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St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the primary commercial airport serving Greater St. Louis, located about 14 miles northwest of downtown. Established in 1920 as Lambert Field, it grew into a major hub for TWA and later American Airlines, and its iconic Terminal 1 features a distinctive domed roof. Today, STL offers nonstop flights across the U.S. and is connected to downtown by MetroLink light rail.
💡 Local Tip
When picking up passengers, use the free cell phone lot on Airflight Drive and wait for a call—it saves circling the terminal and avoids congestion.
🚖 Getting There
The MetroLink Red Line offers convenient rail service from both terminals to downtown St. Louis, with trains running every 10-20 minutes. Rideshare pickups are on the arrivals level, and taxis are available at designated stands outside each terminal. If driving, I-70 and I-170 provide direct access, and on-site parking includes covered garages and economy lots.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines serve St. Louis Lambert International Airport?
A: Major airlines include Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Allegiant, with Southwest being the largest carrier.
Q: How far is STL from downtown St. Louis?
A: The airport is approximately 14 miles (23 km) northwest of downtown, typically a 20-minute drive in normal traffic.
Q: Is there public transit from the airport to downtown?
A: Yes, MetroLink's Red Line stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, providing direct rail service to downtown and other St. Louis areas.
Q: Which terminal does Southwest Airlines use at STL?
A: Southwest Airlines operates primarily from Terminal 2, while most other major carriers use Terminal 1.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash