Payless Car Hire
Saint Louis

This information specifically refers to the Payless Car Rental location at Saint Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Collecting your vehicle directly at the airport is designed for maximum convenience, allowing you to move from your flight to the road with ease. On arrival, follow the airport signage to the consolidated "Rental Car Center" where you will find the service desk. This centralised facility streamlines the process for travellers, keeping everything in one accessible place without the need for off-site shuttles.

Finding the rental car area at Saint Louis Lambert International Airport is straightforward, even late at night. After you collect your baggage, look for and follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Center" or "Ground Transportation." These signs are prominently displayed throughout both terminals to guide you. The rental car counters are consolidated in a dedicated facility, so you won't have to search different parts of the airport. Well-lit walkways and clear signage make the process efficient and easy to manage after a long flight.

Timing varies with flight arrivals and passenger volume, but a good general estimate is to allow between 45 and 75 minutes from deplaning to driving away. This covers the time to walk to baggage claim, collect your luggage and then proceed to the Rental Car Center. The check-in process at the desk and vehicle retrieval are typically efficient. Planning for this window helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip without having to rush to your first destination.

For the most direct and least confusing route from STL to downtown Saint Louis, take Interstate 70 (I-70) east. The airport has clear signage directing you onto the interstate from the main exit roads. Stay on I-70 East for roughly 15 miles and it will lead you straight towards the downtown area and landmarks like the Gateway Arch. This route avoids most of the complex interchanges found on other highways, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

When staying downtown near the Gateway Arch, the most reliable option for overnight parking is typically your hotel's dedicated parking. Most downtown hotels offer either self-parking in an attached garage or valet services for a daily fee, providing a secure and convenient solution. Alternatively, there are numerous public parking garages in the area that offer overnight rates. It’s advisable to check with your hotel in advance to understand their specific parking arrangements and recommendations.

Driving in downtown Saint Louis is manageable for a first-time visitor but requires your full attention. The city grid includes many one-way streets, so it’s essential to watch for signage and trust your GPS. During business hours and events you can expect moderate traffic and the need for timely lane changes, especially when approaching motorway on-ramps. The key is to plan your route ahead, allow a few extra minutes, and remain aware of pedestrians and traffic signals.

Immediately after leaving the airport rental facility you’ll find several convenient spots to get organised before joining the main motorway. The airport provides a cell phone lot which is a perfect, safe place to pull over and set up your navigation, connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth and adjust your mirrors. Alternatively there are several petrol stations and small shopping plazas within a mile or two of the airport exits along main roads like Natural Bridge Road. These locations offer ample parking to sort luggage and get comfortable for the drive ahead.

In historic neighbourhoods like The Hill and the Central West End, be prepared for tighter driving conditions and competitive street parking. Streets are often narrower than in modern suburbs and many are lined with parked cars, requiring careful manoeuvring. While on-street parking exists, it can be limited, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Check for posted parking restrictions or permit requirements and be prepared to park a block or two away during peak times.

Crossing the Mississippi between Missouri and Illinois is a routine part of driving in the Saint Louis area and is generally straightforward. Major bridges like the Poplar Street Bridge (I-64/I-55) and the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I-70) are modern interstate structures built for high traffic volumes. While they can get congested in rush hour, they are well signed and easy to navigate with a GPS. Be mindful of lane changes as you approach the bridges, since several main highways converge in this area.

For visitors unfamiliar with the area, the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, carrying I-70, is often the simplest and most straightforward option for crossing into Illinois. It was designed to relieve congestion from the more complex Poplar Street Bridge interchange and usually offers a more direct flow of traffic. The approaches and exits are generally less confusing for drivers new to the city’s highway system. Using this bridge can simplify navigation and reduce the stress of last-minute lane changes.

Forest Park offers extensive free parking, but finding a spot near a major attraction like the Saint Louis Zoo at weekends requires planning. The Zoo has its own dedicated paid parking lots, one on the north side and one on the south, which are the most convenient options. On busy weekends, especially in good weather, these lots can fill by mid-morning. Arriving before 10:00 is a good strategy to secure a space in the official lots and avoid a long walk from more distant street parking within the park.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is well prepared to handle visitors arriving by car, making parking a relatively simple part of your visit. The Garden has a large, free car park located on-site, a short walk from the main entrance. On particularly busy days, such as special events or fine weekends, overflow parking is available nearby. The surrounding streets are mostly residential, so relying on the official car parks is your best and most courteous option.

When planning a visit to the Gateway Arch, check the Arch’s official website or local news for any road closures due to events, particularly at weekends. The most effective strategy is to park once and explore on foot. There are numerous parking garages downtown just a few blocks west of the Arch grounds. Securing a spot in one of these garages for the day helps you avoid the hassle of navigating closures and allows easy walking access to the Arch, the riverfront and nearby attractions such as the Old Courthouse.

For a low-stress trip to a Cardinals game, arrive early and park in a garage slightly further from Busch Stadium. Garages five or six blocks away often have less traffic and are easier to exit after the game. Pre-purchasing a parking pass online for a specific garage can also remove the stress of searching for a space. After the game, exercising a little patience or enjoying a post-game snack at a nearby restaurant can help you avoid the immediate traffic surge as crowds disperse.

