Ready to hit the road in St. Louis? Use the search form above to find your ideal car rental. Enter your St. Louis pick-up location (Lambert International Airport (STL) or convenient city locations like downtown or Clayton), select your dates, and let our system compare real-time deals from multiple car rental companies in the area. In seconds, you’ll see options for every need: compact cars for easy parking in the city, full-size sedans for comfort, SUVs and minivans for families or groups, even 12-passenger vans (an AirportVanRental specialty) for those big family reunions or sports teams. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks you’ll lock in a great rate for your St. Louis trip. With your ride confirmed, you can focus on planning your must-see stops, perhaps a stroll under the Arch, an afternoon at Forest Park’s free museums and zoo, or a road trip out to Missouri wine
St. Louis, MO Car Rental, Your Gateway to the West on Wheels. Welcome to St. Louis, the historic “Gateway City” famous for its soaring Gateway Arch and rich Midwest culture. Renting a car in St. Louis gives you the freedom to explore all corners of the region on your own schedule, from downtown’s lively waterfront and museums to scenic drives along the Mississippi River. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable St. Louis car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips so you can book confidently and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re a visitor flying into Lambert Airport, a business traveler with meetings across town, or a local planning a weekend getaway, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Let’s get you on the road in St. Louis, hassle-free and affordably!
St. Louis does have public transit (the MetroLink light rail and Metro buses) and rideshares, but a rental car unlocks the full potential of your visit. Here’s why having your own set of wheels in St. Louis is a smart move:
In short, renting a car in St. Louis gives you the freedom to get the most out of your trip, from city sights to countryside delights, on your schedule.
Our St. Louis Car Rental Benefits (Why Book with AirportVanRental?)
When you book your St. Louis rental through AirportVanRental, you get more than just a car, you get a seamless experience from start to finish, with perks you won’t find by simply walking up to a rental counter. Here’s what sets us apart for your St. Louis car rental:
Top St. Louis Car Rental Deals
St. Louis is an affordable city, and rental car rates reflect that. We constantly update our deals, but here are some example vehicle types and prices to give you an idea of what to expect (pricing varies by season and availability):
Note: “From” rates above are illustrative for the St. Louis area in low-demand periods. Actual prices depend on your specific dates and pick-up location. Expect higher rates during peak travel times, e.g. summer weekends, major events (like Cardinals baseball opening week or a big conference at America’s Center), when demand is up. Always search with your exact dates to see current deals. Booking a bit in advance often secures the best price, and remember, with our free cancellation, you can lock in a good deal early without risk if your plans change.
Driving in St. Louis: What to Know
Driving in St. Louis is generally straightforward and driver-friendly, but every city has its quirks. Here are key tips, local rules, and things to be aware of so you can navigate St. Louis safely and confidently:
Traffic & Rush Hours: St. Louis doesn’t suffer the extreme congestion of larger cities, but you’ll encounter typical rush hour slowdowns. Weekday morning rush runs roughly 7:00–9:00 AM and evening rush from 4:00–6:30 PM. Major interstates like I-64/US-40, I-55, I-44, and the I-270/I-255 beltway can get bogged down as commuters head to/from downtown and Clayton. The bridges over the Mississippi (especially the Poplar Street Bridge on I-64/I-55 and the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge on I-70) are common pinch points in rush hour. If you can, plan long cross-town drives during mid-day or after 7 PM to avoid the worst traffic. Also note, weekend events can cause localized jams, for example, around Downtown before and after Cardinals or Blues games, or on I-70 near St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) on holiday travel days. Overall, drive with patience during peak times and use a GPS app to spot accidents or find alternate routes (St. Louis has a decent network of parallel surface streets if the interstates back up).
City Driving & Parking: Downtown St. Louis streets follow a grid, and driving in the city center is relatively easy. Be mindful of one-way streets especially in downtown and midtown, always check signs before turning. Parking in downtown and popular areas (Ballpark Village, Central West End, the Delmar Loop) is a mix of metered street parking and garages. Street parking rates are modest (around $1.50/hour in downtown zones) and generally free on Sundays and evenings, but always read the meter or signage, as enforcement hours can vary. The good news: compared to many big cities, St. Louis parking is plentiful and affordable. You’ll find numerous parking lots near major attractions (expect ~$5–$10 for a few hours near Busch Stadium or the Arch). In residential neighborhoods like Soulard or The Hill, street parking is often free, but watch for any permit-only sections. Pro tip: When visiting Forest Park (the huge city park with multiple museums and the zoo), you’ll find free parking lots near each attraction, but they fill up on busy days. Arrive early or consider the park’s free trolley in summer, or be prepared to hunt a bit for a spot on nice weekends. Lastly, during winter snowstorms (infrequent, but it happens), the city may declare parking restrictions on snow routes, local news and city websites will alert you where not to park to allow plows through.
