MetroLink to STL Airport: Fares, Stops & Times 2026

Back to STL Airport Pickup and Drop Off | Complete STL Airport Parking Guide

MetroLink to STL airport is St. Louis's light rail service that connects Lambert International Airport directly to downtown, Clayton, and Illinois — with dedicated stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Red Line fare is $2.50 one-way (verified October 2026), making a round trip just $5.00 — a fraction of what you'd pay to park for even a single day. Trains run every 10-12 minutes during peak hours, and the ride from downtown St. Louis takes roughly 30-35 minutes.

• Two dedicated stations: Lambert Airport Terminal 1 and Lambert Airport Terminal 2 are both served by the MetroLink Red Line.
• Fare: $2.50 one-way per Metro St. Louis published fares (verified October 2026).
• Frequency: Trains run every 10-12 minutes during peak hours; less frequent overnight.
• Travel time: Approximately 30-35 minutes from downtown St. Louis (Convention Center/Union Station area) to Terminal 1.
• No driving, no parking fees: A 7-day trip saves you up to $28 vs. the cheapest on-airport lot (Lot D at $11/day) and up to $196 vs. the Terminal 2 Garage at $33/day.
• Accessible service: All MetroLink stations and trains are ADA-compliant with elevators and level boarding.

If you're still weighing parking vs. transit, compare STL airport parking rates from $6.50/day on Triply before you decide — off-site lots can close the cost gap significantly.

Can You Take MetroLink to STL Lambert Airport?

Yes — MetroLink goes directly to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. It is one of the most convenient light rail connections at any U.S. airport. You don't need to transfer, take a bus, or arrange a shuttle. The Red Line stops inside the airport property at two stations: one for Terminal 1 and one for Terminal 2.

The MetroLink Red Line runs from Shrewsbury–Lansdowne I-44 in south St. Louis all the way northwest to Lambert Airport, then continues east across the Mississippi River to Fairview Heights, Illinois. St. Louis Lambert is 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis via I-70, and the rail line roughly follows that same corridor. According to Metro St. Louis, the system is operated by Bi-State Development and serves over 37 stations across two lines.

The service is run jointly with the St. Clair County Transit District for the Illinois-side operations. For airport travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: if you're coming from downtown St. Louis, Clayton, or anywhere along the Red Line corridor, MetroLink is a fast, affordable, and reliable option.

Which MetroLink Stations Serve Lambert Airport?

Lambert Airport has two dedicated MetroLink stations — one at each terminal. Both are on the Red Line and are served by the same trains.

• Lambert Airport Terminal 1 Station: Located directly beneath the iconic domed main terminal. Elevators connect the platform to the main level. From here, you have direct access to Concourses A and C — used by American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska, Air Canada, and others. Walking time from the platform to the check-in hall is typically 3-5 minutes.
• Lambert Airport Terminal 2 Station: Located at Terminal 2, serving Concourse E. This is the Southwest Airlines terminal, plus British Airways and Lufthansa. The platform is integrated into the terminal building. Walking time to Southwest check-in is similarly short — around 3-5 minutes.

The two airport stations are consecutive stops on the Red Line. If you board at the wrong one, the free 24-hour Terminal Shuttle also connects Terminals 1 and 2 every 8-15 minutes — though you'd need to exit the paid fare zone first. For most travelers, just knowing your terminal before you board saves any hassle. Check which airline uses which terminal on flystl.com before you leave home.

How Long Does MetroLink Take to Get to STL Airport?

The MetroLink ride from central downtown St. Louis to Lambert Airport Terminal 1 takes approximately 30-35 minutes. From Clayton — a popular business and residential hub — the trip is closer to 20-25 minutes.

Travel times above are based on published Metro St. Louis timetable data and typical operating conditions. Add 5-10 minutes for platform wait time depending on when you arrive. During peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), trains run every 10-12 minutes. Off-peak, frequency drops to around every 20 minutes. Plan your arrival at the station accordingly — especially for early morning flights.