Driving to an event at Enterprise Center during rush hour requires strategic planning. The arena is downtown where weekday evening traffic can be heavy, so allow at least 30–45 minutes of extra travel time. Major motorways like I-64 will be congested, so consider using city streets such as Market or Chestnut for the final approach. Pre-booking your parking in a nearby garage is highly recommended as it guarantees a spot and prevents circling in heavy traffic looking for an open lot.

Saint Louis experiences typical metropolitan rush-hour traffic, mainly on weekdays between 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00. I-64 (also known as Highway 40) is a major east–west artery and often sees the heaviest congestion, especially eastbound into the city in the morning and westbound towards the suburbs in the evening. Likewise, I-270, the perimeter beltway, can become very slow around major interchanges. Using a real-time traffic app is the best way to navigate these peak hours and find alternative routes if needed.

To minimise driving time for multiple short trips, basing yourself in the Central Corridor is an excellent strategy. Areas like the Central West End, Clayton or Richmond Heights place you in the geographic middle of the region’s top attractions. From here you have relatively easy access to Forest Park, downtown, The Delmar Loop and The Hill without having to cross the entire metro area for each outing. This central location helps you avoid the longest rush-hour commutes and simplifies daily travel logistics.

Parking in the historic Soulard neighbourhood on a busy night can be challenging, as it relies almost entirely on on-street parking. The area’s narrow streets and high density of popular bars and restaurants mean spaces fill quickly, especially at weekends. Be prepared to circulate for a while or park several blocks away and walk. Some smaller side streets can be tight to navigate with two-way traffic and cars parked on both sides, so it’s best to stick to main thoroughfares like Russell Boulevard or 9th Street when looking for a spot.

Visiting the Anheuser-Busch Brewery by car is generally very convenient. The brewery provides ample free parking for visitors in large dedicated lots located directly across the street from the tour centre. The surrounding area is mostly industrial and residential, so traffic is not usually a major issue outside of standard morning and evening commute times. Signage directing you to the visitor parking lots is clear, making for a straightforward and hassle-free arrival experience.

For a smooth arrival at the City Museum with children, it’s best to use their dedicated, secured car park located right next to the building. While there isn’t a formal drop-off circle, you can briefly pull up near the entrance to let your family out before you go to park. Arriving a little before opening can help you get a prime parking spot and avoid the main rush. The convenience of the on-site car park minimises walking and keeps you close to your vehicle for stowing jackets or other items.

The most straightforward route from STL to historic St. Charles is to take I-70 West. This is a direct path that avoids the more complex interchanges closer to downtown Saint Louis. From the airport follow signs for I-70 West and stay on it for about 10 miles. Then take the exit for 5th Street, which leads directly into the heart of the historic Main Street area. This route is well signed and is the primary way to access St. Charles from the airport.

The Saint Louis Science Center has a large, dedicated car park for visitors located at 5050 Oakland Avenue, which is the easiest and most direct place to park. To avoid confusion with the nearby motorways, set your sat-nav specifically to that address rather than just the Science Center name. The entrance to the lot is well signposted and provides access to the main building via a covered walkway over the motorway. This approach keeps you off the busiest parts of I-64 and simplifies your arrival.

The interchanges where I-64, I-44 and I-55 converge near downtown and the Poplar Street Bridge can be challenging for visitors. Lanes split frequently with little advance warning and GPS instructions can sometimes lag behind the quick decisions required. It helps to have a passenger act as co-pilot to watch the signs, or to review your route on a map before you start driving. Paying close attention through this section helps ensure you stay on your intended route.

Driving to Cahokia Mounds from Saint Louis is simple. You’ll cross the Mississippi into Illinois; a good route is to take I-55/I-64 East over the Poplar Street Bridge. From there take the exit for IL-111 North and follow the clear signs for the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The drive is mostly motorway and takes about 15–20 minutes from downtown. On arrival you’ll find a large, free car park right in front of the interpretive centre, making access easy and convenient.

A trip to Meramec Caverns is about an hour’s drive south-west on I-44. To enjoy the lightest traffic, plan to leave Saint Louis after the morning rush hour, around 09:30. The drive becomes scenic once you’re outside the suburbs. A good break stop is the town of Eureka, which offers several petrol stations and fast-food options right off the motorway about halfway to your destination. It’s a convenient place to stretch your legs and grab a snack before continuing to the caverns.

The most direct route for a day trip to Hannibal is to take US Highway 61 North from the Saint Louis area. It’s a straightforward drive of about two hours through pleasant Missouri countryside. Once you arrive in Hannibal parking is generally easy to find. The historic downtown has ample free on-street parking and several small public lots. You can typically park once and comfortably explore the Mark Twain-related attractions on foot.

