STL Rental Car Guide: St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Renting a car at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) in St. Louis, Missouri. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at STL that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at STL
Rental cars at STL are picked up at the rental companies' own lots near the airport (most on Natural Bridge Road), reached by free company shuttles from both terminals.
Shuttle stops: Terminal 1 outside Exit 17 (west end of the island curb) or the Brown Level of the T1 Garage via Door 15; Terminal 2 outside Exit 12. Hertz uses its own stops, so check your confirmation for the current location.
STL pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Rentals at STL include airport charges, typically a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge, plus Missouri and local taxes. STL does not publish these amounts on its rental car page, so check your agreement for the exact figures.
That means the daily rate in your quote is not what you pay at STL: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at STL
STL is served by 8 major rental brands, all at their own lots near the airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Dollar and Payless (often lower base rates; compare the all-in total)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
STL-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
STL is northwest of downtown St. Louis. Because every brand already uses an off-terminal lot, a city branch only makes sense if it is clearly cheaper.
Worth considering for longer rentals: If you are staying downtown for a few days first, take MetroLink from the airport and rent from a city branch only for the days you need a car.
How to save the most at STL
- Compare the all-in total. At STL, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at STL?
Every brand runs its own free shuttle from Terminal 1 (Exit 17 or Door 15) or Terminal 2 (Exit 12) to its lot, mostly on Natural Bridge Road.
What is the average rental car price at STL?
There is no reliable average for STL: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at STL?
Usually a concession recovery fee, often a customer facility charge, plus Missouri and local taxes. STL does not publish the amounts.
Which rental car company is best at STL?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Dollar and Payless often have lower base rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from STL?
Only if clearly cheaper. For downtown stays, ride MetroLink in and rent from a city branch for driving days.
Are there any quirks to renting at STL?
Allow extra time on return for the lot-to-terminal shuttle. There are no toll roads around St. Louis.