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St. Louis Lambert International Airport [STL] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 10, 2021   |    10

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) served nearly 15.9 million passengers in 2019, making it the fifth consecutive year for passenger growth.

Southwest Airlines is the most dominant carrier at STL, accounting for 59% of the airport’s annual passenger traffic. STL’s flights are mostly domestic, flying to 64 destinations in the U.S. and 7 internationally.

Quick Info

Airport: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Terminals: 2 terminals — 1 and 2
Airport Address: 10701 Lambert International Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63145
Distance From Downtown St. Louis: 14 miles (22 km)
Website: flystl.com
Phone Number: 314-890-1333
Passengers Served: 15.9 million annually
Daily Departures: 257
Destinations: 64 domestic and 7 international
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From STL

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

STL Airport Terminals

STL consists of 2 terminals located about half a mile from each other, with both accessible from I-70.

Terminals 1 and 2 at STL are connected, however, passengers may not walk between the terminals as they are connected via a disused concourse. Both terminals have individual parking facilities and a cell phone waiting lot.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the larger of the 2 terminals and operates domestic flights only. The main terminal building has 2 levels — the lower level is served by Arrivals Drive and has baggage claim, some shops and cafes, and access to the concourses via their security checkpoints.

The upper level is served by Departures Drive and has the airline ticketing counters and access to the MetroLink station via exit 1.

Concourse A

Concourse A is at the northwest end of the terminal, accessible from the lower level via a security checkpoint at the entrance. Concourse A has 15 gates numbered A2-A4, A6, A8-A10, A12, A14-A19, and A21.

Flights are operated by Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and the concourse has a few shops and a good selection of restaurants and cafes.

Concourse C

Concourse C has 20 gates numbered C1-C3, C5-C10, C12, C15-C19, C21, C23, C24, C27, and C28 and is located at the southeast end of Terminal 1.

Flights are operated by Air Choice One, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cape Air, and Frontier Airlines.

Concourse C has a good selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and there is an Admirals Club located just after the security checkpoint.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 operates flights by Southwest Airlines and any international arrivals, as the terminal has customs and immigration facilities.

The terminal is located at the southern end of the airport and consists of 2 levels. International arrivals is on the lower level with baggage claim and access to Arrivals Drive.

Southwest Airlines’ ticketing counters are located on the upper level along with access to 2 security checkpoints to pass into Concourse E.

Concourse E

Concourse E has 19 gates numbered E2, E4, E6, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, E22, E24, E29, E31, E33, E34, E36, E38, and E40. There’s a small selection of shops and lots of restaurants and cafes.

Inter-Terminal Transport

STL has a courtesy shuttle bus that runs between Terminals 1 and 2. Buses operate every 8-15 minutes from exit 12 at both terminals, and the journey takes around 10 minutes.

At Terminal 1, the security checkpoints are located at the entrances of Concourses A and B, so it is not possible to walk between the 2 without leaving the secure area.

Cape Air and Air Choice One provide limited shuttle services between concourses and terminals for carry-on-only passengers, or passengers that have had their luggage checked to their final destination.

Passengers that require transportation from Concourse A to Air Choice One’s gate at Concourse C must call 314-856-2424 for pick up. Passengers traveling on Cape Air are advised to contact the airline for information about shuttle services.

Security and Customs at STL

STL has 3 security checkpoints — 2 in Terminal 1 and 1 in Terminal 2. The checkpoints are open during these hours:

• Terminal 1:
  • A gates: 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • C gates: 3:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Terminal 2:
  • E gates: 3:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

TSA PreCheck

STL has TSA PreCheck lanes at all 3 security checkpoints, and you can view the opening hours at the TSA website.

Conditionally approved applicants may complete their interview at the TSA Enrollment Center, located in Terminal 1, on the ticketing level. The office is near the MetroLink and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Global Entry Program

STL has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers.

STL has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Terminal 2, near entry 16, for conditionally approved applicants that need to complete an interview. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

STL Airport Lounges

Admirals Club

An Admirals Club is located at the entrance to Concourse C just after the security checkpoint. The lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and passengers may purchase a day pass for $59.

Wingtips Lounge

The Wingtips Lounge is located in Terminal 2 opposite gate E29 and is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A single visit pass can be purchased for $38 online or at the reception counter, and the lounge also allows access via the following partners:

• Diner’s Club
• LoungeBuddy
• Lounge Club
• LoungeKey
• Priority Pass

USO Lounges

The James S. McDonnell USO Lounge is located in Terminal 1 on the baggage claim level across from carousel 6. The lounge is open 24/7.

