Dollar Car Hire
Missouri

This page provides information specifically for the Dollar Car Rental location at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). The rental car facilities are conveniently located on site at the airport, allowing a seamless transition from your flight to your vehicle. Collecting your car directly at STL lets you begin your journey into St. Louis or other Missouri destinations without needing additional shuttles to an off‑airport lot. This central location serves as an excellent starting point for travel in the region.

After collecting your checked luggage from the baggage claim carousel, look for signs directing you to the Rental Car Centre. St. Louis Lambert International Airport has a consolidated facility that is easily accessible from the terminals. A complimentary shuttle runs frequently between the terminal exits and the rental car building. This service is designed to be convenient for travellers with baggage, ensuring you don't have to walk a long distance with your bags before picking up your vehicle.

To ensure a smooth pickup after a late arrival, it’s good practice to include your flight number in your reservation details. This information helps the rental staff anticipate potential delays and prepare for your arrival. While airport rental counters often adjust hours to accommodate the last flights of the day, you can confirm the specific location’s opening hours directly on the Dollar website. Having your reservation details to hand will help speed up the process at the desk.

Departing from the STL rental car facility is generally straightforward for most drivers. The exit roads are well signed and designed to guide you directly onto major highways, primarily Interstate 70. It’s a good idea to set your satnav or navigation app before you start driving to feel more confident. The initial merges onto the interstate require standard attentiveness, but they are not known for being unusually tricky. Just be aware of your surroundings as you join the flow of highway traffic.

The drive from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the city centre is typically about 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic. During morning and evening rush hours, usually from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. on weekdays, the journey can take closer to 45 minutes or more. To get the most accurate estimate for your specific travel time, it’s best to check a real‑time traffic app just before you leave the airport. This will help you anticipate any unexpected delays along Interstate 70.

For a relatively simple drive to the Central West End, you can take Interstate 170 South from the airport area. You will then exit onto Forest Park Parkway eastbound. This route is often preferred by locals as it avoids some of the more complex interchanges on I‑70 and I‑64 that can be confusing for visitors. Forest Park Parkway offers a more direct and scenic path along the northern edge of the park, leading you into the heart of the Central West End.

When staying in the downtown area near the Gateway Arch, the most common and secure option for overnight parking is to use your hotel’s facilities. Most downtown hotels offer either self‑parking garages or valet services for their guests. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel ahead of time to understand their specific parking arrangements. Alternatively, there are several public parking garages in the vicinity, but be sure to check their policies regarding overnight parking and in‑and‑out privileges.

Driving in The Hill, St. Louis’s famous Italian neighbourhood, can be a unique experience due to its narrower residential streets. During popular dinner hours, especially at weekends, the area becomes quite busy and finding on‑street parking can be a challenge. Many of the renowned restaurants offer valet parking, which is often the most convenient option. If you prefer to self‑park, plan to arrive a little early and be prepared to patiently search for a spot on the side streets.

Forest Park is quite large, so a good strategy is to park your car in a central location and explore different sections on foot. For example, you could park near the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Grand Basin, which allows you to walk to the Missouri History Museum and The Muny. Another option is to park near the Saint Louis Zoo and then walk to the Saint Louis Science Center via the connecting bridge. The park also operates a free tram service during peak seasons, which can be an excellent way to move between major attractions without driving.

In busy commercial districts like the Delmar Loop, Central West End, and downtown, it’s crucial to pay close attention to parking signs. Be mindful of meters, time limits, and any restrictions for rush hour, street cleaning, or residential permit zones. Towing is actively enforced in these areas, especially if a vehicle is blocking a traffic lane during restricted times. Always double‑check the signage on the block where you park to avoid an unexpected fine or tow, which can be a significant disruption to your travel plans.

Driving and parking downtown during a major event at Busch Stadium requires some advance planning. Expect significant traffic congestion on the surrounding highways like I‑64 and on surface streets for about two hours before and after the event. Many travellers find it easiest to park in a garage several blocks away from the stadium and walk the rest of the way. Pre‑booking a parking spot online through a third‑party app can also save you time and stress on game day.

For an early‑morning flight, it’s wise to budget extra time for your return trip to STL. A good rule of thumb is to plan for the 20–30 minute drive, then add at least 30 minutes as a buffer for unexpected traffic or navigating the airport roads. You’ll also need to allow time for the vehicle return process and to take the shuttle to your terminal. Leaving your hotel about 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight’s departure time is a safe approach for a stress‑free experience.

Navigating the major highway interchanges in St. Louis is much easier with a reliable satnav or smartphone navigation app. Before you start driving, review your route to get a general sense of the key interchanges you’ll encounter. When approaching a split or exit, pay close attention to the overhead signs, which often appear well in advance of the turn. Staying in the middle lanes until you are about a mile from your exit can help you avoid last‑minute, stressful lane changes.

