Hertz Car Rental
St. Louis

Your rental confirmation is the best source for this information, as it will clearly state the pickup address. St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) has a consolidated Rental Car Facility that serves most major brands, accessible via a short shuttle ride from the terminals. If your reservation is at a neighborhood or city location, the confirmation will list a specific street address away from the airport grounds. Always double-check these details before you travel to ensure you head to the correct place upon arrival.

Upon landing at STL late at night, you should follow the airport signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. These shuttles typically run on a continuous loop between the terminals and the separate Rental Car Facility. While frequency may be slightly reduced during late hours compared to peak times, the service is designed to accommodate all arriving flights. It's a good practice to check the rental location's specific hours of operation in your reservation to ensure staff will be available when you arrive.

For a smooth pickup with a large group, designate one or two drivers to take the shuttle to the Rental Car Facility to handle the paperwork and retrieve the vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage in the baggage claim area or at the designated passenger pickup curb outside the terminal. Once the drivers have the car, they can circle back to the terminal's arrivals level to pick everyone up. This strategy avoids crowding the shuttle and rental counter with excess luggage and people.

For a straightforward exit from STL, I-70 is the primary and most direct interstate. Heading east on I-70 will take you toward Downtown St. Louis, while heading west leads to the outer suburbs. To avoid immediate complex interchanges, stay on I-70 for a few miles before navigating to other highways like I-170 or I-270. Using a GPS app from the moment you start the car is highly recommended, as it will give you advance notice for lane changes needed for your specific destination.

If you arrive during rush hour, typically from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, consider delaying your drive downtown to let traffic subside. You could grab a coffee or a bite to eat near the airport for an hour. When you do drive, I-70 East is the most direct route, but it will be congested. An alternative is to use a navigation app with real-time traffic data, which might suggest routes using secondary roads like Natural Bridge Avenue to bypass the worst of the interstate gridlock.

Downtown St. Louis features a grid of one-way streets that can be challenging for first-time visitors. Pay close attention around the convention center and Busch Stadium, where streets like Broadway, 4th Street, and Market Street require careful navigation. The interchanges where I-64 (also known as Highway 40) meets downtown streets have several quick exits and lane shifts. It's wise to have your GPS active and review your final few turns before you get deep into the downtown core to avoid last-minute maneuvers.

The most convenient option for visiting the Gateway Arch is the official underground parking garage located at Gateway Arch National Park, with an entrance on Washington Avenue. This provides direct access to the visitor center and museum. On busy days or during special events, this garage can fill up quickly. As an alternative, numerous surface lots and multi-level garages are available within a few blocks' walk, particularly along the riverfront and near Laclede's Landing, offering plenty of choices.

Forest Park is vast, and driving between its attractions is common. During peak times like weekends or summer days, parking lots at popular spots like the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Science Center can fill up. Arriving early in the day is your best strategy for securing a spot in the main lots. If they are full, there is ample street parking along the roads within the park, but be prepared for a short walk and pay close attention to any posted parking restrictions.

For a Cardinals game, most attendees park in the numerous garages and surface lots surrounding Busch Stadium, with options varying in proximity and ease of exit. Many fans prefer parking a few blocks away from the stadium to avoid the most intense post-game gridlock. Pre-purchasing a parking pass online for a specific garage can save time and guarantee a spot. After the game, expect significant delays, so it's often best to relax at a nearby restaurant or wait for about 30-45 minutes before attempting to leave.

When heading to an event at Enterprise Center, it's wise to use a navigation app to identify and route you to a specific parking garage in advance, such as the Kiel Center Garage attached to the arena. Be aware that streets immediately surrounding the venue, like Clark Avenue and 14th Street, may have closures or restricted access on event nights. Arriving at least an hour early allows you to navigate potential detours and find parking without feeling rushed before the event begins.

City Museum has its own dedicated parking lot, which is the most convenient option for visitors. However, this lot can fill up, especially on weekends and school holidays. If the main lot is full, there are several other paid surface lots within a one- to two-block radius on surrounding streets like Lucas Avenue and N 16th Street. Arriving when the museum opens or later in the afternoon can often make finding a spot in the primary lot easier.

These historic St. Louis neighborhoods are known for their charm but also feature narrower streets, many of which are two-way but feel like one-way roads. Be prepared for tight squeezes with parked cars on both sides. Parking is primarily on the street, so practice your parallel parking skills. It's important to be mindful of residential driveways and adhere strictly to posted signs, as parking regulations are actively enforced to accommodate local residents.

Driving in Clayton offers a different experience from downtown. While it is a bustling business district, the streets are generally wider and the traffic flow can feel more organized. Parking is a mix of metered street spots, public garages, and private lots, which are typically easy to find. Unlike the dense one-way grid of downtown, Clayton's layout is more straightforward, making it a less intimidating area for visitors to navigate by car.

