National Car Hire
St. Louis

On arrival at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the most reliable method to find the rental car facility is to follow the overhead airport signage for "Rental Car Shuttle." After you have collected your luggage from baggage reclaim, these signs will direct you to the designated shuttle pickup points outside the terminals. The shared shuttles run on a continuous loop and provide a quick, direct transfer to the consolidated rental car centre. This avoids navigating airport roads on foot and ensures you arrive at the correct location.

National Car Rental serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport via a consolidated rental car centre. Regardless of which terminal your airline uses, the process to reach the cars is the same. Follow the airport signs to the rental car shuttle pickup area outside your terminal's baggage reclaim. A short shuttle ride will then take you to the main rental car centre where all the vehicles are located, ensuring a consistent and straightforward experience.

Allowing about 30 to 45 minutes from gate to the National rental lot is a reasonable estimate, though it can vary. This period accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for your luggage, and the short shuttle ride to the rental car facility. During peak travel times or if your bags are among the last to be unloaded, it may take a little longer. Building this buffer into your schedule helps ensure a relaxed start to your visit.

For a seamless pickup with family, designate one adult to manage the children and carry-ons in a comfortable spot while the other handles the rental. After exiting the aircraft, find a less congested area near baggage reclaim to settle with the children. Once the luggage is collected, the designated driver can head to the rental car shuttle alone. After securing the vehicle, they can drive back to the terminal passenger pickup curb to meet the rest of the family, making for an efficient, low-stress transition.

A practical strategy for reuniting is to use the terminal's passenger pickup or arrivals curb. While one person takes the shuttle to the rental facility to collect the car, the rest of the group can wait with the luggage just outside the baggage reclaim doors. The driver can then circle back from the rental car centre and pull up at the curb for a quick and easy loading process. Clear communication by mobile phone is key to timing the pickup precisely and avoiding any waiting.

For the most straightforward drive from STL to downtown, follow the airport exit signs for Interstate 70 (I-70) East. This main highway gives a direct route towards the city centre and is generally well signed. Staying on I-70 East minimises complex interchanges and lane changes until you are much closer to downtown. Using a satnav for the final few miles will help you pick the correct exit for your destination, but the initial journey on I-70 is the simplest way to get your bearings.

To avoid stressful lane changes when approaching the Gateway Arch, set your satnav for Gateway Arch National Park in advance. As you travel east on I-44 or I-64, move into the right-hand lanes well before the downtown exits. Exits for the Arch, such as the one for Memorial Drive, can appear quickly. Following your navigation’s voice prompts and watching overhead signs a mile or two out will give you plenty of time to position your vehicle for a smooth and safe exit.

The most direct route from STL to Clayton is typically via Interstate 170 (I-170) South. This interstate is easily accessible from the airport and leads directly to the Clayton area. To avoid the heaviest traffic, try to arrive outside of the peak morning (7–9am) and evening (4–6pm) commute times. The interchanges are generally well signed, but having your satnav active will help you anticipate exits like Forest Park Parkway or Ladue Road, ensuring you make your turns without last-minute confusion.

The Central West End (CWE) is known for its attractive historic architecture, which also means you'll encounter one-way streets and potentially limited kerbside space. Before you arrive, it helps to check your hotel's location on a map to understand traffic flow on the final approach. Many hotels have designated short-term loading zones outside, so look for those signs on arrival. This allows you to unload your luggage conveniently before finding longer-term parking in a nearby garage or lot.

Driving near Busch Stadium on a match day requires extra planning due to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic and numerous street closures. Expect significant delays in the hours leading up to and immediately after a Cardinals game. If you need to pick someone up, arrange a meeting point several blocks away from the stadium itself, outside the main traffic cordons. This will save you from getting caught in gridlock and make the pickup process much faster and less stressful for everyone involved.

The easiest way to access Forest Park is via Interstate 64 (Highway 40) and using the Hampton Avenue or Kingshighway Boulevard exits, which lead directly into the park. Once inside, the park's internal roads can be confusing for first-time visitors. The most common issue is navigating the various roundabouts and one-way loops. To avoid getting turned around, plug the specific attraction's address (for example, "St. Louis Zoo") into your satnav rather than just "Forest Park."

To secure a good parking spot at the St. Louis Zoo, plan to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes before the official opening time. This allows you to be among the first wave of cars entering the main north and south lots. Arriving exactly at opening or shortly after often means longer queues to get into the lots and having to circle for a space. An early arrival ensures a low-stress start to your visit.

The drive between Forest Park and The Hill is relatively short and straightforward, but a few spots can be tricky. The main route uses Kingshighway Boulevard and then a turn onto Southwest Avenue. A common point of confusion is the junction of Kingshighway and Vandeventer Avenue, where multiple roads converge. Using a satnav is highly recommended to navigate this area. Once you're on Southwest Avenue, the grid layout of The Hill is much easier to manage.

Driving to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is generally straightforward as it's located just south of downtown with good highway access. The most common approach is via Interstate 55, taking the Arsenal Street exit. Be aware that the streets immediately around the brewery are a mix of industrial and historic residential, so watch for lorry traffic and local vehicles. The main visitor entrance is well signed, and keeping your satnav active will help guide you directly to the designated guest parking lots without confusion.