Tolls: Good news, Missouri essentially has no toll roads. You won’t encounter any tolls in the St. Louis metro or on the major highways radiating from the city. (Missouri has only one small toll bridge, many miles away at Lake of the Ozarks, so it’s not something St. Louis drivers worry about.) If your travels keep you in Missouri and Illinois, you can leave the change in your pocket. However, if you plan a longer road trip beyond, be aware of toll systems in other states. For example, drive north to Chicago and you’ll hit Illinois tollways around the Chicago area, or head to Oklahoma via I-44 and you’ll encounter turnpike tolls. If you venture into those areas, check how tolls are collected, many use electronic passes (like E-ZPass/I-Pass in Illinois, which offers online pay-by-plate if you don’t have a transponder). In the Midwest, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and some eastern states have toll roads, whereas Missouri and Arkansas do not. So in summary: no tolls in St. Louis, but if you drive into a toll state, expect either cashless tolling or toll booths. Your rental company can provide guidance on handling toll charges for any multi-state trip.
Speed Limits & Road Rules: In Missouri, speed limits are 70 mph on rural interstates (and on the open stretches of I-70, I-44, etc., outside the city) unless posted otherwise. In the urban St. Louis area, interstate limits usually drop to 55 or 60 mph. On most city surface streets, the speed limit is 30 mph (25 mph in some residential areas, watch for signs). As throughout the U.S., you drive on the right side of the road, and you may turn right on a red light after a full stop, unless a sign says “No Right on Red.” Unlike some states, Missouri law does not allow left turns on red, even from a one-way street onto another one-way. So don’t attempt a left-on-red in downtown STL, it’s illegal here (even if you’ve seen it allowed elsewhere). Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, state law requires it. Also, Missouri now has a hands-free driving law: it is illegal to hold or use a handheld cell phone while driving (texting, browsing, etc.) as of 2025. If you need to take a call, use a hands-free device or speakerphone, or safely pull over. Police can and will ticket for distracted driving, so “Phones down, it’s the law!” as the safety campaigns say. Buckle up as well, seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. And of course, no drinking and driving (the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and Missouri enforces it strictly).
Weather & Seasonal Driving: St. Louis experiences all four seasons, so adjust your driving accordingly. Summer (June–August) brings hot, humid weather and occasionally heavy thunderstorms. During torrential downpours, visibility can drop, slow down, use headlights (Missouri law requires headlights on when wipers are in use), and watch for temporary street flooding in low-lying areas. Fall is generally mild, with beautiful foliage in October; just be mindful of wet leaves on the road after rain, which can be slippery. Winter (Dec–Feb) in St. Louis is usually moderate, but we do get a few snow or ice events each year. Main roads are plowed and treated by the city pretty efficiently, but if you’re not experienced in winter driving, take it slow on icy mornings. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, caution. Rental cars come with all-season tires which handle light snow fine, but if a major snowstorm hits (rarely more than a few inches), consider waiting for roads to be cleared. The city sometimes issues snow routes where parking is restricted to allow plowing, if you’re parked on-street during a snowstorm, check local news or the City of St. Louis website for any alerts. Spring can bring rain and the occasional severe storm/tornado watch (especially in April-May). It’s unlikely you’ll encounter tornado conditions, but if severe weather sirens sound, it’s best to pull over and seek shelter inside a building for a bit. Keep an eye on weather forecasts if you’re taking longer drives in spring. Overall, drive prudently in adverse weather, Missouri’s weather can change quickly, but road crews are experienced and interstate closures are very rare (only in extreme ice). On normal sunny days, driving in St. Louis is a pleasure, wide roads and open skies!