A frequent challenge for visitors is underestimating how quickly major interchanges and exits appear, particularly on I-64 (Hwy 40) as it passes through the city. Another common issue is the convergence of I-44, I-55, and I-64 near downtown, which involves multiple lane changes in a short distance. Not getting into the correct lane well in advance is a primary mistake. Using a GPS and paying close attention to overhead signs a mile or two before your exit can help prevent last-second, stressful maneuvers.

For a weekend trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden, plan to arrive early to secure a spot in their main parking lot, as it can fill up. The surrounding Tower Grove neighborhood offers beautiful drives, but parking can be competitive, especially during the popular Tower Grove Farmers' Market on Saturdays. It's often easiest to park your car once and explore the garden and the adjacent park on foot. The streets are laid out in a grid, making navigation relatively simple.

The St. Louis Science Center is located right off I-64, making it accessible but also prone to traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. The main entrance and parking lot are on Oakland Avenue, on the south side of the interstate. Visitors can also park on the north side in the Forest Park lots and access the Science Center via a pedestrian bridge over the highway. If I-64 is backed up, using city streets like Kingshighway Boulevard can be a reliable alternative route.

When visiting the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, it's best to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and check-in. The brewery has large, clearly marked visitor parking lots that are free of charge. The entrance is typically off Lynch or Pestalozzi Street. Exiting is usually straightforward, but be aware that you are in a dense historic neighborhood, Soulard, so watch for pedestrians and local traffic on the surrounding narrow streets as you make your way back to the main roads.

Both Grant's Farm and the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site are located in a suburban area of St. Louis County. The easiest way to reach them is by using a GPS, as they are situated off major roads like Gravois Road. The suburban road network is generally well-maintained and clearly signed. Traffic is typically lighter than in the city center, but it's still wise to avoid peak commuter times for the most relaxed drive.

A trip to Cahokia Mounds in Illinois is a simple drive from St. Louis. The most direct route is to take I-55/I-64 East across the Poplar Street Bridge into Illinois and follow the signs. The drive usually takes only 15-20 minutes without traffic. To avoid congestion on the bridge, try to plan your trip outside of morning and evening rush hours. The route is straightforward, and once you are in Illinois, clear signage will guide you directly to the historic site.

Navigating between Missouri and Illinois is seamless, as the road systems are very similar. The primary difference you might notice is the highway numbering and naming conventions, but modern GPS apps handle this without issue. Signage for attractions and exits is standardized and clear on both sides of the Mississippi River. The biggest factor to plan for is potential traffic delays on the bridges connecting the two states, especially during peak travel times.

During morning and evening rush hours, the main bridges connecting St. Louis and Illinois—the Poplar Street Bridge (I-64/I-55), the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I-70), and the Eads Bridge—can experience significant congestion. Traffic heading into St. Louis is heaviest in the morning, while outbound traffic peaks in the late afternoon. If you must cross during these times, allow for at least 20-30 minutes of extra travel time and use a traffic app to check for any accidents or unusual delays.

The most scenic and straightforward route to Missouri wine country near Augusta is to take I-64 West from St. Louis to Highway 94 West. This highway is designated as a scenic byway and winds through beautiful countryside, leading you directly to the cluster of wineries. While a GPS might suggest smaller back roads as shortcuts, sticking to Highway 94 provides the most pleasant and easy-to-navigate journey for a day trip.

The most direct route to Six Flags is to take I-44 West from St. Louis for about 30 miles and use the designated exit for the park. The route is very well-signed, making it an easy drive. Upon arrival, you'll be directed into large parking lots. The biggest challenge is the end-of-day exit, as thousands of cars leave at once. To avoid the worst of it, consider leaving slightly before the park closes or staying to have a snack until the initial rush subsides.

The drive from St. Louis to Kansas City is a straight shot west on I-70 for about four hours. To avoid morning traffic, try to leave St. Louis after 9:00 AM. Columbia, located at the halfway point, is a popular and convenient place to stop for lunch or a break, as it's a vibrant college town with many options right off the highway. As you approach Kansas City, your GPS can help you navigate around the downtown loop if your destination is in the suburbs.

The drive to Springfield, Illinois, is a manageable day trip, taking about 90 minutes to two hours each way via I-55 North. The route is direct and primarily through flat farmland, making for an easy drive. With limited time, it's best to leave St. Louis early to maximize your time at the Abraham Lincoln historical sites. Traffic is usually not a major issue, but checking for any road construction along I-55 before you depart is always a good idea.

In winter, the biggest surprise for visitors is often ice, especially 'black ice' that forms on bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots, even when other roads seem clear. St. Louis can also experience sudden snow or ice storms that quickly impact travel. During and after winter weather, major interstates like I-64, I-70, and I-270 are the highest priority for road crews and are generally the safest and clearest routes to stick to.

Midwestern thunderstorms can bring sudden downpours that cause hydroplaning and dramatically reduce visibility. The most risky situations are driving at high speeds on the interstate and navigating low-lying areas or underpasses that are prone to flash flooding. The safest approach is to reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance, and turn on your headlights. If visibility becomes too poor or roads are flooding, pull over to a safe location like a rest stop or parking lot and wait for the storm to pass.

St. Louis, like many major cities, has an active road construction season, typically from spring through fall. Major interchanges on I-64, I-70, and I-270 are often sites of lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, or complete detours, especially during nights and weekends. Relying on a real-time GPS navigation app is essential, as it will provide the most current information on closures and suggest the best alternate routes to keep you on track.

Reaching suburban destinations like the St. Louis Premium Outlets in Chesterfield is generally straightforward for visitors. The easiest approach is to use I-64/Hwy 40 West and follow the signs for the specific exit. Suburban traffic is often less intense than in the city center, and these large attractions are designed with ample, easy-to-access parking. Using your GPS will make the drive simple, as the route primarily involves highway driving with minimal complex turns.

For a day visiting these spread-out areas, it's most practical to drive between them and park at each location. A good strategy is to start at Forest Park in the morning when parking is easier, then drive to the Delmar Loop for lunch and shopping, and finally head downtown in the late afternoon. While St. Louis does have public transit, a rental car provides the most efficient way to connect these key destinations in a single day.

When parking in neighborhoods like the Central West End or Soulard, it's crucial to read all posted signs carefully. Many areas have resident-only permit parking, specific time limits, or street cleaning restrictions. Towing is actively enforced in these zones to preserve parking for residents. To avoid issues, it's often safer to use a paid public garage or a designated lot for the venue you are visiting rather than searching for a spot on an unfamiliar residential street.

When booking a rental for St. Louis, especially if staying downtown or in historic areas, it's wise to consider vehicle size. Many older hotel garages have low clearance heights and tight turns that can be challenging for large SUVs or vans. A compact or mid-size sedan is often much easier to maneuver and park in these structures. Before finalizing your rental, check your hotel's parking information or call them to ask about any vehicle size restrictions.

Driving around Washington University and the adjacent Delmar Loop can be very busy. The area has a high volume of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, so it's important to be extra cautious. During major campus events like graduation or student move-in/move-out weekends, traffic becomes extremely congested, and parking is scarce. If your visit coincides with one of these events, allow significant extra travel time or consider using a rideshare service for short trips in the immediate vicinity.

For an early flight, check your route's traffic patterns the day before, as even at 5:00 AM, you can encounter overnight construction or early commuter traffic. Allow more time than you think you need for the drive, rental car return, and security. The drive from downtown to STL is typically about 25-30 minutes in light traffic. Factoring in 20 minutes for the car return process and shuttle ride to the terminal provides a comfortable buffer.

A common mistake when returning a car at STL is missing the dedicated exit for the Rental Car Return center. As you approach the airport on I-70, the signage for rental returns appears before the signs for the main terminal drop-offs. Drivers who are not paying close attention can easily follow the main traffic flow to the terminals by mistake. Be sure to get in the correct lane early and look specifically for the 'Rental Car Return' signs to guide you to the proper facility.

With a tight connection, travelers map out every step. Plan to arrive at the airport perimeter at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Allocate 15-20 minutes for the entire car return process, which includes inspection, checkout, and unloading luggage. Then, factor in a 5-10 minute shuttle ride from the rental facility back to your departure terminal. Having your boarding pass ready on your phone and knowing exactly which terminal you need will save precious minutes.

If you realize you've left an item behind, the best first step is to immediately call the customer service number for the rental car company's STL location. Provide them with your rental agreement number and a detailed description of the item and where you believe you left it in the vehicle. They can coordinate with their on-site staff to check the car. Acting quickly increases the chances of a successful recovery before the vehicle is cleaned and rented to the next customer.

For a mixed itinerary of city and highway driving, travelers often prioritize a mid-size sedan or a compact SUV. These vehicles offer a good balance of fuel efficiency for longer drives, like a trip to Kansas City, while still being nimble enough to navigate city streets and parking garages. Ample trunk space is also a key consideration to keep luggage securely out of sight when parked at tourist attractions. Features like modern infotainment systems with navigation are also highly valued.

For a Cardinals game, most attendees park in the numerous garages and surface lots surrounding Busch Stadium, with options varying in proximity and ease of exit. Many fans prefer parking a few blocks away from the stadium to avoid the most intense post-game gridlock. Pre-purchasing a parking pass online for a specific garage can save time and guarantee a spot. After the game, expect significant delays, so it's often best to relax at a nearby restaurant or wait for about 30-45 minutes before attempting to leave.

First-time drivers in St. Louis should be prepared for a relatively fast pace on the highways. Merging often requires being assertive but predictable. A major and often unexpected bottleneck occurs on I-64 (Hwy 40) where it narrows as it passes through Forest Park, causing slowdowns even outside of rush hour. Additionally, be aware that many drivers treat yellow lights as an extension of the green, so be cautious at intersections.