For a day trip west to St. Charles or the outlets in Chesterfield, the best time to depart St. Louis is mid-morning, between 9.30am and 11.00am, after the morning rush has eased. For your return, aim to be back on the eastbound highways before 3.30pm to avoid the afternoon commuter traffic. This timing allows you to use I-64 or I-70 when they’re least congested, making for a much more pleasant and efficient drive both ways.

A good half-day loop starts at the Gateway Arch downtown. From there, drive south on Broadway, which becomes S 7th Street, leading you into the historic Soulard neighbourhood and its market. After exploring Soulard, you can pick up I-55 or I-44 to loop back towards your hotel area — whether downtown, Central West End, or Clayton. This north-to-south-to-west progression creates a logical route and minimises redundant driving through the same streets.

Visitors are often surprised by the number of 'left-lane exits' on the interstates, which can be unexpected if you're not used to them. Additionally, some older sections of I-64 (Highway 40) feature very short on-ramps that require you to get up to speed quickly to merge safely. In neighbourhoods like the Central West End and downtown, be prepared for one-way streets and intersections where specific lanes are designated for turns only. Paying close attention to road signs and your satnav is the best way to handle these local driving quirks.

To have the smoothest exit from St. Louis for a road trip to Chicago, plan to be on Interstate 55 North before 6.30am or after 9.30am on a weekday. Departing during this window helps you avoid the heaviest outbound commuter traffic. An early start is often best, as it also positions you to arrive in the Chicago area before its own afternoon rush hour begins, making for a less stressful drive at both ends of the journey.

The most direct and simplest route from St. Louis to Springfield, Illinois, is to take Interstate 55 North. This interstate provides a straight shot between the two cities, with the drive typically taking about an hour and a half to two hours without significant traffic. The route is well maintained and clearly signed, making it an easy drive even for those unfamiliar with the area. There are plenty of services and petrol stations along the way for a comfortable journey.

The drive from St. Louis to Branson is primarily on Interstate 44 West and takes about four hours. The first half of the journey is typical motorway driving, but as you approach the Ozarks the terrain becomes hillier and more winding. For convenient stops, the towns of Rolla and Springfield are well positioned along I-44 and offer numerous options for food, fuel and restrooms. Planning a short break in one of these towns helps break up the drive and makes the journey more comfortable.

To avoid arriving in Kansas City during its peak afternoon traffic, plan your departure from St. Louis accordingly. The drive along Interstate 70 West typically takes around four hours. To miss the 4pm to 6pm rush in KC, aim to leave St. Louis no later than 11.30am. An even better plan is to depart mid-morning, around 9.30 or 10.00am, which would have you arriving in the early afternoon when traffic is much lighter.

Visiting Cahokia Mounds from St. Louis is a very easy cross-state trip. Take I-55/70 East across the Poplar Street Bridge into Illinois; the exit for the mounds is just a few miles past the river and is well signed from the highway. For the return trip, follow signs for I-55/70 West back towards St. Louis. Bear in mind that bridge traffic can be heavy during commuter hours, so planning your visit for mid-day can help you avoid potential delays.

The Poplar Street Bridge complex is a major convergence of several interstates (I-55, I-64, I-44 and I-70), and it can be intimidating for unfamiliar drivers. The key is to know which highway you need well in advance and get into the correct lane early. Use your satnav and pay close attention to the large overhead signs that appear one to two miles before the bridge. Last-minute lane changes are difficult and unsafe, so early positioning is crucial for a smooth crossing.

If you’re staying downtown, your best strategy is to use a hotel parking garage or a public car park like those near Busch Stadium or the convention centre. Many of these offer daily rates, allowing you to leave your car in a secure spot for an extended period. From a central parking location, major attractions like the Gateway Arch, City Museum and the National Blues Museum are often within walking distance. For longer journeys, the MetroLink light rail provides convenient access to other neighbourhoods without needing your car.

Finding a petrol station near STL for a pre-return fill-up is very convenient. Several major-brand stations are located along Natural Bridge Road and Lambert International Boulevard, the main roads that circle the airport. These stations are used to rental car traffic and generally have spacious layouts, making them easy to get in and out of. Using your phone’s map app to search for petrol as you approach the airport will give you multiple straightforward options within a five-minute drive of the rental car return entrance.

A smooth plan for drop-offs is to first drive to your airline's departure terminal. You can pull up at the kerb and quickly unload passengers and luggage. While your party heads inside to check in, you can then drive the short distance from the terminal to the rental car return facility by yourself. This approach is much more efficient than having everyone take the shuttle from the rental centre back to the terminal with all their bags.

For an early-morning flight, plan to arrive at the rental car return facility at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. This allows about 15 minutes for the return process, another 15–20 minutes for the shuttle ride to your terminal and the walk to the check-in desk, and leaves you with plenty of time for security. If you have a very early flight before 6am, adding an extra 15 minutes is a good buffer, as shuttle frequency may be slightly reduced overnight.