The St. Louis Zoo has two main entrances, and your approach can make parking simpler. If you are coming from the west on I‑64, taking the Hampton Avenue exit is very direct for the south entrance car parks. If you are coming from the east or north, using I‑170 to Forest Park Parkway and entering the park from the north side can be a good option. This allows you to access the north entrance and its corresponding car park, which can sometimes be less congested on busy days.

Driving between Missouri and Illinois is a common part of a St. Louis visit and is generally seamless. The major bridges, like the Poplar Street Bridge (I‑64/I‑55) and the Eads Bridge, connect downtown St. Louis to the Illinois side. Be aware that these bridges can experience heavy traffic during rush hour. When you cross into Illinois, you’ll encounter different speed limits and road regulations, so it’s always a good idea to be mindful of posted signs. Your rental car can be driven freely between the two states.

A day trip to Missouri’s wine country is a very popular and easy excursion with a rental car. The drive to the Augusta area takes about an hour, while Hermann is closer to 90 minutes from St. Louis. The route, primarily along Interstate 70 and then scenic state roads like MO‑94, is well surfaced and clearly signposted. Having a car gives you the flexibility to hop between different wineries at your own pace and enjoy the rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley.

The drive from St. Louis to Branson is about four hours and primarily follows Interstate 44 for a large portion of the trip. This highway is generally well maintained, but the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and curvy as you get closer to the Ozarks. You’ll transition to US‑65 South, which is a major four‑lane road that takes you directly into Branson. Be prepared for changing elevations and watch your speed on the winding sections, especially in wet or wintry weather conditions.

Six Flags is located in Eureka, south‑west of the city, right off Interstate 44. From STL airport, the drive is about 35–45 minutes and involves taking I‑270 South to I‑44 West, which is a straightforward suburban highway route. From downtown St. Louis, the drive is slightly shorter, around 30–40 minutes, heading directly out on I‑44 West. Both routes are simple, but traffic on I‑44 can get heavy on summer weekends, so it’s wise to leave a little early.

Cahokia Mounds is located in Illinois, just a short drive from downtown St. Louis. The most direct route is to take I‑55/I‑64 East across the Poplar Street Bridge into Illinois. Your navigation app will likely direct you to exit onto IL‑111. The key is to follow the official brown historical site signs for Cahokia Mounds, which are specifically placed to guide visitors along the clearest path. Using these signs alongside your GPS can help you avoid any confusing turns in the surrounding commercial areas.

Driving from St. Louis to Kansas City and back in one day is ambitious but possible, though it makes for a very long day of driving. The trip is about four hours each way, almost entirely on Interstate 70. A more common plan is to drive there, stay overnight, and return the next day. For a one‑way trip, travellers often stop in Columbia, which is the halfway point and home to the University of Missouri, making it a good place to stop for lunch and stretch your legs.

The Missouri Botanical Garden has a large, dedicated car park for visitors, which is free of charge. On pleasant spring or autumn weekends, and during special events, this main lot can fill quickly. When the main lot is full, there is typically overflow parking available on the surrounding streets, but be sure to read any posted signs for restrictions. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a Saturday, is the best strategy to secure a convenient parking spot.

Interstate 270 forms a beltway around the St. Louis metropolitan area and is a major commuter route. It can experience significant congestion, particularly during rush hour. The northern section, often called I‑270 North, between I‑70 near the airport and I‑170, is known for heavy traffic. Similarly, the southern stretch near the I‑44 and I‑55 interchanges can also become very slow. It’s a well maintained highway, but planning your travel outside of the peak 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. windows can lead to a much less stressful drive.

Like many Midwestern cities, St. Louis experiences a busy road construction season during the warmer months, typically from spring through autumn. This can lead to lane closures, sudden shifts and diversions on major highways like I‑64, I‑70 and I‑270. To plan effectively, check the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) website for active construction zones before you head out. Using a real‑time traffic app is also essential, as it will often reroute you around the worst of the construction‑related delays.

When travelling with family members who have limited mobility, make full use of hotel loading zones for check‑in and check‑out. Don’t hesitate to leave the car with the valet or temporarily parked while you get everyone settled. For attractions like the Missouri History Museum or the Saint Louis Art Museum, look for designated drop‑off areas near the main entrance. This allows you to let your family out right at the door before you go to park the car, minimising walking distances for them.