A USO satellite lounge is also available at Terminal 2 on the baggage claim level near exit 11 and is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both of the USO lounges are accessible to active military only and offer resting areas, TVs, and computer centers.

Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.

Hot Tip: To avoid paying lounge entry fees, check out the best credit cards that’ll give you access to airport lounges.

Priority Pass Access

In addition to accessing the Wingtips Lounge, passengers with Priority Pass can receive money off their bill at the following restaurants:

• The Pasta House, Terminal 1
• The Pasta House & Schlafly Beer, Terminal 2

Check out our Priority Pass guide for information on membership, or register for one of these credit cards that include Priority Pass access.

Dining and Drinks at STL

STL has 36 food and drink outlets, including cafes such as Starbucks and restaurants such as Chili’s. Terminal 1 has a reasonable selection pre-security, but Terminal 2 only has a Starbucks, so passengers can grab a bite once they’ve cleared security.

STL Wi-Fi and Charging Points

STL offers 60 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi, with additional time charged at $7.95 per day. For assistance with connectivity, passengers can contact Boingo at 800-880-4117.

Charging Stations: Charging points are located throughout the departure areas and include dedicated seating areas with built-in charging points near gates A9 and C9 and near the entrances to Concourses A and C.

STL Airport Lost and Found

If an item is lost at STL, passengers may contact the applicable department:

• Contact the relevant airline if an item is lost on an aircraft
• Contact TSA Lost and Found at 314-595-0423 if an item was lost at security
• Contact the St. Louis Airport Police Department at 314-890-1370 for items lost anywhere else in the airport

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Information booths are located in the Terminal 1 and 2 baggage claim areas or passengers may call 800-916-8938 on weekdays or 314-423-5855 on weekends for assistance.

Children’s Play Areas

STL has a children’s play area located in Concourse C near gate C3. The St. Louis International Play Port is a transportation-themed playground with a kid-sized air traffic control tower and airplane.

Baby Facilities

STL has a total of 3 lactation suites, with 1 located in each concourse. These are located near gates A10, C9, and E33.

Traveling With a Pet

There are pet relief areas pre- and post-security at STL. These are located at:

• Terminal 1:
  • Outside the terminal near exit 6
  • Concourse A: near gate A16
  • Concourse C: near gate C24
• Terminal 2:
  • Outside the terminal near exit 15
  • Concourse E: near gates E4 and E40

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted outside of the terminals. As there are no smoking areas inside the secure area, passengers must exit the terminal and re-clear security if they choose to smoke between connecting flights.

Money

ATMs are located in the ticketing area and the departure concourses.

Currency exchange services are available at Terminal 1, near the Concourse C security checkpoint. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is not available at STL. The only exception is for active military, with luggage storage available at the USO lounges.

Important STL Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 314-890-1333

Parking: 314-890-2800

Lost and Found: 314-890-1370 (St. Louis Airport Police Department)

Travel to and From STL

Transport Options

Bus

Local MetroBus and Greyhound services operate from the STL bus port located south of Terminal 1 on Lambert International Boulevard.

Train

The MetroLink Light Rail runs through St. Louis County in Missouri and Monroe County in Illinois. Terminals 1 and 2 at STL both have MetroLink stations served by the Red Line. At Terminal 1, the station is located at the east end of the ticketing counters, outside exit 1. At Terminal 2, the station is out of exit 12 through the parking garage.

Shuttles

Shared and private ride shuttles and limo services can be booked in advance or on arrival at the airport. STL recommends a list of shuttle companies.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside of both terminals. From Terminal 1, take exit door 14 to the yellow level of the garage, and at Terminal 2, taxis are available outside of exit door 12.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators Lyft and Uber operate from STL, and pick-up zones are located outside exit 6 on the ticketing level of Terminal 1 and outside exit 15 at Terminal 2.

Directions by Car to STL

Arriving From Downtown St. Louis

Take I-44 and continue onto I-70 W, then take exit 236 towards Lambert/St. Louis/Airport. Turn right onto Air Flight Drive for access to the terminals.

Arriving From Springfield

Take I-55 S until exit 20B to merge onto I-270 W towards Kansas City. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 26A for I-70 S towards Clayton/Airport. Take exit 7B to merge onto I-70 W towards Kansas City. Take exit 236 towards Lambert/St. Louis/Airport then turn right onto Air Flight Drive for access to the terminals.

