Payless Car Rental
St. Louis

Regardless of whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the process is streamlined for convenience. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the airport signage directing you to the rental car shuttle pickup area. These shuttles run frequently and will transport you directly to the consolidated rental car facility where the Payless counter is located. The signs are clearly marked in both terminals, ensuring you can easily find your way to the designated shuttle zone without confusion.

The most efficient and comfortable way to reach the rental car facility from baggage claim is by using the airport's dedicated shuttle bus service. This service is designed to accommodate all travelers, including those with mobility challenges or families with children and luggage. The shuttle stops are located just outside the terminals, minimizing walking distance after you've collected your bags. Using the shuttle avoids navigating parking garages on foot and provides a direct, seated ride to the Payless counter.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport is well-lit and maintains clear signage for travelers arriving at any hour. The pathways from baggage claim to the rental car shuttle pickup zones are brightly illuminated and regularly patrolled, ensuring a secure environment. The shuttle buses themselves are also well-lit and operate on a consistent schedule, even late into the evening. You can feel confident that the route to the consolidated rental car facility is designed with passenger safety and visibility in mind.

It's wise to budget an additional 20 to 30 minutes at the rental facility after completing your paperwork. This buffer allows you to comfortably adjust your mirrors and seating, set up your navigation system, and add another driver to your rental agreement at the counter. It also provides ample time to organize your luggage in the vehicle without feeling rushed. Taking this extra time ensures you can begin your drive into St. Louis feeling prepared and relaxed.

When leaving STL, the most straightforward route is to follow the signs for Interstate 70 (I-70). This major highway provides a direct path toward Downtown St. Louis and connects to most other key interstates in the region. To avoid confusion, have your GPS destination set before you leave the rental car lot. Staying in the center lanes of I-70 initially can help prevent last-minute merges for unfamiliar exits as you get acclimated to the traffic flow.

Choosing your home base depends on your itinerary and tolerance for daily driving. Staying near the airport offers convenient access to major highways like I-70 and I-270, making trips to suburban attractions or St. Charles easier. Lodging downtown places you within walking distance of the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and the City Museum, potentially reducing daily driving time. Consider mapping your must-see attractions to see which location offers a more central point for your specific travel plans.

A practical approach is to park once or twice to cover these key attractions. Start your morning at the Gateway Arch, where you can park in a nearby garage. From there, the City Museum is a short drive away, and you can find dedicated parking in that area. For the afternoon, drive to Forest Park and park near the St. Louis Zoo or Art Museum; many of the park's destinations are then accessible via a pleasant walk or the park's internal shuttle system, minimizing the need to move your car again.

For the most convenient access to the Gateway Arch, drivers often use the Stadium East Garage or other nearby parking facilities located just a few blocks west of the monument. These garages offer a relatively short and straightforward walk to the Arch grounds. When you're ready to leave, these locations provide simple access back to major thoroughfares like I-44 and I-64 (US-40), allowing for a smooth departure from the downtown area without navigating complex side streets.

To ensure a smooth arrival at Busch Stadium on a game day, plan to approach from a major highway like I-64/US-40 and exit at one of the designated downtown exits like 6th, 9th, or 11th street. It's best to have a pre-selected parking garage in mind and navigate directly to it, rather than circling the stadium itself. Arriving at least an hour before the game starts helps you avoid the heaviest traffic congestion and the street closures that often occur immediately around the venue.

Downtown St. Louis features a grid of one-way streets, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. Before heading to your hotel, review its location on a map to understand the direction of traffic on the surrounding streets. Using a GPS is highly recommended, as it will account for the one-way system in its directions. For drop-offs, try to pull into the hotel's designated loading zone or find a temporary spot that doesn't obstruct a primary traffic lane.

The drive from Downtown to The Hill for dinner is generally manageable, even during peak hours. The most direct route typically involves taking I-64/US-40 west to the Hampton Avenue or Kingshighway Boulevard exit. While you may encounter some congestion getting onto the interstate from downtown, the drive itself is relatively short, usually taking about 15-20 minutes. Once you exit the highway, the neighborhood streets on The Hill are much calmer, making it easy to find your restaurant.

Driving from Clayton to Forest Park is exceptionally easy, as the two areas are adjacent. A simple route is to take Forsyth Boulevard or Forest Park Parkway eastbound, which leads you directly into the park. To avoid parking hassles, consider parking once at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center. From there, you can use the park's free internal shuttle, the Forest Park Explorer, to hop between attractions like the Zoo, Art Museum, and History Museum.

To maximize your time, plan to arrive at the St. Louis Zoo right when it opens in the morning. This allows you to enjoy the exhibits for a few hours before the largest crowds arrive. Park in one of the Zoo's main lots for easy access. After your visit, you're perfectly positioned to explore other Forest Park attractions or hop back on I-64/US-40, which is immediately accessible from the Zoo's southern edge, to quickly reach other parts of the city.

