National Car Hire
Saint Louis

While St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the primary hub for rental cars, some branches are located closer to the downtown core. Picking up your vehicle at the airport typically involves a straightforward 20–25 minute drive into the city via Interstate 70. This route is ideal if you’re heading straight to your hotel or starting a longer trip. In contrast, collecting a car from a downtown location puts you directly onto the city grid, which can be more convenient for immediate local errands but requires navigating one-way streets and city traffic from the outset.

When arriving late at STL with family or significant luggage, it’s sensible to plan a relaxed pace. After collecting your bags you’ll take a shuttle to the consolidated rental car facility, a ride that usually takes about 5–10 minutes. Once there, completing paperwork and reaching your vehicle can take another 15–25 minutes, depending on queues. Factoring in the time to install car seats and load your gear, a realistic timeline from having your bags in hand to driving away is roughly 45 to 60 minutes.

For a stress-free drive from STL to the Gateway Arch area, the most direct route is often the simplest. Take I-70 East from the airport for about 14 miles. As you approach downtown, stay in the middle or left lanes and follow signs for the Arch and Memorial Drive. Using a satnav is highly recommended, as it will help you anticipate the correct exit and navigate the final turns onto surface streets like Market or Chestnut, avoiding the more complex interchanges.

After leaving the STL rental car facility, several convenient options for supplies are just a short drive away. Many travellers head to the suburbs just west of the airport, such as Bridgeton or St. Ann, along I-70 or Lindbergh Boulevard. Here you’ll find major grocery stores, supercentres and pharmacies within a 10‑minute drive. These locations are ideal for stocking up on snacks, drinks and any forgotten travel essentials before you head to your final destination in the city or begin a longer road trip.

First‑time drivers in Saint Louis should be prepared for a few local quirks. Downtown is characterised by a dense grid of one‑way streets, so paying close attention to signage is crucial. A notable surprise for many is the presence of left‑lane exits on major highways like I‑64/US‑40, which can be unexpected if you’re not watching your navigation closely. Additionally, the interchange where I‑44, I‑55 and I‑64 converge near the Poplar Street Bridge can be confusing, so having your route planned in advance is a significant advantage.

To reach the Central West End (CWE) from STL with minimal stress, take I‑170 South from the airport and merge onto I‑64/US‑40 East. This route bypasses most downtown congestion. Exit at Kingshighway Boulevard and head north into the heart of the CWE. Be aware that streets immediately surrounding the BJC medical campus, such as Euclid Avenue and Taylor Avenue, can be narrow and busy with pedestrian traffic and frequent stops, so a slower, more cautious driving approach is best.

Driving within Forest Park is generally straightforward, as the park is vast and designed to be accessible by car. Each of the major attractions has its own dedicated parking areas. The Saint Louis Zoo has large lots right at its entrance, while the Saint Louis Art Museum offers a convenient underground car park. The Science Center has its own lot and a skywalk over the highway. On fine weekends these lots can fill, but free on‑street parking is also available along the park’s internal roads, though it requires more searching.

The City Museum is located in the Downtown West neighbourhood, which is easier to navigate than the central business district. The most straightforward approach is to use a satnav to guide you directly to the museum’s address on Washington Avenue. The museum has a dedicated, spacious parking lot right next to the building, which is the most convenient option for visitors. By aiming for this specific lot you can avoid circling for street parking and minimise time navigating the surrounding one‑way streets.

For a St. Louis Cardinals game, arriving about 90 minutes before the first pitch is a good strategy for a smoother experience. This allows ample time to find parking without feeling rushed by the peak traffic surge that occurs in the final hour. For an easier exit, consider parking in a garage or lot a few blocks away from the stadium rather than immediately adjacent. This slight distance often provides quicker access to main routes like I‑64 or I‑44 when the game ends and everyone leaves at once.

When dropping off luggage at a downtown hotel on a busy one‑way street, preparation is key. Use your navigation app to understand the final approach so you’re in the correct lane ahead of time. Most hotels have a designated short‑term loading zone directly in front of their entrance. Pull in decisively, put on your hazard lights, and unload passengers and bags efficiently. It’s best for one person to stay with the vehicle while the other checks in, minimising your time in the active traffic lane.