For exploring historic St. Louis neighbourhoods like Soulard, Benton Park or The Hill, a compact or mid‑size car is often the most manageable choice. These areas feature narrower streets and rely heavily on parallel parking, making a smaller vehicle much easier to navigate and park. While a standard SUV is perfectly fine for motorway driving and visiting attractions with large car parks like the Zoo, a more nimble car can reduce stress when exploring the city’s charming older districts.

If you prefer not to use your hotel’s valet service, look for public car parks in the surrounding blocks. Many downtown and Central West End areas have multiple garages that offer overnight parking to the public. You can often find and even pre‑book a space using online parking apps, which also allow you to compare rates. Just be sure to check the garage’s hours and whether they allow in‑and‑out privileges if you plan to use your car multiple times during your stay.

Finding a petrol station to refuel your rental car before returning it to STL is very convenient. There are several major petrol stations located along Natural Bridge Road and Airflight Drive, which are the main roads leading directly to the airport’s rental car return area. These stations are easily accessible within the last few miles of your drive to the airport. Planning to stop at one of these ensures you can return the car with the required amount of fuel without having to go out of your way.

To visit these three downtown attractions efficiently, plan your route geographically. A logical order would be to start your day at the Gateway Arch, as it’s furthest east. From there you can drive west to the City Museum, which is located in the heart of the downtown loft district. Finally, continue a short distance west to end your day at Union Station. This westbound progression minimises backtracking and helps you navigate the one‑way streets of downtown more effectively.

Winter driving in St. Louis requires extra caution, especially regarding bridges and overpasses. These elevated surfaces freeze much faster than ground‑level roadways because cold air circulates both above and below them. The Poplar Street Bridge and the many ramps in the downtown highway interchanges are particularly prone to developing black ice. Always reduce your speed when approaching these structures in freezing conditions, even if the main roads appear to be clear, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

During periods of heavy rain, visibility on St. Louis highways can be significantly reduced, and roads can become slick. It’s important to increase your following distance and reduce your speed. Some low‑lying areas and highway underpasses, particularly along sections of I‑64 and I‑44, can be prone to flash flooding during intense downpours. Local drivers know to be cautious in these spots, and it’s wise for visitors to avoid driving through any standing water, as its depth can be deceptive.

The most straightforward and common route for a first‑time visitor driving from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks is to take Interstate 44 West. You’ll follow I‑44 to the Rolla area, then exit onto US‑63 North toward Jefferson City. From there you’ll pick up US‑54 West, which is the main road that runs through the Lake of the Ozarks region, including Osage Beach and Lake Ozark. This route is well travelled and uses major highways for most of the journey, making it easy to navigate.

Downtown St. Louis has an extensive grid of one‑way streets, which can be challenging for first‑time visitors. The most common mistake is not anticipating a turn early enough and finding yourself in the wrong lane, forcing you to circle the block. Using a satnav with turn‑by‑turn voice navigation is extremely helpful. It’s also wise to give yourself a little extra time when driving downtown so you don’t feel rushed while trying to navigate the one‑way system.

A great strategy for a smooth group pickup is to have one designated driver head to the rental car centre on the shuttle to collect the vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage at the terminal’s passenger pickup area. Once the driver has the car, they can circle back to the terminal’s arrivals level to pick everyone up. This approach avoids crowding the rental car shuttle with all the luggage and makes the loading process much more organised.

After leaving the airport, there are several convenient options for a quick supply stop. If you are heading east toward the city on I‑70, you can take an exit in a suburban area like Bridgeton or St. Ann, just a few minutes from the airport. These areas have numerous supermarkets, pharmacies and big‑box retailers located just off the highway. Using your navigation app to search for a store along your route will show you the closest options that require minimal deviation from your path.

The drive from STL to Clayton is one of the easiest in the region. You’ll simply take Interstate 170 South directly from the airport area for about 10–15 minutes. Clayton has several clearly marked exits off I‑170. Parking in Clayton’s business district consists mostly of metered street spots and public parking garages. After business hours and at weekends, parking becomes much easier to find and is often free at the meters, but always check the signs to be sure.

You should budget about two hours for the drive from St. Louis to Columbia; it’s approximately 125 miles and almost entirely on Interstate 70. The drive is straightforward through rolling Missouri countryside. A popular and convenient place to take a break is Kingdom City, located at the intersection of I‑70 and US‑54. This exit has a large cluster of petrol stations, fast‑food restaurants and shops, making it an ideal halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs.

On your departure day, a good strategy is to check out of your hotel and ask if they can hold your luggage for a few hours. This frees you up to enjoy some last‑minute sightseeing without being encumbered by your bags. You can then return to the hotel to collect your luggage before driving to the airport. This plan allows you maximum flexibility on your last day and consolidates your belongings in one place for an easy departure.