For straightforward parking in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum are excellent choices. Both institutions have their own dedicated parking lots or garages, which are well-signed and easy to access from the main park roads. The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center also offers ample parking and serves as a great starting point. Parking at one of these locations allows you to explore the nearby attractions on foot without needing to move your vehicle.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is well-equipped for visitors, offering a large, dedicated parking lot right at its main entrance. During peak times, such as weekend afternoons or special events, this lot can fill up, but attendants are usually on hand to direct traffic to overflow areas. The surrounding neighborhood streets are generally calm, but the main access road, Shaw Boulevard, can get busy. Arriving earlier in the day typically ensures the most convenient parking and a smoother entry experience.

Travelers should anticipate significant rush-hour traffic on I-70 between the airport and Downtown. In the morning, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, traffic is heaviest heading eastbound into the city. Conversely, the late afternoon rush, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, sees the most congestion heading westbound out of the city toward the airport. Planning your drive outside of these peak windows can save considerable time and make for a much more pleasant journey.

For a low-stress drive to historic St. Charles, the most direct route is to take I-70 West from the airport. This route is straightforward and avoids the more complex interchanges closer to downtown St. Louis. You will stay on I-70 for about 10 miles before taking the exit for 5th Street in St. Charles. From there, clear signage will guide you the short distance to the Main Street historic district, making for a simple and easy-to-navigate trip.

Union Station offers a large, dedicated parking lot conveniently located on its property, which is the preferred option for visitors to the St. Louis Aquarium. The entrance to this lot is clearly marked from Market Street. Parking here allows for a very short walk to the aquarium entrance and other Union Station attractions. This eliminates the need to search for street parking and provides a simple exit back onto the main roads when you are ready to leave.

When driving along the riverfront near downtown, be particularly mindful of the on-ramps and off-ramps for the major bridges and I-44. This area involves frequent merges, and lanes can sometimes end abruptly as you approach the Poplar Street Bridge. It's important to pay close attention to overhead signs and use your GPS to anticipate your next move. Staying aware and giving yourself plenty of space from other vehicles will help you navigate this busy corridor safely.

A trip to Cahokia Mounds is an easy and direct drive from St. Louis. The simplest route is to take I-55/I-64 East across the Poplar Street Bridge into Illinois. From there, you'll take the exit for IL-111 and follow the clear signs for the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The entire drive typically takes less than 20 minutes from downtown. The site has a large, well-marked parking lot, making arrival and parking completely stress-free.

A frequent challenge for visitors is not getting into the correct lane early enough when navigating the major interstate junctions near downtown. These interchanges can have exits on both the left and right, and require quick decisions. The most common mistake is waiting until the last second to merge, which can be difficult in heavy traffic. Using a GPS and paying close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit will help you avoid this common pitfall.

A popular and convenient first stop on the drive from St. Louis to Kansas City is Columbia, Missouri, located about halfway between the two cities. It's directly off I-70, so it requires almost no detour. You can easily find gas stations, a wide variety of restaurants, or take a short break to walk around the University of Missouri campus. This makes it an ideal place to stretch your legs and refuel before continuing your journey west.

When driving to Six Flags, which is located on I-44 southwest of the city, expect traffic to build up significantly on weekend mornings. The slowdown typically begins on I-44 itself, starting a mile or two before the park's exit at Eureka. To minimize your time in traffic, plan to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the park officially opens. This allows you to get through the main entrance and parking toll booths ahead of the biggest rush.

To have the best experience at Grant's Farm, it's highly recommended to arrive shortly before it opens for the day. This strategy helps you avoid the long lines of cars that often form at the entrance during peak midday hours. The parking lot is spacious, but arriving early ensures you get a spot closer to the entrance. An early start means you'll be among the first to enjoy the tram ride and attractions before the largest crowds build up.

During heavy rain in St. Louis, visibility can be reduced, especially on high-speed interstates like I-64 and I-70. Certain low-lying areas or older ramps can be prone to water pooling, so it's important to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. The complex interchanges downtown, where lane markings might be harder to see in a downpour, require extra caution. Allow for additional travel time and drive defensively to ensure a safe trip in wet conditions.

In snowy or icy conditions, visitors will find that the major interstates like I-64, I-70, and I-270 are the most reliable roads to travel on. These are the top priorities for city and state snow removal crews, so they are typically cleared and treated first. It's wise to stick to these main arteries and other primary roads rather than venturing into smaller residential neighborhoods, such as The Hill or Dogtown, which may have steeper hills and be cleared less frequently.

