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Finding a rental car at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around Missouri with no booking fees. Hop on the free airport shuttle to the consolidated rental center, choose anything from a compact to an SUV and be on I-70 heading for downtown or the suburbs in minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 543844

St. Louis Lambert International Airport features a consolidated rental car facility that houses all major rental agencies. The facility is connected to the terminals via dedicated shuttle buses that operate continuously throughout the day.

Feature Details
Location Off-site, around 5 minutes by shuttle from terminals
Shuttle Service Free, continuous service from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Operating Hours Most major agencies: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily
Select providers: 24/7 service
Pickup Process Exit baggage claim, follow signs to rental car shuttles (red zone)
Return Process Follow airport signs for rental car return, then take shuttle to terminals
Agencies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at St. Louis Airport?

On average, car rentals at St Louis Airport cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs. nearby city locations with our search filters. Off-airport pickups can dodge the 11-12 % concession fee, but make sure the Uber/Metro ride there doesn't wipe out the savings.

  • Tweak your dates. Weekday returns and 5-7-day "weekly" rates at STL often cost less than a Fri-to-Sun weekend booking. Lock in a free-cancelable deal, then re-check prices as your trip gets closer.

  • Steer clear of surge dates like Cardinals home openers, big conventions and May graduations. Traveling in January, February or pre-Thanksgiving November usually means softer prices.

  • Add your spouse/partner for free – Missouri law waives the extra-driver fee that normally runs $10–15 a day.

  • Cheap gas is on Natural Bridge Rd and Lindbergh Blvd. Top off there to avoid the rental company's pricey refuel charge.

  • Join the agency's free loyalty program. You'll skip the Monday-morning counter line and sometimes score a surprise upgrade at no extra cost.

Parking Tips

Airport Parking Options:

  • Short-term spots are available in the airport garages
  • Long-term garage spots are available
  • Terminal 2 garage spots are available
  • Super Park Lot E is available for extended stays
  • Super Park Lot D is available for budget options

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35 mph on major city streets
  • Right turns are permitted on red after a full stop unless signage indicates otherwise
  • Hands-free law prohibits holding phones while driving
  • Move-over law requires changing lanes or slowing when passing emergency vehicles
  • School zones are usually 20 mph when in effect

Toll Roads:

  • No toll roads exist in the immediate St. Louis area
  • Crossing to Illinois via most bridges is free except for the private Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge
  • I-70 becomes a toll road in Illinois about 90 miles (145 km) east of St. Louis
Why rent a car in St. Louis

Get a car so you can get to:

  • Downtown St. Louis – Gateway Arch, City Museum, Busch Stadium

  • Forest Park – Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center

  • St. Charles – Main Street, Missouri Riverfront

  • Chesterfield – outlet malls, Butterfly House

  • Cahokia Mounds (Illinois) – UNESCO site, interpretive center

Driving Distances from St. Louis Airport

FAQs

How long does it take to pick up a rental car at STL? The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes during normal times and up to 45 minutes when it's busy. This includes the shuttle ride from the terminal to the rental building and your time at the counter.

Is it possible to return my rental car outside of business hours? Yes, most rental companies at STL let you return your car after hours using a key drop box. Just follow the return signs and park in the right spot. You should always ask how this works when you pick up your car.

Do I need to refill the gas tank before returning? Yes, most rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. You can find several gas stations on Natural Bridge Road near the airport. It's much cheaper to fill the tank yourself than to pay the rental company to do it.

Can I pick up at the airport and return to a different location? Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but the company usually charges a one-way fee of $50-$150 depending on where you return the car. Many companies let you return the car for free to other places in the St. Louis metro area.

Is there a difference in price between different rental agencies at STL? Yes, prices can be very different from company to company. Budget brands like Dollar and Thrifty often have lower prices, while premium brands like Hertz and National may give you better service and more cars to choose from.

What happens if my flight is delayed? The major rental companies at STL will hold your car if your flight is delayed. It's a good idea to give them your flight number when you book so they can track your flight.

Can I access the rental car facility using public transportation? You can only get to the rental car center on the special rental car shuttles from the terminals. The public MetroLink train does not go there.

Are child safety seats available for rent? Yes, you can rent child safety seats from all the major rental companies for about $10-$15 per day. You should reserve one ahead of time to make sure they have one for you, especially during busy travel times.