Layover in St Louis (STL)
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About St Louis
The Gateway City of St. Louis is the epitome of the modern Midwestern metropolis. Missouri's second-largest city is vibrant but laid-back, populous but navigable, historic but still relevant. The city's planners have created an aesthetically beautiful city, with plenty of green space amidst buildings both old and new, framed by the majestic Mississippi and Missouri rivers. And capping it all is the world's tallest man-made monument, the beautiful and iconic Gateway Arch.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 17m in the city | About 1h 42m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 17m in the city | About 3h 42m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 17m in the city | About 7h 42m in the city |
Getting into St Louis
About 34m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 21 km (13 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in St Louis?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into St Louis and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from STL to central St Louis?
Allow about 34m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 21 km (13 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to STL?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.