St. Louis Layover Guide
St. Louis is a vibrant Midwestern city known for the iconic Gateway Arch, rich history, and excellent food scene. Whether you have a short 2-hour connection or a longer 8-hour layover, you can experience some of what makes St. Louis special. This guide covers your options at XLS airport and in the city.
Before You Leave
- Visa: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality and destination requirements
- Language: English is the primary language
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Time: Central Time (CT)
- Transit Planning: Always factor in immigration + security time. For international connections, budget at least 1 hour for immigration and 2-3 hours to return to the airport before departure
Getting to St. Louis City
XLS airport is located about 10 miles south of downtown St. Louis. For specific transit options, check the St. Louis Lambert International Airport website.
General transit options include:
- Ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft) – fastest option for solo travelers and small groups
- Rental car – if you want flexibility to explore multiple areas
- Public transportation – check airport website for current bus/metro options
- Taxi – available at ground transportation level
Pro tip: Groups should add 15-30 minutes to all time estimates – groups move slower through security and transit.
What to Do During Your Layover
At XLS Airport
While specific amenities data isn’t available, most major airports offer:
- Dining and food courts (note: airport food is 2-3x city prices)
- Retail shops and bookstores
- Charging stations for devices
- Restrooms and family care facilities
For lounge access, consider:
- Priority Pass: Gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide (some credit cards include it free)
- One-time day passes: Alaska ~$39, American ~$45, Delta ~$49, United ~$59
In St. Louis (2-8 Hour Layovers)
If you have time to leave the airport, St. Louis offers several must-see attractions:
| Attraction | Time Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Arch | 2-3 hours | Iconic 630-foot monument; tram ride to top included |
| City Museum | 2-4 hours | Unique art installation; great for families |
| Forest Park | 1-3 hours | Large urban park with museums, zoo, and gardens |
| The Delmar Loop | 1-2 hours | Trendy neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and street art |
| Local Food Scene | 1-2 hours | Try gooey butter cake, St. Louis-style pizza, or toasted ravioli |
Luggage Storage
If you want to explore the city without your carry-on, use luggage storage services:
- Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero: Partner with local businesses near XLS airport
- Cost: Typically $5-10 per bag per day (much cheaper than airport lockers)
- Groups: Multi-bag discounts available – book all luggage together for the best rate
Quick Layover Tips
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money
- Eat in the city, not the airport: Airport food is 2-3x more expensive than city restaurants
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Best exchange rates with zero markup for currency conversion
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave XLS airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave XLS airport during a layover. However, always factor in immigration + security time. For international connections, budget at least 1 hour for immigration and 2-3 hours to return to the airport before departure. Solo travelers should aim for 6+ hours total layover time to comfortably leave and return. Groups should add 15-30 minutes extra to all time estimates.
What is there to do at XLS during a layover?
At XLS airport, you can dine at food courts, shop at retail stores, use charging stations, and relax in lounges (with Priority Pass or a day pass). If you have time to leave the airport, St. Louis offers the Gateway Arch, City Museum, Forest Park, The Delmar Loop, and excellent local food. For 2-8 hour layovers, consider luggage storage and a quick city visit.
How long of a layover do I need at XLS?
For domestic connections, 60 minutes is sufficient. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure and 1+ hour for immigration upon arrival. To leave the airport and explore St. Louis, aim for 4-8 hours minimum. Solo travelers should target 6+ hours total layover time.
Are there lounges at XLS?
Yes, lounge access is available at XLS. You can access lounges with Priority Pass (which gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide and is sometimes included free with credit cards), or purchase one-time day passes from airlines: Alaska ~$39, American ~$45, Delta ~$49, United ~$59, or Plaza Premium (rates vary by location).
Is there luggage storage at XLS?
While airport lockers may be available, luggage storage services like Bounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero partner with local businesses near XLS and offer better rates – typically $5-10 per bag per day. Groups can book multiple bags together for discounts.
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Whether you’re exploring the Gateway Arch, grabbing authentic St. Louis food, or relaxing at an airport lounge, make the most of your time at XLS. Use the Yopki layover calculator to plan exactly what you can fit into your layover and get personalized recommendations for your specific flight times.