St. Louis Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri is served by one primary commercial airport, with a secondary facility across the river in Illinois. As a major Midwestern hub, St. Louis provides key domestic connections and is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.

This guide explains the two main airports serving the St. Louis region, including terminal layouts, ground transportation options, and guidance on choosing the right airport for your trip.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

Overview: St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the primary commercial airport serving the region, located about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown St. Louis. It is a major operational base for Southwest Airlines and serves as a hub for domestic connections.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: The original and smaller terminal. It is primarily used by Southwest Airlines for all its arrivals and departures. It has a single security checkpoint and concourse layout.
• Terminal 2: The larger, newer terminal handling all other airlines, including Delta, American, United, Alaska, and international carriers. It features two main concourses (Concourse D and the newer Concourse E).

Important: The terminals are not connected airside. You cannot walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 without exiting security. A free, frequent airport shuttle operates between the terminals on the landside (ticketing/arrivals level).

Getting to and from Lambert Airport (STL):

• MetroLink (Light Rail):
  The most affordable and reliable public transit option. The Red Line has a station at Terminal 1 (Lambert Airport Terminal 1 station). From Terminal 2, a free shuttle connects to the Terminal 1 MetroLink station. The train provides a direct route to downtown St. Louis (Union Station, Convention Center, Gateway Arch) in about 30 minutes and runs to suburbs and Illinois.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Uber/Lyft):
  Designated pick-up areas are outside both terminals’ baggage claim. A trip to downtown St. Louis takes 20-30 minutes and typically costs $35-$50, depending on traffic and destination.
• Rental Car:
  All rental car companies are located at the Rental Car Center, accessible via a free shuttle bus from both terminals. Follow signs in the baggage claim area.
• Shuttles & Shared Rides:
  Shared-ride shuttle services and some hotel shuttles operate from both terminals. Check with your hotel directly if they provide an airport shuttle.
• Personal Vehicle:
  The airport is easily accessed via I-70. Both terminals have attached hourly/daily parking garages and cheaper long-term surface lots with free shuttle service to the terminals.

Best for: Nearly all commercial travelers. This is the region’s main airport for domestic and limited international travel.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV)

Overview: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is a joint-use civilian and military airport located in Mascoutah, Illinois, approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of downtown St. Louis. It primarily serves as a low-cost carrier alternative, with Allegiant Air as its sole commercial passenger airline, offering flights to leisure destinations.

Terminal:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern, small, and extremely efficient terminal with a handful of gates. Security lines are typically very short.

Getting to and from MidAmerica Airport (BLV):

• Rental Car:
  The most practical option, as public transit is not available. Several rental car companies have desks in the terminal.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Available but can be expensive due to the distance from St. Louis. Pre-booking is advisable. The drive to downtown St. Louis takes 35-50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Shuttle Services:
  Some private shuttle companies and hotels in the Illinois area may offer service. Check with your accommodation.
• Personal Vehicle:
  The airport is located off I-64. Parking is very affordable and located immediately adjacent to the terminal.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers flying Allegiant Air to specific leisure destinations (e.g., Florida, Las Vegas), or those living on the Illinois side of the metro area.

Which St. Louis Airport Should You Choose?

• Choose St. Louis Lambert (STL) if: You are flying with any major airline (Southwest, Delta, American, United, etc.), need the most flight options and connections, are traveling for business, or need convenient access to downtown via MetroLink.
• Choose MidAmerica St. Louis (BLV) if: You are flying Allegiant Air to one of their specific destinations, prioritize lower airfares and don’t mind the longer/expensive ground transfer, or live in Southern Illinois.

Airport Transfer Note: STL and BLV are separate airports over 40 miles apart. There is no direct public transit between them. Transferring would require a costly and time-consuming taxi/ride-hail or rental car journey of at least an hour. Never book connecting flights between these two airports on separate tickets.

Essential Travel Information for Lambert Airport (STL)

Terminal Check: This is crucial. Always verify your terminal (T1 or T2) before heading to the airport, especially if flying Southwest (T1) versus another airline (T2). The shuttle between terminals adds 10-15 minutes.

Security: Terminal 1 (Southwest) often has shorter security lines. Terminal 2 can experience longer waits during peak morning and afternoon travel banks. Standard domestic arrival times (2 hours) are generally sufficient.

Dining & Amenities: Terminal 2 (Concourse E) has the best selection of dining and shopping options, including local St. Louis favorites like Imo’s Pizza and Schlafly Beer. Terminal 1 options are more limited.

International Arrivals: All international flights (including pre-cleared flights from Canada) arrive at Terminal 2. Passengers clear customs and immigration here.

Bottom Line: For most travelers, St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) will be the airport of choice. Use the MetroLink for an affordable and easy trip to downtown. If you choose the budget-friendly MidAmerica (BLV), plan your ground transportation carefully, as a rental car is often the most sensible option.