STL Airport Parking Information

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Parking Garages

Both terminals have parking garages connected to them that are walking distance to the ticketing areas. Both parking lots are ideal for short-term parking and charge the following rates:

• 0-2 hours: $5
• 2-4 hours: $10
• 4-6 hours: $15
• 6-12 hours: $20
• 12-24 hours: $23

Parking Lots A and E

Parking lot A is connected to Terminal 1 via an adjoining tunnel, and parking lot E is within walking distance of Terminal 2. Both parking lots are useful for short- or long-term parking, are served by courtesy shuttle buses, and charge the following rates:

Lot A:

• 0-6 hours: $9
• 6-12 hours: $12
• 12-24 hours: $15

Lot E:

• 0-2 hours: $5
• 2-4 hours: $10
• 4-6 hours: $15
• 6-24 hours: $20

Parking Lots B, C, and D

Lots B, C, and D are located further from the terminals and offer cheaper rates for long-term parking. Passengers may ride the courtesy shuttle buses between the parking lots and the terminals. The parking lots charge the following rates:

Lot B:

• Weekends (0-24 hours): $7
• Weekdays (0-24 hours): $10

Lot C:

Covered parking:

• 0-6 hours: $6.50
• 6-12 hours: $8.50
• 12-24 hours: $11

Uncovered parking:

• 0-6 hours: $5.50
• 6-12 hours: $7.50
• 12-24 hours: $9

Lot D:

• 0-24 hours: $7

Hot Tip: Join the Superpark Frequent Parker Program and earn points towards free parking.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

STL has 2 cell phone waiting lots — 1 located near Terminal 2 and 1 between the B and D parking lots. Visitors may wait in their vehicles until the passenger is ready for pick-up from the arrivals area. The lots are located at:

• Terminal 1: 10985 Lambert International Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63044
• Terminal 2: 9837 Air Cargo Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots are available from $6.50 per day, so not that much cheaper than the airport’s lot D. Some external parking lots require a call for pick-up, so you could end up waiting a little longer than you would with the airport shuttle bus.

Accommodation and parking packages can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in every parking lot and can be found at:

• Terminal 1: rows G through L on each level
• Terminal 2: row C
• Lot A: row G north
• Lot B: row A2
• Lot C: C5
• Lot D: row 4
• Lot E: undisclosed

All official airport shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

Superpark: 314-890-2800

Car Rental at STL Airport

Rental car vehicles are located off-airport property, and customers must ride the courtesy shuttle buses from outside of exit 17 at Terminal 1 and outside of exit 12 at Terminal 2. Reservations can be made at the customer service counters located on the lower level of Terminal 1 between exit doors 12 and 17.

The following rental car companies are available:

Hot Tip: If you want to avoid paying unnecessary insurance fees with the rental car company, check out these credit cards that include car rental insurance coverage.

STL Airport Hotels

At STL, there are no hotels on airport property, but there’s a good selection of 2- and 3-star hotels located just across I-70. Although the hotels are just a short distance away, passengers must ride a courtesy hotel shuttle bus or take a cab due to the interstate that runs in between.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Marriott St. Louis Airport is a great option for Marriott loyalists who need to stay near STL. The hotel is equipped with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant that offers classic American cuisine and regional favorites. The hotel is a Category 3 Marriott property with award nights starting at 15,000 on off-peak nights, 17,500 on standard nights, and 20,000 on peak nights.

Half a mile from the St. Louis airport with a free transit shuttle, the Hilton St. Louis Airport is an excellent hotel option. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and an executive lounge for Hilton Diamond members. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect award nights at the hotel to cost around 30,000 points per night.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis Airport, geared towards business travelers, offers 15 meeting rooms and over 13,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel’s other amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an airport shuttle. Like Hilton, IHG no longer offers an award chart, but you can expect award nights to cost between 12,500 and 25,000 points per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points, IHG Rewards points, or Marriott points.

Final Thoughts

STL is one of the oldest municipal airports in the U.S., having been established in 1920. Although the airport has a long-standing history, it also has had a long-standing decline in passenger traffic for almost 2 decades, so it’s good to see some growth over the last 5 years.

With its own MetroLink light rail stations, STL has good transit links to St. Louis and Monroe County in Illinois. Despite the ease of getting to and from the city, STL ranked 19th in the Wall Street Journal survey for the 20 midsize U.S. airports. The airport ranked poorly for its average domestic fares and the cost of an Uber to the city center. It ranked slightly better for its on-time arrival average (8 of 20) and its TSA waiting time (6 of 20).