For a simple and straightforward crossing into Illinois, the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I-70) is an excellent choice for visitors. It is a modern bridge with clear lane markings and less complex on-ramps compared to the older Poplar Street Bridge. Another good option is the Eads Bridge, which offers a unique historical experience and leads directly into a calmer part of East St. Louis. Both provide a less intimidating experience for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery has a large, dedicated visitor parking lot located directly across the street from the tour center, making parking very straightforward. Simply navigate to the brewery's address on Pestalozzi Street, and you will see clear signs directing you to the complimentary visitor lot. There is no need to search for street parking in the surrounding Soulard neighborhood. Arriving a few minutes before your scheduled tour time is all that's needed to secure a spot and walk over.

Driving to Enterprise Center for an event involves navigating downtown traffic, which can be heavy, so plan to arrive early. The venue is conveniently located near major highways, making it accessible. Numerous parking garages and surface lots are available within a few blocks of the arena, with clear signage directing drivers. To reduce stress, it's a good idea to identify and pre-select a parking garage online before you go, so you can navigate directly to it.

Washington Avenue is a bustling one-way street, so a good strategy is to use your GPS to navigate directly to your hotel's entrance. Most hotels in this area have a designated, short-term passenger loading zone right out front. Pull in here to unload your luggage and have one person from your party check in. This avoids the stress of blocking a travel lane while you get your bearings and figure out the hotel's long-term parking arrangement.

A great way to structure a family day is to focus on one geographic area. For example, you could spend an entire day in Forest Park, which hosts the St. Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum, all within a short drive or even walking distance of each other. Another option is to pair a downtown visit to the City Museum with a trip to the Gateway Arch, as they are located very close together, minimizing time spent in the car.

The best way to handle a pickup at STL is to use the airport's free cell phone lots. Have your friends call or text you once they have collected their luggage and are standing outside at the passenger pickup curb. You can then drive from the nearby cell phone lot to their terminal in just a few minutes. This strategy prevents you from having to circle the busy terminal roads while you wait for them to deplane.

For a stress-free early morning return, simply follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach St. Louis Lambert International Airport. These signs will guide you directly to the entrance of the consolidated rental car facility. After you return the vehicle, a complimentary shuttle bus will be waiting to take you and your luggage directly to your departure terminal. The entire process is designed to be quick and efficient, even during early hours.

If you are traveling with bulky items like strollers, car seats, or sports equipment, it's a good idea to budget an extra 15 to 20 minutes for your car return process. This will give you plenty of time to unload all your gear from the vehicle without feeling rushed before you board the shuttle to the terminal. Arriving at the return facility with this extra buffer ensures a calm and organized end to your rental experience.

When a major event is happening downtown, the key is to plan ahead and park on the periphery. Check a local news or city website for a map of street closures before you head out. Instead of trying to drive directly to your destination, find a parking garage that is several blocks away from the event's center and outside the closure zone. This allows you to walk the final few blocks, easily avoiding the worst of the traffic and detours.

Most modern parking garages in downtown St. Louis and Clayton are built to accommodate standard SUVs. However, it's always a good practice to pay close attention to the posted clearance signs at the garage entrance, which indicate the maximum vehicle height. When navigating inside, take turns slowly and be mindful of the concrete pillars. If you are particularly concerned, surface lots are also widely available throughout the city and eliminate any height or tight-turn worries.

For convenient supply runs, many travelers look to areas just off the major interstates. The neighborhoods of Brentwood and Richmond Heights, located along I-64/US-40 and I-170, are popular choices. This area, known as the Brentwood Promenade or The Boulevard, features several large grocery stores and retailers with expansive parking lots. Its central location and direct highway access make it an easy stop for stocking up on essentials without navigating dense city streets.

To ease into your multi-city trip, plan your departure from the airport to coincide with off-peak traffic hours, avoiding the morning or evening rush. If your journey takes you west, you can get on I-70 directly from the airport and head away from the downtown core. If heading south or east, using I-270 as a bypass loop around the city center is an excellent strategy to avoid the most congested interchanges until you are more comfortable with the vehicle.

A common navigation challenge downtown is GPS lag when driving on the lower levels of double-decker highways like I-64 near the riverfront. Your GPS may temporarily lose its signal, so it's helpful to review your route on a map beforehand. Also, be aware that many streets are one-way, and some ramps for elevated highways can appear suddenly. Keeping a co-pilot on navigation duty and listening to turn-by-turn directions in advance can help you stay in the correct lane.

For an efficient group pickup, designate one person as the driver to head to the rental car facility via the shuttle. The rest of the group should wait with all the luggage at a designated pickup door outside of baggage claim. Once the driver has the rental vehicle, they can circle around to the arrivals curb to load the passengers and luggage. This prevents the entire group from having to manage bags on the shuttle and streamlines the loading process.