STL Airport Insights & Guide
Key STL Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know STL Airport
Welcome to our Lambert St Louis Airport Online Guide. Serving as the primary airport for the St. Louis, Missouri area, STL is a bustling hub known for its efficient service and welcoming atmosphere. The airport boasts a unique feature in its historical Terminal 1 building, which was designed by the renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki and is considered a classic example of the midcentury modern architectural style. This guide aims to assist you in seamlessly navigating through STL Airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. For more information on other airports you might be traveling to or from, consider exploring our worldwide airport guide.
WATCH VIDEO: Experience the arrivals at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) with a tour featuring a United Airlines flight from Chicago O'Hare:
Airport News
Lambert St Louis Airport (STL) is undergoing significant changes to enhance the travel experience for passengers. A major single-terminal makeover is in the works, aimed at modernizing the airport's infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, a new airline has commenced operations at STL, offering more flight options and enhancing connectivity for travelers. These developments are set to significantly improve the overall passenger experience at Lambert St Louis Airport. (sources: KSDK, KSDK)
Navigating STL's Terminals
STL Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 22 gates and is used by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Terminal 2 has 14 gates and is used by Southwest Airlines.
When arriving at the airport, check your airline and flight information to determine which terminal you will need to go to. Once you have arrived at your designated terminal, look for signs and screens displaying gate information to locate your departure gate. If you need assistance, airport staff members are available throughout the terminals to help guide you.
Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, as well as retail shops and services such as currency exchange and ATMs. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Passengers at the airport can easily transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 using the complimentary shuttle service that runs every 8-15 minutes. The shuttle bus service is available 24/7 and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to travel between the terminals. Alternatively, passengers can choose to walk between the terminals via the pedestrian walkway that connects the two terminals, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Passengers can also use the MetroLink light rail system to travel between the airport terminals and other destinations in the St Louis area. The MetroLink station is located near Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and trains run every 12-20 minutes.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Lambert St Louis Airport (STL) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from STL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Lambert has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and serves most major airlines, including American, Delta, and United. Terminal 2 is primarily used by Southwest Airlines. If you’re connecting between terminals, make sure to use the free shuttle service." — Mark S., Clayton, MO, August 2023
"The signage at STL is pretty clear, but if you ever feel lost, the information desks are very helpful. They’re located near the security checkpoints in both terminals." — Emily J., Kirkwood, MO, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The MetroLink light rail is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to downtown St. Louis from the airport. It runs directly from both terminals and takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center." — John D., Florissant, MO, September 2023
"If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, the pickup points are well-marked and easy to find. Just follow the signs from baggage claim. During peak hours, it might be quicker to use the ride-share apps to avoid long taxi lines." — Lisa M., University City, MO, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, the Lot D and Lot E are the most economical options. They’re a bit farther from the terminals, but the shuttle service is frequent and reliable." — Robert K., Chesterfield, MO, November 2023
"If you’re just picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Lot. It’s free and you can wait there until your passenger is ready for pickup. It’s much less stressful than circling the terminals." — Anna T., Maryland Heights, MO, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"There are some great dining options in both terminals. If you’re in Terminal 1, check out the Schlafly Beer Bar & Grill for some local brews and good food. Terminal 2 has a great BBQ spot called The Pasta House Co." — Michael B., St. Charles, MO, January 2024
"For last-minute shopping, the Hudson News stores are well-stocked with travel essentials and local souvenirs. They’re conveniently located near the gates in both terminals." — Karen W., Ballwin, MO, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Security lines at STL can get long, especially during peak travel times. I highly recommend enrolling in TSA PreCheck to speed up the process. The PreCheck lanes are available in both terminals." — David L., O'Fallon, MO, March 2024
"If you have a long layover, the USO Lounge in Terminal 1 is a great place to relax. It’s free for military personnel and their families, and offers comfortable seating, snacks, and Wi-Fi." — Jessica H., St. Peters, MO, April 2024
iFly Tip: Prepare for your trip with expert advice from our baggage guide.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at Lambert St Louis Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited at the airport. This means that drivers cannot wait or park their vehicles at the airport's curbside to pick up or drop off passengers. Instead, there are designated areas for this purpose.
For those picking up passengers, the airport has a cell-phone waiting area where drivers can park and wait for their passengers to arrive. This area is located near both terminals and is free to use. Once the passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call the driver to let them know they are ready to be picked up. The driver can then proceed to the terminal's designated pick-up area to collect their passenger.
For those dropping off passengers, there are designated drop-off areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These areas are located near the entrances to the terminals and are clearly marked. Drivers can drop off their passengers and their luggage at these areas before proceeding to the airport's parking facilities.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of St. Louis Airport, you'll find plenty of parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers several parking lots and garages, including Terminal 1 Garage, Terminal 2 Garage, and Parking Lots A, B, C, D, and E. All parking facilities are located within walking distance of the airport terminals, making it easy to get to your gate quickly.