If your satnav seems confused, the most reliable method is to ignore the turn-by-turn directions and instead follow the official airport road signs for "Rental Car Return." As you get close to STL, these large, clear signs will direct you to the correct entrance for the consolidated rental facility. These permanent signs are more dependable than a satnav that might have outdated map data. Following the official airport signage is the surest way to avoid being routed to a terminal or a cargo entrance by mistake.

Yes. When driving a larger SUV or van in St. Louis, it’s important to be cautious with older parking garages, particularly downtown and in the Central West End. Always look for the clearance height sign posted at the entrance before you commit to entering. Some historic areas also have narrower streets and tighter on-street parking spaces. Taking an extra moment to assess the space before parking will help you avoid scrapes or dings and ensure a stress-free experience with a larger vehicle.

During major events like Mardi Gras in Soulard or downtown festivals, expect significant street closures, traffic diversions and extremely limited parking. Driving directly into the event area is often impossible and not recommended. The best strategy is to park your rental car at a garage or lot on the periphery of the event zone and then walk or use public transport to get closer. Check the official event website beforehand for maps of closures and recommended parking areas to save yourself considerable time and frustration.

The City Museum is located downtown where some streets can be narrow or one-way. The simplest approach is to use a satnav to navigate directly to the museum’s official parking lot, which is adjacent to the building on N 16th Street. Arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends, increases your chances of getting a spot in this convenient lot. This avoids having to circle the surrounding blocks for street parking and provides a straightforward entry and exit point for your family’s visit.

When you arrive at your downtown hotel, pull directly into the designated passenger loading zone or valet lane, which is typically located at the main entrance. Don’t hesitate to temporarily block the lane, as that is its intended purpose. You can then leave the car for a few minutes to check in and ask the front desk or bell staff for guidance on unloading your luggage. They will advise whether to leave the car with the valet or move it to a self-parking garage after unloading.

A fantastic and easy scenic loop is the drive north from St. Louis along the Great River Road (Route 94 and later Route 79). This route takes you to the charming riverside towns of Alton, Illinois, and Grafton, Illinois. In Grafton you can enjoy impressive river views from Pere Marquette State Park. You can then cross the river via the Brussels Ferry for a unique experience and return to Missouri, creating a memorable loop that showcases the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers without complex navigation.

To ensure a scenic Great River Road trip, focus on the northern route out of St. Louis. Specifically, take Highway 367 North across the Clark Bridge into Alton, Illinois, where you can pick up Illinois Route 100, the official scenic byway. This route hugs the river bluffs and avoids the industrial zones south of the city. Using a map to follow IL-100 towards Grafton will keep you on the most picturesque part of the road for your day trip.

When driving the major interstates in St. Louis, be prepared for congestion during typical rush hours (7–9am and 4–6pm). The interchange where I-64 and I-170 meet can be a significant bottleneck, as can the Poplar Street Bridge complex connecting downtown to Illinois. I-270, the county beltway, often experiences heavy traffic, especially near the junctions with I-70 and I-44. Planning your travel outside these peak times will make for a much smoother driving experience.

When visiting Washington University (WashU) or Saint Louis University (SLU) be extra vigilant for pedestrians, as both campuses have many crossings and high foot traffic. The area around WashU, particularly near Forest Park Parkway and Skinker Boulevard, can be busy. Both universities have designated visitor parking garages that are well signed and the most convenient option. Using these official garages is recommended over searching for limited street parking and helps you avoid fines in permit-only zones.

For travellers prioritising easy parking and highway access, suburbs like Clayton, Chesterfield and Maryland Heights are excellent choices. Clayton offers a more urban feel with good restaurants but sits right on I-170 and I-64 for quick city access. Chesterfield, further west along I-64, and Maryland Heights, near I-270 and I-70, provide a more traditional suburban environment with plentiful hotel parking and straightforward routes for exploring the greater St. Louis region. All three offer a less stressful base than staying directly downtown.

For a late-night arrival, the best plan is to have your hotel's address pre-loaded into your phone’s satnav before you even start the car. Stick to the major, well-lit interstates like I-70 or I-170 as much as possible, as they are the most direct and easiest to navigate. Avoid cutting through unfamiliar residential neighbourhoods. Having your route planned and audible on your satnav allows you to focus on the road and your surroundings, ensuring a safe and direct journey to your lodging.

A practical plan is to dedicate your first day to the city core. Start at the Gateway Arch downtown in the morning, then drive west to spend the afternoon exploring Forest Park. On the second day use your rental car for a day trip without having to navigate city traffic again — head west to historic St. Charles or north along the Great River Road. This approach groups destinations geographically, minimises drive time and prevents you from crisscrossing the city unnecessarily.

During severe weather in St. Louis, the smartest adjustments are to increase your travel time and stick to major interstates, which are prioritised for clearing and treatment. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and use your headlights. In heavy rain, be aware that some low-lying areas and underpasses on local roads can be prone to flash flooding. If conditions are particularly bad with ice or snow, it is wise to postpone non-essential travel until road crews have treated the surfaces.