There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in St. Louis into a quick city adventure. From STL, the MetroLink can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave STL:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to St. Louis takes about 60 minutes by MetroLink. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
The Best Way Into St. Louis from STL
You have two main options for getting from St Louis Lambert International Airport into town:
- MetroLink: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
What’s Worth Seeing in St. Louis
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In St. Louis, two standouts are:
- Forest Park & St. Louis Art Museum — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Delmar Loop Exploration — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside STL — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Wingtips Lounge
- STL Airport Art Program
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Pappy’s Smokehouse and Charlie Gitto’s are both worth a visit if you’re exploring St. Louis.
- At the airport: Mike Shannon’s Grill and California Pizza Kitchen will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into St. Louis might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at St Louis Lambert International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at STL may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in St. Louis’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and STL is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into St. Louis and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Need a Nap? Options at STL
Long overnight layover? Your options at STL include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in St. Louis exploring the streets or relaxing at STL, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.