National Car Rental
St. Louis

Upon arrival at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the most reliable way to find the rental car facility is to follow the overhead airport signage for "Rental Car Shuttle." After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, these signs will guide you to the designated shuttle pickup zones located outside the terminals. The shared shuttles run on a continuous loop, providing a quick and direct ride to the consolidated rental car center. This system eliminates the need to navigate airport roads on foot and ensures you arrive directly at the correct location.

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

Planning for about 30 to 45 minutes from your gate to the National rental lot is a reasonable estimate, though this can vary. This timeframe accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage to arrive, and then taking the short shuttle ride to the rental car facility. During peak travel times or if your bags are among the last to be unloaded, this process might take a bit longer. Building this buffer into your schedule helps ensure a relaxed start to your St. Louis 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 process. After exiting the plane, find a less congested area near baggage claim to settle with the kids. 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's passenger pickup curb to meet the rest of the family, making for an efficient and low-stress transition.

A great 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 get the car, the rest of the group can wait with the luggage just outside the baggage claim doors. The driver can then circle back from the rental car center and pull up directly to the curb for a quick and easy loading process. Clear communication via cell phone is key to timing the pickup perfectly 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 major highway provides a direct path toward the city center and is generally well-marked. By staying on I-70 East, you'll minimize complex interchanges and lane changes until you are much closer to the downtown area. Using a GPS for the final few miles will help you navigate the specific exit for your destination, but the initial journey on I-70 is the simplest way to get acclimated.

To avoid stressful lane changes when approaching the Gateway Arch, set your GPS for the Gateway Arch National Park ahead of time. As you travel east on I-44 or I-64, the key is to move into the right-hand lanes well in advance of the downtown exits. The exits for the Arch, such as the one for Memorial Drive, can appear quickly. Following your navigation's voice prompts and paying attention to overhead signs a mile or two out will give you ample 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 schedule your arrival outside of the peak morning (7-9 a.m.) and evening (4-6 p.m.) commute times. The interchanges are generally well-signed, but having your GPS active will help you anticipate exits like Forest Park Parkway or Ladue Road, ensuring you make your turns without any last-minute confusion.

The Central West End (CWE) is known for its beautiful historic architecture, which also means you'll encounter a mix of one-way streets and potentially limited curbside space. Before you arrive, it's helpful to review your hotel's location on a map to understand the traffic flow on the final approach. Many hotels have designated short-term loading zones out front, so look for those signs upon arrival. This allows you to unload your luggage conveniently before proceeding to find more permanent parking in a nearby garage or lot.

Driving near Busch Stadium on a game day requires extra planning due to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, along with numerous street closures. Expect significant delays in the hours leading up to and immediately following a Cardinals game. If you need to pick someone up, arrange a meeting point several blocks away from the stadium itself, outside of 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 by taking 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 road system 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, it's best to plug the specific attraction's address (e.g., "St. Louis Zoo") into your GPS 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 strategy allows you to be one of the first waves of cars entering the main lots on the north and south sides of the zoo. Arriving right at opening or slightly after often means you'll face longer lines to get into the lots and may have to circle to find 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 involves using Kingshighway Boulevard and then turning onto Southwest Avenue. A common point of confusion is the intersection of Kingshighway and Vandeventer Avenue, where multiple roads converge. Using a GPS is highly recommended to navigate this specific 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 easy 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 surrounding the brewery are a mix of industrial and historic residential, so watch for truck traffic and local vehicles. The main visitor entrance is well-marked, but it's wise to have your GPS active to 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 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., after the morning rush hour has subsided. For your return trip, aim to be back on the eastbound highways before 3:30 p.m. to beat the afternoon commuter traffic. This timing strategy allows you to travel on I-64 or I-70 when they are least congested, making for a much more pleasant and efficient drive in both directions.

A great half-day loop starts at the Gateway Arch downtown. From there, drive south on Broadway, which turns into S 7th Street, leading you directly into the historic Soulard neighborhood, home to the famous market. After exploring Soulard, you can easily access Interstate 55 or Interstate 44 to loop back toward your hotel's area, whether it's downtown, in the Central West End, or Clayton. This north-to-south-to-west path creates a logical progression and minimizes redundant driving through the same city streets.