A great starting point for a scenic drive on the Great River Road is Alton, Illinois, just a short drive from Saint Louis. To get there take Highway 367 North from Missouri, which becomes US-67 as you cross the Clark Bridge into Alton. From there you can pick up the Great River Road (Illinois Route 100) heading west. This route is well signposted and immediately puts you on one of the most scenic stretches, following the Mississippi River bluffs.

To plan a simple winery tour in Augusta create a loop route. Start by taking I-64 West from Saint Louis to Highway 94 West, which is the designated Missouri Wine Road. Follow Highway 94 as it winds through the scenic hills, stopping at wineries along the way. To avoid backtracking you can continue on Highway 94 until it meets Highway 47 at Washington, then take that south to get back on I-44 East to return to Saint Louis. This creates a logical, scenic loop for the day.

Driving south-west on I-44 from Saint Louis is a major corridor, so it’s generally well serviced. You’ll find petrol stations, food and lodging at most exits, especially around larger towns like Rolla and St. Robert. However there can be some longer stretches between these towns where services are less frequent. It’s good practice to ensure you have at least a quarter tank of fuel before passing through a major town, just to be safe while exploring Route 66 attractions.

The drive to Six Flags St. Louis from the city is a straight shot west on I-44 for about 30 miles. The trip is typically easy but traffic can build up near the park’s exit on busy summer days and weekends. To ensure a good parking spot and avoid the longest entry queues it’s highly recommended to arrive 30–45 minutes before the park’s official opening. That gives you time to park, get through security and be ready when the gates open.

Returning a rental car to STL is generally straightforward as airport signage for "Rental Car Return" is prominent. The key is to stay in the correct lanes as you approach the airport complex. A common point of confusion is distinguishing the turns for terminal drop-offs from the entrance to the rental car facility. To avoid any wrong turns, especially during an early-morning rush, set your sat-nav specifically for the rental car return address and give yourself an extra 15 minutes.

The most efficient process is to first follow the signs for your airline and terminal for "Departures." You can pull up to the kerb and quickly unload your passengers and their luggage. Once they are safely on the pavement, you can proceed to follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." This sequence prevents you having to handle luggage on a shuttle from the rental facility and streamlines the entire departure process for your group.

When you reach your assigned vehicle in the rental lot, load your luggage and pushchair into the boot first before seating the family. Position your trolley on the pavement or in a designated walkway, not in the driving lane. Most rental lots have enough space behind the vehicle to open the boot and load everything without obstructing other drivers. Once the car is packed you can move the trolley to a return area and then get everyone buckled in for a safe departure.

The airport’s cell phone lots are an excellent option for a quick stop to regroup right after picking up your car. They are free, safe and designed for short-term waiting, providing plenty of space to organise your vehicle. For a longer stop with access to amenities there are several large shopping centres with expansive car parks within a five-minute drive of the airport, particularly along I-70. These offer a low-stress environment to switch drivers or make final adjustments before starting your journey.

During heavy rain in Saint Louis, drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility and slippery roads, especially on the motorways. Some low-lying areas and underpasses can be prone to localised flooding, so avoid driving through standing water. On the motorways, spray from lorries can significantly impair your view, so increase your following distance. Pay extra attention to lane markings, as they can be harder to see when wet, particularly at night.

In winter, bridges and overpasses are often the first surfaces to freeze and can become particularly icy. Large bridges crossing the Mississippi and Missouri rivers can also be subject to strong crosswinds, requiring a firm grip on the steering wheel. Elevated sections of motorways, such as parts of I-64, are more exposed and can be slicker than surface roads. It’s always best to reduce speed significantly in wintry conditions, regardless of the road.

Most major motorways and thoroughfares in Saint Louis are well lit, making night driving generally safe for visitors. However, in some older residential neighbourhoods or on less-travelled country roads lighting can be less consistent. The complex motorway interchanges downtown can be more challenging to navigate at night, so it’s helpful to use a sat-nav with clear, turn-by-turn voice directions. As in any city, staying alert and focused is key to a comfortable nighttime driving experience.

If you’re staying in a western suburb like Chesterfield, using I-64 East is the most direct route into the city for sightseeing. To minimise traffic, try to travel outside the peak 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00 commute times. For attractions in Forest Park you can exit before reaching the downtown core, which helps you avoid the worst congestion. Using the I-270 loop to connect to other motorways like I-44 or I-70 can also be a good strategy for reaching different parts of the region without going through the centre.

A smart approach is to group destinations by proximity and park once at each location. Start your day at Forest Park, where parking is free and plentiful, and visit the attractions there. From the park it’s a short drive to The Delmar Loop, where you can find a spot in a public lot or on-street and explore on foot. Finally, drive downtown to a single parking garage for your visit to the Gateway Arch, leaving the car there while you explore the riverfront area.

For a quick and smooth stopover, the Gateway Arch is your best bet as it’s located right off the interstate. Travelling from Chicago on I-55 or Kansas City on I-70, take the exits for the Arch and downtown. Park in one of the nearby garages, spend an hour or two exploring the grounds and riverfront, and then you can get back on the motorway with minimal deviation from your main route. This allows you to see the city’s most iconic landmark without navigating deep into city streets.