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St. Louis Lambert Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our St. Louis Lambert Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Gate C17 – This airport was the best sleeping experience at an airport ever. I should stay at airports like this instead of hotels. – Craig Apple Pie

STL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

What to Expect

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (code: STL) consists of two terminals (1 and 2) with a total of five concourses (A-E). Terminal 1 has been completely renovated and hosts Concourses A-D. Terminal 2 hosts Concourse E and serves all international flights. The terminals are connected by continuous shuttle bus service. A wide variety of eateries and shops are dispersed throughout the concourses, along with a few on the landside. Almost all eateries and shops close during the overnight hours, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available, and mobile device charging outlets can be found. Economy class passengers can pay to use one of the lounges found in both terminals.

Sleeping in St. Louis Airport

Security checkpoints close for the night at different hours depending upon the concourse. We could not determine whether airport policy restricts all passengers to the landside areas after they close, but some travellers have reported sleeping on the airside. Reviewers report that armrest-free seating can be found in various areas throughout the airport, predominantly in Terminal 2 and Concourse C. If you plan to sleep in this airport, reviewers suggest bringing a sleeping bag, travel blanket or extra layers as the airport is said to be exceptionally cold. Also, consider eyeshades as bright lights can be problematic for decent sleep. For uninterrupted sleep, albeit for a price, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our St. Louis Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to access the secure area (airside) until the morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels within a short drive of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Many hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with your hotel for schedules and pick-up instructions. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phones near baggage claim.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside, between Concourses B and C. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • Wingtips Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounges

  • USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal 1, Landside, lower level, across from baggage carousel M6. A reader tells us, the “USO can close without notice. It’s best to contact them directly beforehand and get their current hours.” (May 2025)

Drinking Water

Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminals. (User report, May 2025)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules. Several options open as early as 4:30 AM. Vending machines are available throughout the terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging points are available in gate areas. (User report, May 2025)

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available in 4-hour sessions. (User report, May 2025) Connect to the “Boingo” network. Additional time costs $7.95 per day.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Art in the Airport – Permanent and rotating art exhibits are displayed throughout the terminals.

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the airport. Fees may apply. Locations: Airside, Concourse A, Gate A10 • Terminal 1, Landside, Mid-Level Stage • Airside, Concourse C, Gate C15 • Terminal 2, Airside, Gate E20 • Terminal 2, Landside, near Entrance Doors 1 and 2.
Baby Care Facilities – Family Assist rooms are located near restrooms throughout the terminals and concourses.
Baggage Carts – Available in Terminal 1 departures and baggage claim areas in Terminals 1 and 2. Rate: $6 per cart.
Banking Services – A US Bank branch offers full-service banking and currency exchange. Location: Terminal 1, Lower Level, near Concourse C security checkpoint. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
Chapel – Interfaith chapels are available for quiet reflection. Worship services may be suspended. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, near Exit Door 11 • Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate E40.
Children’s Play Area – A transportation-themed play area (St. Louis International Play Port) is located near Gate C3. Operated by The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum.
Currency Exchange – Available at the US Bank branch. See Banking Services above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – No duty-free shops are available. A small selection of shops is located throughout the terminals. Hudson News operates multiple locations, some open from early morning to the last flight.
Information Desk – Location: Terminal 1, Baggage Claim (between carousels 4 and 5). Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Terminal 2 passengers can access assistance via courtesy phones at Gate E10 and in the baggage claim area.
Postal Services – A mailbox is available in Concourse A, across from the John Wayne Conference Room.

Airlines
St. Louis Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air Choice One • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Cape Air • Charter Flights • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Lufthansa • Southwest Airlines • Spirit • United.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

All bus traffic for the airport is directed through BusPort, a designated facility on airport property just south of Terminal 1. Passengers can travel between BusPort and the airport terminals using the free, 24-hour inter-terminal shuttle service.

Car Rentals

All rental car pick-up and drop-off happen off-site. A free, 24-hour shuttle is available. The T1 pick-up is outside exit 17, and from T2, head to exit 12.

Car rental desks are on the lower level in terminal 1, between doors 12 and 17. The following rental agencies include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service. Some hotels can be contacted using the direct-dial courtesy phones at the Hotel/Motel Phone Centers on each terminal’s lower level. Hotel shuttles pick up passengers at Exit Door 18 (Terminal 1, lower level) and Exit Door 12 (Terminal 2, lower level).

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttles

St. Louis Lambert Airport operates a free shuttle service that runs a circuit between the terminals every 8 – 15 minutes, stopping at the BusPort between terminal stops. Shuttles are picked up at Exit Door 12 of either terminal.

Light Rail

MetroLink light rail RED line links the airport to downtown St. Louis. The MetroLink is accessible from Terminal 1 (go to Exit Door 1 on the upper level) and from Terminal 2 (via any of the parking garage levels). For route maps, schedules and fares, visit the Metro Transit St. Louis website.

Shuttles

GO BEST Express offers shared-ride, door-to-door airport shuttle service between the airport and various destinations. Departures from the airport are available every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM, and service to the airport starts as early as 4:00 AM.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside Terminal 1, near Exit Door 14, and Terminal 2, near Exit Door 12. All taxis are metered, a $4.00 Airport Pick-up Fee applies to each taxi and reservations are not required.

Last updated: 2026-03-27

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

Overall Experience:

8 Reviews
Tolerable