For a visit to the Gateway Arch, the most convenient option is the official underground parking garage at Gateway Arch National Park, with an entrance on Memorial Drive. This keeps your vehicle secure and centrally located for exploring the Arch, the museum and the riverfront. Alternatively, several surface lots and multi‑storey car parks are available just a few blocks west in the downtown area. Parking a little further away can sometimes make exiting easier after your visit, especially on busy days.

Driving in Saint Louis during rush hour (typically 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) is significantly slower than midday. The biggest bottlenecks occur on I‑64/US‑40, especially heading into downtown in the morning and out to the western suburbs in the evening. The Poplar Street Bridge, which carries I‑55, I‑64 and I‑70 traffic across the Mississippi, is notoriously congested in both directions during peak times. In contrast, midday driving is generally smooth, offering a much more relaxed experience for navigating the city and its surroundings.

Visiting The Hill for dinner is a classic St. Louis experience, and it’s very car‑friendly. Most restaurants in the neighbourhood have their own small parking lots or offer valet service, which is often the most practical choice. Additionally, free street parking is widely available throughout the residential streets, though you may need to park a block or two away on a busy weekend night. Once parked, the core area of The Hill is quite walkable, allowing you to stroll between a restaurant, a bakery or a gelateria.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is well equipped for visitors arriving by car, offering a large, free parking lot directly on site. During special events or on peak spring and autumn weekends this main lot can reach capacity. When that happens, overflow parking is typically available on surrounding streets such as Shaw Boulevard and Alfred Avenue. These streets are wide and generally easy to navigate, but be mindful of residential driveways and posted parking signs. Arriving earlier in the day is the best strategy to secure a spot in the main lot.

To explore Soulard, Lafayette Square and Tower Grove Park efficiently, it’s best to drive between these distinct neighbourhoods and park once in each. Start your day at Tower Grove Park, where street parking is plentiful along its perimeter. From there it’s a short drive to Lafayette Square, where you can find street parking around the park itself. Finally, drive to Soulard and park near the historic market or your chosen restaurant. The neighbourhoods themselves are highly walkable, but they’re too spread out to comfortably walk between them.

Driving to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is generally straightforward, as it’s located just west of the main downtown area with direct access from I‑64. Union Station has a very large, dedicated parking lot that serves the aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel and other attractions. During major city‑wide events or holiday weekends, the entrance to this lot off Market Street can get backed up. It’s wise to allow a little extra travel time and be prepared for slow‑moving traffic as you approach the complex.

When visiting Washington University in St. Louis, the most reliable option for visitors is to use one of the university’s designated parking garages, such as the Danforth University Center (DUC) garage. For Saint Louis University (SLU), the Laclede Garage is a central and convenient choice for visitors. Both universities have clear signage directing you to visitor parking. Using these official garages saves the frustration of circling for limited street parking and trying to decipher campus parking rules.

While GPS is essential in St. Louis, it helps to supplement it with a bit of situational awareness. In areas like Downtown West and Midtown, look ahead for one‑way street signs, as your GPS might not announce them until the last second. It’s also helpful to use a major east‑west street like Market or Forest Park Avenue as a reference point to re‑orient yourself if you get turned around. When possible, review your route on a map before you start driving to get a mental picture of the turns.

To avoid potential stadium traffic or downtown construction when returning your car to STL, a reliable alternate route is to take I‑64/US‑40 West to I‑170 North. This bypasses the stretch of I‑70 that runs alongside downtown. I‑170 North will take you directly to the I‑70 interchange near the airport, where you can easily follow the signs for Airport and Rental Car Return. Always check a live traffic app before you depart to confirm the clearest path at that specific time.

The best place to wait for arriving passengers at STL is the airport’s free Cell Phone Lot. There are two lots, one for each terminal, clearly marked as you approach the airport. You can park there and wait comfortably in your car until your friends have collected their luggage and called to say they’re ready at the arrivals curb. This system is designed to reduce congestion at the terminals and makes for a much smoother and less stressful pickup experience for everyone.

