is just south of the T2 garage, reached from either garage level.

Elevators are available at both platforms.

Getting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

There is no walking route between the terminals. The airport's free shuttle runs 24 hours a day between Exit 12 at Terminal 1 and Door 10 at Terminal 2. It takes about 10 minutes and leaves every 8 to 15 minutes. If it is late, call (314) 890-2880. Every shuttle has a wheelchair lift.

Uber and Lyft pickup

Uber and Lyft operate at STL, and reservations must be made online. Pickup zones:

  • Terminal 1: Door 6 of the Departure Level.
  • Terminal 2: Door 12 of the Arrivals Level.

The airport does not post a downtown fare or surge info. Check the app.

Taxis

Taxi zones are at T1 Door 14 to Garage Yellow Level, and at T2 across from Door 12 in the T2 Garage. Each taxi adds an airport use fee of $4 per pickup. The exact fare depends on your destination, and the airport does not list a downtown price.

Taxis are regulated by the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission. Complaints: 314-535-7700 or complaint@stl-taxi.com.

Car services, limos and shuttles

The airport lists nine prearranged car services: Best Transportation (314-989-1500), Elite Transportation (314-274-6317), Excel Transportation (618-251-9410), Jed Limousine Service (314-429-2200), MO-X (573-256-1991), NAS Luxury Transportation Services (636-627-9607), Premium Transportation Services (314-750-1177), STL Shuttle Service (314-450-6453) and XL Transportation (314-485-1145). Call for rates and book ahead.

Bus: MetroBus and Greyhound

MetroBus fares are $1.00 cash, or $0.50 with a Reduced Fare Permit. A one-day pass for bus or rail is $5.00.

The Bus Port is just south of Terminal 1 on Lambert International Boulevard, and it is the Greyhound pickup. Take the terminal shuttle from T1 Door 12 or T2 Door 10, or use the tunnel on the yellow level of the T1 garage outside exit 16. Metro's pages do not list which MetroBus routes stop at the Bus Port, so use Metro's Trip Planner at metrostlouis.org/planner or call 314-231-2345.

Driving to downtown

Lambert International Boulevard connects both terminals and runs alongside I-70. The airport's directions use Exit 235C/Cypress Road (eastbound I-70) and Exit 238A (westbound I-70) to reach T1 or T2. The airport does not publish a driving route to downtown beyond that, so use your map app. If you are picking someone up, free cell phone lots are at 10985 Lambert International Blvd (T1) and 9837 Air Cargo Road (T2).

Questions travelers ask

How do I get from STL to downtown St. Louis?

MetroLink light rail normally serves both terminals, but the T1 station is closed from October 12 and the T2 station closes November 2, both until about mid-December. Taxis, Uber and Lyft, and prearranged car services are the other options. Downtown is about 15 miles by road.

Is MetroLink running to the airport right now?

Partly. The T1 station has been closed since Monday, October 12. Until Monday, November 2, a shuttle train runs between North Hanley and Terminal 2, and the T2 station stays open. The T2 station then closes until about mid-December. Check metrostlouis.org before you travel.

How much does MetroLink cost from the airport?

Metro lists a rail cash base fare of $2.50 ($1.25 reduced) and a one-day pass for bus or rail at $5.00. An advance fare is required. Buy at the station ticket machines or in the Transit app.

How long does it take to get from STL to downtown?

By road it is about 15 miles, around 26 minutes without traffic. The airport does not publish MetroLink ride times, so check the Transit app.

Where do I get an Uber or Lyft at STL?

At Terminal 1, use Door 6 of the Departure Level. At Terminal 2, use Door 12 of the Arrivals Level. Reservations must be made online.

Where is the taxi stand at STL?

Terminal 1: Door 14 to Garage Yellow Level. Terminal 2: across from Door 12 in the T2 Garage. Taxis add a $4 airport use fee per pickup.

How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

Use the free shuttle between T1 Exit 12 and T2 Door 10. It runs 24 hours, every 8 to 15 minutes, and takes about 10 minutes. You cannot walk between terminals.

Is there a Greyhound bus at STL?

Yes, the Bus Port just south of Terminal 1 is the Greyhound pickup. Ride the terminal shuttle from T1 Door 12 or T2 Door 10.

How do I get to STL by MetroLink after November 2?

Metro has not published a plan yet. It says it will share how riders can connect closer to the closure. Both airport stations are expected to reopen in mid-December. Call 314-231-2345 or check metrostlouis.org.

Is there a reduced MetroLink or MetroBus fare?

Yes. With a Metro Reduced Fare Permit, cash fares are $0.50 on the bus and $1.25 on rail. Children 5 to 12 pay half fare and children 4 and younger ride free.

More at STL

ParkingOfficial lots, cheaper off-site options and where to wait for pickups. HotelsHotels at and near the airport, shuttles and sleeping in the terminal. LoungesWhich lounge is in your terminal and how to get in without status. SecurityWait times by terminal, fast lanes and what to have ready. FoodBest bites terminal by terminal, before or after security. Lost and foundWho to contact: your airline, the terminal or the airport. Car rentalWhere the rental counters are and how to reach them. WifiHow to connect, charging spots and an eSIM if you land abroad.

Sources and last check

Checked by our team on Oct. 15, 2026 against these official sources: