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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top brands in St. Louis with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. We scan deals at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, downtown and the suburbs so you can pick up where it works best. Book early for Cardinals game weekends and remember Missouri waives the spouse additional driver fee, which helps cut costs.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) | • Multiple major agencies on-site • 24-hour service at some counters • Convenient for air travelers • Shuttle service to rental facility |
• Higher rates due to airport fees (approximately 10-15%) • Located 14 miles (23 km) from downtown • Can be very busy during peak travel times |
| Downtown/City Locations | • Generally lower rates • Convenient if staying downtown • Walking distance from hotels and attractions • Multiple agency options |
• Limited hours (some closed on Sundays) • May have smaller vehicle selection • Parking challenges when returning vehicles |
| Suburban Locations | • Often lowest rates • Less congested • Convenient for suburban stays • Easy parking for pickup/return |
• Far from downtown attractions • Limited public transit access • May have restricted hours |
On average, car rentals in St Louis cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Shop locations, not just brands Compare airport, downtown and suburban branches. The airport tacks on about 10-15 % in surcharges, while a short Uber to a neighborhood counter can slash the daily rate.
Time your pickup Mid-week and off-event periods (avoid big conventions or Cardinals home games) often have lower prices than Friday afternoon or holiday weekends.
Stretch to a weekly deal If you need the car 5+ days, weekly rates in St. Louis regularly beat paying the daily rate.
Take the free extra driver Missouri law waives the spouse/partner fee, so skip paying $10-15 per day for a second driver.
Downtown Parking:
Popular Attractions:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Book a rental to easily:
Gateway Arch – downtown riverfront
Forest Park – Central West End
Historic St. Charles – 25 miles (40 km) northwest
Missouri wine country – Hermann and Augusta
Cahokia Mounds – Illinois side
Ozark state parks – I-44 corridor
Is a car necessary when visiting St. Louis?
It depends on what you plan to do. You can easily get to downtown attractions and the Central West End using the MetroLink and buses. But we recommend a car if you want to explore different neighborhoods, suburbs or attractions outside the city center.
What are the busiest traffic times in St. Louis?
You'll find the most traffic during weekday rush hours, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:30 PM. It gets heaviest on I-270, I-170, I-64/40 and I-44. Expect more traffic around Busch Stadium before and after Cardinals games too.
Is parking difficult to find in downtown St. Louis?
Finding a metered spot on the street can be tough during business hours and events, but you can find plenty of parking garages. You should expect to pay $10-20 for a full day of parking in most downtown garages.
What documents do I need to rent a car in St. Louis?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. You usually don't have to show proof of insurance. If you say no to the rental company's coverage, they may ask to see your personal policy. If you're visiting from another country, you need a valid passport and driver's license. We recommend getting an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English or uses a different alphabet.
How much should I budget for fuel?
Gas prices in St. Louis usually range from about $3.00 to $3.80 a gallon depending on the season. This is often close to the national average.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in St. Louis?
Like any large city, some neighborhoods have more crime than others. You should take normal safety steps, especially at night. Downtown and major tourist areas are generally safe, but you should always keep your valuables out of sight.
How does winter weather affect driving in St. Louis?
In the winter, snow and ice can sometimes make driving tricky. Crews clear the major roads quickly, but side streets might stay slick for longer. You might want to get a vehicle with all-wheel drive if you visit between December and February.
Can I find electric vehicle charging stations in St. Louis?
Yes, you can find a growing number of EV charging stations in the St. Louis area. Look for them at certain hotels, shopping centers and public parking lots. Some of the major charging networks are ChargePoint and Tesla Superchargers.
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