Visitors to St. Louis are often surprised by the number of "left-lane exits" on the interstate highways, 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, requiring you to get up to speed quickly to merge safely. In neighborhoods 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 GPS 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 6:30 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. on a weekday. Departing during this window helps you avoid the heaviest outbound commuter traffic that builds up on the highways. 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 on both ends of your journey.

The most direct and simplest route for a road trip 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 marked, making it an easy drive even for those unfamiliar with the area. There are plenty of rest stops and gas 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 drive is typical interstate travel, but as you get closer to the Ozarks, the terrain becomes more hilly and winding. For easy stops, the cities of Rolla and Springfield are perfectly positioned along I-44 and offer numerous options for food, gas, and restrooms. Planning a brief stop in one of these cities can help break up the drive and make 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 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. rush in KC, you should aim to leave St. Louis no later than 11:30 a.m. An even better plan is to depart mid-morning, around 9:30 or 10 a.m., 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. You'll simply take Interstate 55/70 East across the Poplar Street Bridge into Illinois, and the exit for the mounds is just a few miles past the river. The site is well-signed from the highway. For the return trip, you'll follow signs for I-55/70 West back toward St. Louis. Be mindful 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 to navigating it successfully is to know which highway you need to be on well in advance and get into the correct lane early. Use your GPS 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 garage like those near Busch Stadium or the convention center. 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 distances, the MetroLink light rail system provides convenient access to other neighborhoods without needing your car.

Finding a gas station near STL for a pre-return fill-up is very convenient. Several major brand gas stations are located along Natural Bridge Road and Lambert International Boulevard, the main roads that circle the airport property. These stations are accustomed 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 gas 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 to the curb and quickly unload your passengers and all the 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 center 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 counter, and leaves you with plenty of time for security. If you have a very early flight before 6 a.m., adding an extra 15 minutes is a good buffer, as shuttle frequency may be slightly reduced overnight.

If your GPS 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 GPS 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 any scrapes or dings and ensure a stress-free experience with your larger vehicle.

During major events like Mardi Gras in Soulard or downtown festivals, expect significant street closures, traffic detours, 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 transportation to get closer. Check the official event website beforehand for maps of street 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 GPS 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 on a weekend, increases your chances of getting a spot in this convenient lot. This avoids the need to circle the surrounding blocks looking 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 right at the main entrance. Don't hesitate to temporarily block the lane, as this 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 direct you on whether to leave the car with the valet or move it to a self-parking garage after you've unloaded.

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 and historic river towns of Alton, Illinois, and Grafton, Illinois. In Grafton, you can enjoy stunning 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 beauty of 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, you'll want to take Highway 367 North across the Clark Bridge into Alton, Illinois, where you can pick up the Illinois Route 100, which is the official scenic byway. This route hugs the river bluffs and avoids the industrial zones south of the city. Using a map to specifically 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 (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). 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 beltway that circles the county, often experiences heavy traffic, especially near the I-70 and I-44 junctions. Planning your travel outside of these peak times can lead to 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 crosswalks 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 ticketing in permit-only zones.

For travelers prioritizing easy parking and highway access, suburbs like Clayton, Chesterfield, or Maryland Heights are excellent choices. Clayton offers a more urban feel with great restaurants but is situated 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 home 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 GPS before you even start the car. Stick to the major, well-lit interstate highways 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 neighborhoods. Having your route planned and audible on your GPS allows you to focus on the road and your surroundings, ensuring a safe and direct journey to your lodging.

A great 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 the attractions in Forest Park. On your second day, you can 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 your destinations geographically, minimizing drive time and preventing you from crisscrossing the city unnecessarily.

During severe weather in St. Louis, the smartest adjustment is to increase your travel time and stick to major interstate highways, which are prioritized for clearing and treatment. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights. In cases of 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's wise to postpone non-essential travel until road crews have had time to treat the surfaces.