Driving Culture: St. Louis drivers are generally courteous and not as aggressive as those in some larger cities. You’ll find that most follow traffic rules reasonably well. Just stay alert for the occasional unpredictable driver, as anywhere. One quirk: locals often refer to highways by names or combined numbers, e.g. “Highway 40” for I-64 through the city, or “270” for the beltway (dropping the “I-”). If you ask for directions, someone might say “take 40 to 270 north”, just know they mean I-64 and I-270. Also, Missouri recently raised the fine for speeding or violating the move-over law near emergency vehicles, so be sure to move over or slow down when passing accident scenes or police stops on the roadside. And if you hear the phrase “Missouri driver” used jokingly, it’s a light-hearted nod to some local driving stereotype, but truthfully, driving here is straightforward. Follow the rules, use common sense, and you’ll do just fine.
By following these tips and exercising normal caution, you’ll find that driving in St. Louis is very manageable. In fact, having a car will likely make your visit significantly more convenient, allowing you to see more in less time. Keep a map or GPS handy, enjoy the journey, and welcome to the open roads of the Gateway City!
Popular Road Trips from St. Louis
One of the best perks of renting a car in St. Louis is the ability to embark on some amazing road trips. Located at the crossroads of America, St. Louis is a perfect jumping-off point for adventures both near and far. Here are three popular road trip routes to consider, each with unique flavor and highlights:
1. St. Louis to Kansas City, BBQ, Jazz, and Midwestern Charm (~250 miles, 4 hours), Head west on I-70 straight across Missouri for an easy four-hour drive to Kansas City. On the way, consider a stop halfway in Columbia, MO, home to the University of Missouri, for a bite in the cute downtown or a stroll on campus. As you approach Kansas City, you might detour to Independence (Harry S. Truman’s hometown) to visit the Truman Library and Museum. In Kansas City, the rewards are plenty: feast on world-famous KC barbecue (try Joe’s KC or Arthur Bryant’s), visit the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial for history and great skyline views, and hear live jazz at the historic 18th & Vine District. If you’re traveling with kids, Kansas City’s Science City or Legoland Discovery Center are big hits. Pro Tip: Kansas City has its own rush hour, so plan to arrive after 6 PM or use I-435 loop to avoid downtown traffic if it’s near 5 o’clock. And come hungry, the BBQ portions are generous! Also note, while I-70 is a straight shot, it can get busy with trucks; keep right except to pass, and feel free to use the convenient rest areas for a quick break (there’s a nice one at Mineola, about 100 miles out of STL). For the return trip, an alternative scenic route is to take US-50 eastbound for part of the way, it’s a bit slower than the interstate but rolls through small towns and Missouri countryside for a change of pace.
2. Great River Road to Memphis, Music and History Down the Mississippi (~285 miles, 4.5 hours), This trip takes you south on I-55 through the bootheel of Missouri to the home of blues and rock ’n’ roll, Memphis, Tennessee. For a more scenic experience, you can follow portions of the Great River Road (Highway 61) paralleling the Mississippi River. Hannibal, MO is north of St. Louis (the opposite direction) but worth a separate day trip if you have time, as Mark Twain’s hometown; however, heading to Memphis, you’ll go south: one option is to swing over to Highway 61 around Ste. Genevieve, MO, the oldest town in the state, known for its French colonial history, and then rejoin I-55 later. En route to Memphis, consider pausing in Cape Girardeau, MO for lunch in its revitalized riverfront downtown. Crossing into Arkansas, you’ll soon reach Memphis: highlights include Graceland (Elvis Presley’s mansion) for music history, the lively Beale Street for blues clubs, and the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, which is profoundly moving. Don’t forget to sample Memphis-style BBQ (yes, more barbecue, you can compare with St. Louis and KC styles!). Pro Tip: If you have an extra day, from Memphis you can drive an hour south to the Mississippi Delta, Clarksdale, MS is famed as the heart of blues music (the Delta Blues Museum is there). Also, be aware that between St. Louis and Memphis, there’s a short stretch of I-55 in Arkansas with some rough pavement and construction (as of recent years). Keep an eye on road signs and slow down in work zones. Finally, Memphis is in a different state but you do not need to worry about any rental car restrictions, driving a Missouri rental into Tennessee or any other state is perfectly fine (unlimited mileage means no extra fees for the distance). Just fuel up, turn up the music, and enjoy the ride down the Mississippi!