The drive from St. Louis Lambert Airport to historic St. Charles is very straightforward and typically takes only 15–20 minutes. From the airport take I‑70 West across the Missouri River. Most hotels and the historic Main Street district are located just off one of the first few exits after the bridge. The route is well signed and is a simple motorway drive, making it an easy first leg of your journey after a long flight.

The drive from downtown St. Louis to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois is surprisingly quick, usually taking only 15 to 20 minutes without traffic. You’ll cross the Mississippi River via the Poplar Street Bridge (I‑55/I‑64) and follow the signs. Once you arrive, parking is very easy and convenient. The site has a large, free parking lot located directly in front of the main interpretive centre, with ample space for cars and larger vehicles even on busy days.

To visit Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park for its iconic views of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch, you’ll find a dedicated parking lot right at the park’s entrance. The park is located in East St. Louis, Illinois, just a short drive across the Eads Bridge or Poplar Street Bridge. The easiest way to find it is by entering the park’s name into your satnav. The park is generally least crowded on weekday mornings, offering a peaceful and unobstructed photo opportunity with the famous skyline.

The Poplar Street Bridge is the main artery for interstate traffic through downtown St. Louis and is frequently congested, especially during rush hour. It involves a complex series of merges and exits on both sides of the river. For a less stressful alternative when traffic is heavy, consider using the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I‑70) just to the north, which often has lighter traffic flow. The historic Eads Bridge is another option for cars, offering great views, though it connects to city streets rather than directly to the interstate.

A day trip to Hermann from St. Louis is very manageable. The drive is about 90 minutes, primarily on I‑70 West before exiting onto well‑maintained state highways like Highway 19. The roads are scenic and generally not difficult to navigate during the day. If you’re concerned about driving on unfamiliar rural roads after dark, a good plan is to enjoy an early dinner in Hermann and begin your drive back to St. Louis before sunset. This ensures you’re back on the main motorway by the time it gets fully dark.

A day trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is a long but rewarding drive, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The most direct route is to take I‑44 West from St. Louis and then exit onto US‑54 West. For a good halfway break, the town of Rolla offers plenty of restaurants and petrol stations right off the motorway. Further along, Cuba, Missouri, is famous for its Route 66 murals and provides a unique and scenic stop for stretching your legs before continuing on to the lake.

The drive to Six Flags St. Louis from the city is a simple 30–40 minute trip west on I‑44. The park is located directly off the motorway, and signage is very clear. To ensure a smooth parking experience and to be among the first in the park, plan to arrive about 30–45 minutes before the official opening time. This allows you to park closer to the entrance, get through security, and be ready for the rides as soon as the gates open, maximising your time for fun.

To efficiently visit both Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut‑Ins State Parks from St. Louis, plan a loop route. A good strategy is to drive south from St. Louis on Highway 21 to Elephant Rocks State Park first. After exploring the giant granite boulders, it’s a short drive west to Johnson’s Shut‑Ins. For your return trip you can take a different route back north, such as Highway 49 to Highway 8, which will eventually connect you back to the main highways leading to the city, creating a scenic loop instead of backtracking.

The drive from St. Louis to Springfield, Illinois, is a very easy and direct 90‑minute to two‑hour trip, almost entirely on I‑55 North. The motorway is straight and flat, making for relaxed driving. A popular and convenient place to stop along the way is the town of Litchfield, which has a classic Route 66 café and several petrol stations right off the exit. This makes for a perfect halfway point to grab a coffee or a quick bite before continuing on to explore the historic Lincoln sites in Springfield.

The Anheuser‑Busch Brewery is located just south of downtown St. Louis and is easily accessible by car. The simplest approach is to take I‑55 and exit at Arsenal Street. The brewery has a large, dedicated visitor parking lot that is well signed and free of charge. The streets immediately surrounding the brewery, like Lynch and Pestalozzi, can get busy with tour buses and visitor traffic, especially at weekends. Arriving 15–20 minutes before your scheduled tour time will give you plenty of time to park and check in without rushing.

Winter driving in St. Louis requires caution, as conditions can change quickly. The most common surprise for visitors is how quickly bridges and overpasses can become icy, even when the main roads seem fine. This is especially true for the major river bridges and the many elevated sections of I‑64/US‑40. Local road crews are efficient, but it’s always wise to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking when temperatures are near or below freezing, particularly on elevated surfaces.

During intense downpours, certain low‑lying sections of St. Louis highways are prone to ponding water. I‑70 near the airport and parts of I‑44 can experience significant water accumulation in the outer lanes. A common trouble spot is the depressed section of I‑64/US‑40 near Forest Park. When these areas are problematic, locals often use major surface streets like Forest Park Avenue, Kingshighway or Lindbergh Boulevard as alternatives. These routes are elevated and drain better, offering a safer, albeit slower, path.

St. Louis offers excellent accessibility at many of its top attractions. The Gateway Arch National Park has designated accessible parking in its underground garage with lift access directly to the museum. The Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum and the Science Center in Forest Park all have ample, clearly marked accessible parking spaces close to their main entrances. Similarly, the Missouri Botanical Garden provides convenient accessible parking in its primary lot, making for a smooth transition from your vehicle to the gardens.

After picking up your vehicle at the STL rental facility, you can pull over to a designated spot within the rental lot to install your car seat without pressure. These areas are away from the main exit lanes, giving you time and space. Before you leave, double‑check that the seat is tightly secured and doesn’t move more than an inch side‑to‑side or front‑to‑back at the belt path. Also ensure the harness straps are snug against your child’s shoulders. Taking a few extra minutes here ensures a safe start to your trip.

If you’re looking to avoid steep hotel parking fees and plan to drive frequently, consider staying in neighbourhoods outside the downtown core. Areas like Clayton, the Central West End or Richmond Heights offer hotels with complimentary or more reasonably priced parking. These neighbourhoods provide excellent access to main motorways, making it easy to get around the entire region. While you might find some on‑street parking downtown, it’s often metered or restricted, making a suburban base more convenient for a car‑centric visit.

Driving to the Delmar Loop on a weekend evening requires patience, as it’s a vibrant and busy entertainment district. Be prepared for heavy pedestrian traffic, with people frequently crossing Delmar Boulevard. The best parking strategy is to use the large public car park located behind the Tivoli Theatre, which offers central access to the entire strip. While some on‑street parking is available, it is highly sought after. Arriving a bit early for your dinner reservation or show will make finding a spot much less stressful.

For a safe early‑morning drive to a rural venue, planning is essential. Ensure your rental car’s fuel tank is full the night before, as petrol stations may be closed in the early hours. Review your route in daylight if possible, or use a satellite map view to familiarise yourself with the roads. Drive cautiously and be especially watchful for wildlife, like deer, which are more active at dawn. It’s also wise to download your map for offline use in case mobile signal becomes patchy in more remote areas.

For a Route 66 trip starting in St. Louis, a great first stop is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa Street, an iconic landmark on the old route. From there you can easily find your way to the Coral Court Motel sign in Marlborough, another classic photo opportunity. A bit further west, the Route 66 State Park near Eureka is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and see the historic Meramec River bridge. These initial stops are all conveniently located near the modern I‑44, which parallels much of the original highway.

To enjoy a multi‑brewery tour by car, focus on a cluster of breweries in a single neighbourhood to minimise driving. The Grove neighbourhood is an excellent choice, hosting several acclaimed breweries within a few blocks of each other, with generally available street parking. Another great area is Maplewood, which also has a high concentration of breweries and its own public parking lots. By choosing one of these neighbourhoods you can park once and safely walk between several destinations, avoiding downtown traffic and parking challenges entirely.

For an early morning flight, the drive to STL is typically stress‑free as you’ll avoid rush‑hour traffic. The most predictable route from almost anywhere in the city is to take the main motorway, usually I‑70 West, directly to the airport exit. Plan to leave your hotel about 30–40 minutes before you want to be at the rental facility. The return process itself is quick in the early hours, but allow at least 15 minutes for the transaction and the shuttle ride to your terminal for a calm and unhurried departure.