If you're picking up passengers, you can wait for them in the cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport. This area is free to use and allows you to wait for up to 45 minutes without having to pay for parking.
For those who require handicapped parking, designated spaces are available in all parking facilities. If you need assistance getting to or from your car, shuttle service is available upon request.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots typically offer lower rates than on-airport parking and may provide shuttle service to and from the airport. Be sure to check the lot's distance from the airport and shuttle frequency before booking.
Get details about STL parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
STL offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. One of the most popular options is car rental. There are several major car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. These companies offer a wide range of vehicles to suit any traveler's needs.
If you prefer to take a taxi, there are several taxi companies that service the airport. Taxis are available at the terminal curbside, and drop-off areas are located outside of each terminal. Fares vary depending on your destination, but a trip to downtown St Louis typically costs around $40.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of each terminal, and fares are based on distance and time traveled. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.
Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and nearby hotels. Pickup areas are located outside of each terminal, and fares vary depending on your destination.
If you prefer to use public transportation, the MetroLink light rail system provides service to the airport. The MetroLink station is located near Terminal 1, and trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours. Fares are based on distance traveled, and a one-way trip to downtown St Louis costs $2.50.
iFly Tip: Learn how to breeze through security by avoiding frequent errors.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient stay near the airport? We've got you covered with a curated list of the best hotels that not only provide easy access to the airport but also ensure a comfortable stay with a range of amenities. Whether you're looking for a hotel that provides a complimentary airport shuttle service, boasts a fully-equipped fitness center, or offers stunning views from floor-to-ceiling windows, we have options for you. Explore our list of the best hotels including options like the Drury Inn & Suites, the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, and many more. To view all options, click on St. Louis Lambert Airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Are you looking for a quick bite or a last-minute gift before your flight? Lambert Airport has got you covered with a variety of dining and shopping options. Some of the popular restaurants include Pasta House, Schlafly Tap Room, and Starbucks, while the shops range from Hudson News to Tech on the Go. These are just a few examples of what you can expect at the airport. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.
Passenger Services
If you're traveling through STL Airport, you'll be pleased to know that the airport offers a variety of passenger services to make your journey as smooth as possible.
For those who need to stay connected, the airport provides free wifi access throughout the terminals. If you happen to misplace an item during your travels, the lost and found department is located in Terminal 1 near baggage claim.
If you're traveling with children, there are designated play areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to keep your little ones entertained. For passengers with special needs, the airport offers a range of services including accessible restrooms, wheelchair assistance, and designated parking spaces.
For those who need to take care of banking needs, there are ATMs located throughout the airport in both terminals. If you require medical assistance, there is a medical clinic located in Terminal 1 near baggage claim.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight to avoid any inconvenience or delays. At the airport, passengers can easily check their flight status by using various methods.
One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps, which allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, and emails about any changes to their flight status.
Another way to stay updated on flight status is by visiting the airline's website and checking the flight status page. This page provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Lambert Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Discover how airline hubs support airline cargo and passenger operations.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Lambert St Louis Airport (STL) is located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
- Terminals: The airport features two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by a shuttle service.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. For a list of all airlines, check out the STL Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Lambert St Louis Airport handles approximately 25,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 250 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from STL are Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Phoenix.
- Hub Status: Lambert St Louis Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines and Air Choice One, and it is also a focus city for American Airlines.
Airport History
Lambert St. Louis Airport, also known as STL, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1920: The airport was established as Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field, named after Albert Bond Lambert, a prominent St. Louis aviator and businessman.
- 1923: The first passenger terminal was built, and regular passenger service began.
- 1933: The airport was renamed Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport.
- 1950s: The airport underwent major expansion and modernization, including the construction of new terminals and runways.
- 1973: The airport was renamed Lambert-St. Louis International Airport to reflect its growing international traffic.
- 1990s: The airport continued to expand and upgrade its facilities, including the addition of a new runway and the construction of a new terminal.
- 2001: The airport was temporarily closed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- 2010s: The airport underwent a major renovation and modernization project, including the construction of a new parking garage and the expansion of the main terminal.
- 2021: The airport was renamed to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, dropping the name of Albert Bond Lambert.
Today, St. Louis Lambert International Airport serves millions of passengers each year and continues to be an important hub for air travel in the Midwest.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about St. Louis Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: STL
- Airport Website
- Phone: (314) 426-8000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: St. Louis Lambert International Airport, 10701 Lambert International Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63145, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Lambert St Louis Airport Q&A
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