The airport advises allowing 30 extra minutes for parking. If you're taking MetroLink instead, build in time for the train wait, the ride, and the walk to check-in. Most travelers find that departing 2-2.5 hours before a domestic flight works well when using MetroLink.

How Much Does MetroLink Cost to Ride to Lambert Airport?

The standard MetroLink one-way fare is $2.50 per Metro St. Louis's published fare schedule (verified October 2026). A round trip costs $5.00 total. That's it — no surge pricing, no tip, no gas.

For context, the cheapest on-airport parking at STL is Lot D at $11/day, per the St. Louis Airport Authority's Super Park rates effective July 1, 2026. A 7-day trip at Lot D costs $77. MetroLink round trip for the same trip: $5. That's a saving of $72 on a 7-day trip vs. the cheapest on-airport option. Against the Terminal 2 Garage at $33/day, the 7-day saving jumps to $226.

• Standard fare: $2.50 one-way (verified October 2026)
• Round trip: $5.00
• Day pass: Available for $5.00 (unlimited rides for one day)
• Reduced fare: Available for seniors (65+) and qualifying riders with disabilities — check Metro St. Louis fare details for eligibility
• Children: Children 12 and under ride free with a paying adult (based on Metro St. Louis policy)

Tickets are purchased at automated vending machines on every platform. The machines accept cash and credit/debit cards. As of 2026, Metro St. Louis has installed new fare gate systems at key stations — including the airport stations — so you'll tap or insert your ticket to enter the platform. Buy your ticket before boarding.

How to Ride MetroLink to STL Airport: Step-by-Step Guide

First-time MetroLink riders don't need to worry. The process is straightforward. Here's exactly what to do:

1. Find your nearest Red Line station. Use the Metro St. Louis trip planner at metrostlouis.org or Google Maps. Enter your starting point and select "Lambert Airport Terminal 1" or "Terminal 2" as your destination.
2. Buy a ticket at the platform vending machine. Select the standard fare ($2.50). The machine accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and most debit cards. Buy before you board — fare inspectors check tickets on trains.
3. Check which direction to board. You want the Red Line train heading toward Lambert Airport (westbound/northbound from downtown). Signs on the platform will show the destination. If you see "Shrewsbury" or "Fairview Heights" as the destination, you're on the wrong side.
4. Board and find a seat. MetroLink cars have luggage areas near the doors. Stow your bags there or in the aisle space. Don't block the doors.
5. Exit at your terminal. Announce your stop is coming — the train announces each station. Exit at Lambert Airport Terminal 1 for American, Delta, United, and most other carriers, or Terminal 2 for Southwest.
6. Take the elevator to the terminal level. Both platforms have elevator access. Follow signs for "Departures" once you reach the main terminal floor.
7. Allow time for TSA security screening. Once you're in the terminal, factor in time for the security queue before your gate.

On the return trip, follow the same process in reverse. The MetroLink platform at Lambert is accessible from the baggage claim level. Look for the MetroLink signs — they're clearly marked throughout both terminals.

Is MetroLink Cheaper Than Parking at STL Airport?

For most trips of two days or more, MetroLink is significantly cheaper than any STL parking option. Here's a direct cost comparison based on official Super Park rates (effective July 1, 2026) vs. a $5.00 MetroLink round trip.

The math is clear. MetroLink wins on pure cost for any trip length. The trade-off is convenience: MetroLink requires you to manage your luggage on a train, travel on a fixed schedule, and get yourself to a station first. For solo travelers with carry-on bags, it's hard to beat. For families with multiple checked bags, or travelers starting far from a Red Line station, driving and parking may still be the better choice.

If you do decide to drive, off-site parking through Triply closes the gap considerably. For a full breakdown of what each lot charges, see our STL airport parking rates guide comparing every lot for 2026.

MetroLink vs. Rideshare vs. Driving to STL Airport: Which Is Best?

Each option has a different sweet spot. Here's a direct comparison to help you decide.