3. Route 66 to the Ozarks, Classic Americana (St. Louis to Springfield, MO, ~215 miles, 3.5 hours), Get your kicks on Route 66! St. Louis was a major stop on the historic Route 66, and you can still drive a memorable segment of it heading southwest towards Springfield (Missouri’s third-largest city). Start by following I-44 (which replaced much of Route 66) out of St. Louis, but hop off the interstate to cruise the Route 66 scenic alignments when you can. In Eureka, MO (just 30 minutes out), you can stop at the Route 66 State Park, it has a small museum with nostalgia from the Mother Road. Further on, in Lebanon, MO, check out the vintage Munger Moss Motel with its classic neon sign, a throwback to 1950s road trips. As you near Springfield, detour through Cuba, MO and Devils Elbow to drive some original winding stretches of Route 66 and see quirky sites like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, MO. Springfield itself has the Route 66 Car Museum for automobile buffs and is a gateway to the Ozarks. If you’re up for more, continue another hour south to Branson, MO, for live country music shows and Ozark mountain scenery. Pro Tip: Route 66 segments are well-marked by brown historic Route 66 signs. It’s fun to get off I-44 and drive through the small towns, but it will add time, so if you’re on a tight schedule, pick one or two segments to experience rather than the entire old road. Also, fuel up before diving into backroads; while gas stations are not as scarce as in the old days, it’s still wise to have plenty of gas when exploring rural stretches. And don’t forget to snap a picture with one of the classic Route 66 shields painted on the road in towns like Cuba or on murals in Lebanon, these make great road trip mementos!
These are just a few road trip ideas, the possibilities from St. Louis are endless. Whether you’re carving through the Ozark hills, cruising the Interstate to big cities, or tracing the path of legends on Route 66, having a rental car means you can discover the heart of America at your own pace. Fill up the tank, cue up a favorite playlist (perhaps some Chuck Berry or Nelly for a local touch), and enjoy the journey!
Quick Info
Popular Rental Locations
St. Louis Lambert Intl Airport (STL); Downtown St. Louis; Clayton; Kirkwood; St. Charles; Collinsville, IL (and more, choose what’s convenient).
Vehicle Types Available
Economy & Compact (2-4 ppl), Midsize/Full-Size Sedans (5 ppl), SUVs (5-7 ppl), Minivans (7-8 ppl), Passenger Vans (12-15 ppl), Luxury & Trucks (limited).
Starting Prices
From ~$12/day economy in low season; ~$20/day midsize; ~$30/day SUV; ~$50/day minivan. (Rates vary by date, book early for best deals.)
Included Mileage
Unlimited miles on almost all rentals, drive as much as you want in the US.
Fuel Policy
Pick up full, return full (keep your receipt to show fill-up within 10 miles of drop-off). Nearby gas by STL Airport: e.g. Phillips 66 on Natural Bridge Rd.
Tolls
No toll roads in MO (except small Lake Ozark bridge). No tolls in metro STL. If driving to toll states (IL, KS, OK…), ask about toll pass options or be prepared with cash/card.
Driving Side
Right-hand side of road. Steering wheel on left. (Standard in USA.)
Speed Limits
70 mph on rural interstates; 55-60 mph in urban freeways; 25-35 mph city streets unless posted.
Seat Belt Law
Mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Child seats required for young children (Missouri law: booster for ages 4–7 unless big for age).
Cell Phone Law
Hands-free only, illegal to hold a phone while driving in MO as of 2025. No texting. Use Bluetooth or pull over.
Right on Red?
Yes, after full stop, unless sign prohibits. Left on Red? No, not allowed in Missouri.
Parking Tips
Ample parking citywide. Downtown meters typically $1.50/hr (8am–7pm). Many attractions (zoo, museums) have free lots. Event parking downtown ~$10. Read signs for any restrictions.
Nearest Major Cities
Kansas City ~250 mi west; Chicago ~300 mi northeast; Indianapolis ~240 mi east; Memphis ~285 mi south. All easily reachable with a day’s drive.