MetroLink

• Best for: Solo travelers, light packers, travelers near the Red Line corridor
• Cost: $5.00 round trip
• Travel time: 30-35 minutes from downtown; fixed schedule
• Luggage: You carry your own bags on and off the train
• Reliability: Not affected by traffic or surge pricing

Rideshare (Uber or Lyft)

• Best for: Groups, late-night travel, travelers with lots of luggage
• Cost: Typically $20-40 one-way from downtown (varies with surge)
• Travel time: 20-30 minutes, but surge or traffic can add time
• Luggage: Driver handles loading/unloading; no walking with bags
• Reliability: Variable — surge pricing during peak hours and bad weather

Driving and Parking

• Best for: Multi-person trips where parking cost per person is lower; early morning flights with no train running; travelers far from MetroLink
• Cost: $6.50-$33/day depending on lot
• Travel time: Flexible, but add 30 minutes for parking per the airport's own advice
• Luggage: Load directly into your own car; most convenient for heavy packers
• Reliability: High — you're on your own schedule

For rideshare details including designated pickup zones at Lambert, see our complete STL airport pickup and drop-off guide. For Uber rides from STL, check the Uber STL airport page for current zone information.

One important note: if you have an early morning flight, check the MetroLink schedule carefully. First trains from downtown stations typically depart around 4:45 AM on weekdays, but verify current times on the Metro St. Louis website before your trip. For very early departures, rideshare or driving may be more practical.

If you want TSA PreCheck to speed through security after your MetroLink ride, enroll before your trip — it can cut your post-arrival security time significantly.

Does MetroLink Now Connect Both STL and MidAmerica Airports?

This is one of the most searched questions about MetroLink in 2026 — and the answer is: yes, with an important caveat. The MetroLink Red Line has been extended to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Illinois, as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program funded by the state and the St. Clair County Transit District. This extension represents a major milestone for regional transit access.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport primarily serves military and charter traffic, with some commercial service. Travelers considering it as an alternative to Lambert should verify current airline offerings before booking. The new MidAmerica MetroLink station gives the region a rare direct rail connection to two airports on the same line. Practical travel time from Lambert Airport Terminal 1 to MidAmerica Airport via MetroLink is estimated at around 45-55 minutes, crossing the Mississippi River and heading east through St. Clair County, Illinois.

As of October 2026, verify the MidAmerica station's operational status and current fares directly with Metro St. Louis at metrostlouis.org, as schedules and ticketing may still be in a rollout phase. For the latest news on Lambert's own $3 billion single-terminal project — currently about 30% through design with a targeted 2027 groundbreaking and 2032 opening — reporting from First Alert 4 (April 2026) has the most detailed timeline. No major parking or transit closures are expected at Lambert for 2026, but changes are coming from 2027 onward.

Park Near a MetroLink Station and Ride to STL Airport

If you live outside the Red Line corridor but still want to use MetroLink to STL airport, a park-and-ride approach works well. Several MetroLink stations along the Red Line have free or low-cost surface parking lots. You drive to a station closer to home, park your car there, and ride the train the rest of the way to Lambert.

Popular park-and-ride stations on the Red Line toward Lambert include Clayton, Brentwood I-64, and Sunnen. Parking availability and any daily fees vary by station — check the Metro St. Louis website for current lot details. This hybrid approach lets you avoid airport parking costs entirely while keeping the drive from your home manageable.

Travelers from Maryland Heights, Bridgeton, or Hazelwood — neighborhoods close to Lambert — may find they're within a short drive of a station that makes park-and-ride worth trying. For travelers coming from St. Charles or areas farther west without nearby MetroLink access, driving directly to the airport and using an off-site lot remains the most practical option. Check out the full off-site parking STL airport guide for 2026 if you need a budget lot with a free shuttle.

Ready to compare your parking options before your next STL trip? Browse STL airport parking lots from $6.50/day on Triply — all lots include free 24/7 shuttles, and booking takes under two minutes.