Local Travel Hotlines
Missouri Road Conditions: 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (for highway info). Emergency: 911 for accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular place to rent is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), since many travelers fly into Lambert and it has a large selection of rental companies and vehicles. If you’re arriving by air, picking up at the airport is super convenient, free shuttles from the terminals will take you to the off-site rental car facilities (all the majors like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, etc., have lots near Lambert). Airport rentals might include some extra fees (airport concession fees, facility charges) in the rate, but they offer the benefit of long operating hours and big inventory. Alternatively, downtown St. Louis and other city locations (Clayton, Brentwood, Collinsville IL, etc.) have rental offices too. These can sometimes be a bit cheaper base rate since they don’t include airport fees and might be convenient if you only need a car for part of your trip. For example, some visitors stay downtown near the Arch for a few days car-free, then rent a car in the city when they’re ready to venture out, avoiding the cost of parking a car during those initial days. Through AirportVanRental, you can compare both airport and city picks. In summary: If you need a car right upon landing or on a tight schedule, Lambert Airport is the go-to. If you’re looking to save a few bucks and can pick up in town, check the city locations too, we’ll show you all options. Either way, we have you covered with locations across the metro area, so choose what’s best for you.
Gas (petrol) prices in St. Louis are usually lower than the U.S. national average, Missouri often ranks among the cheaper states for fuel. As of mid-2025, regular unleaded gas is roughly $2.80–$3.00 per gallon in the St. Louis area, though prices can fluctuate. Illinois side tends to be slightly higher due to different taxes. When you pick up your rental, it will almost always come with a full tank, and you should return it full to avoid extra charges. It’s standard practice: either prepay for a full tank at pickup (optional, then you can return empty) or simply fill it up within 5-10 miles of the drop-off. We recommend filling it yourself, because rental fuel charges can be significantly higher per gallon. Luckily, there are plenty of gas stations around. If you’re returning at Lambert Airport, there are gas stations convenient to the terminals, for instance, along Natural Bridge Road and Lindbergh Blvd near the airport entrance. Prices near the airport might be a few cents higher, so if you have time, fill up a bit further out (anywhere in the city or county) before heading to the airport area. Pro Tip: In Missouri, you pump your own gas (no attendants like in NJ or OR). It’s easy: pay at the pump with a card or pay the cashier inside first, then pump. Regular unleaded is usually 87 octane and the default choice for most rental cars. And remember to select the correct fuel type, virtually all rentals are gasoline cars (diesel is very rare in U.S. rentals). Lastly, double-check you’ve replaced the fuel cap and closed the fuel door; modern cars often won’t give you a gas cap warning, and leaving it off by accident could trigger the “check engine” light. Return the car full, and you’re all set, no refueling fees and no stress!
As mentioned in the driving tips, no toll roads in the St. Louis area or in Missouri except one small bridge far from here. So you likely won’t encounter any tolls during your St. Louis car rental. If your travels take you into Illinois, the immediate Illinois side (Metro East St. Louis area) also has no tolls. Illinois tollways are up north near Chicago, if you drive that way, you’d handle tolls via I-Pass or pay-by-plate. None of the rental cars here come with toll transponders by default because they’re generally not needed regionally. If you are planning a trip through multiple states with tolls (say a big road trip east or south), you can usually pay tolls with cash or the rental company’s toll program. For example, some companies offer an optional toll pass device for a daily fee that covers all tolls, but in Missouri it’s rarely worth it unless you know you’re heading to a toll-heavy area. Bottom line: no tolls locally, so nothing special needed. If you do end up on a tolled route out of state, don’t panic, most modern toll roads will bill by license plate if you have no transponder, and the rental company will charge your card later plus a small admin fee. To avoid those admin fees, you can often pay online the same day (e.g., Texas or Florida toll-by-plate systems) or rent a transponder. Feel free to ask us if you’re unsure, we can advise based on your itinerary.
The minimum rental age in Missouri (and most of the U.S.) is generally 21 years old. Renters age 21–24 should expect a “young driver” surcharge, usually around $25–$30 per day charged by the rental company, and may be limited to certain vehicle categories (often no luxury or specialty vehicles for under-25 renters). Drivers 25 and older can rent without young driver fees and usually have access to the full vehicle selection. Note that some companies make exceptions: a few national brands allow military or government personnel from age 18 on official orders, and in neighboring Illinois (Chicago, etc.), state law allows renting at 18 with fees, but those exceptions won’t generally apply for typical rentals in St. Louis. If you’re under 25, be sure to compare the total price including the surcharge, our booking system will calculate it for you so you know upfront. And of course, all renters need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in their name (see below).