St. Louis Lambert International Airport Overview

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (IATA: STL – ICAO: KSTL) is Missouri’s most significant and busiest public international airport. Located approximately 23 kilometres (14 miles) northwest of downtown St. Louis, it is the primary aviation hub for eastern Missouri and parts of southern Illinois. STL offers a wide range of domestic services and limited international connections, with a rich history as one of the oldest continually operating airports in the United States.

General Information

  • Location: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Country: United States
  • Airport Type: Public, International
  • IATA Code: STL
  • ICAO Code: KSTL
  • Elevation: 605 feet (184 metres)
  • Coordinates: 38°44′53″N 090°21′43″W
  • Timezone: UTC−6 (Central Standard Time) / UTC−5 (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Distance from City Centre: Approx. 23 km (14 miles) northwest of downtown St. Louis
  • Website: www.flystl.com
  • Operator: St. Louis Airport Authority
  • Services: Scheduled domestic and international flights, cargo, general aviation, and military operations

Airport Details

  • Runways: 4
  • Runway Designations and Lengths:
    • 12L/30R: 2,744 m (9,003 ft) – Concrete
    • 12R/30L: 3,962 m (13,000 ft) – Concrete
    • 11/29: 2,591 m (8,500 ft) – Asphalt
    • 06/24: 2,438 m (8,000 ft) – Asphalt
  • Runway Surfaces: Concrete and asphalt
  • Runway Strength: Supports all aircraft up to Code F (e.g. B747, A380)
  • Fire Services: ARFF Category 10
  • Tower Frequency: Available
  • Ground Frequency: Available
  • Navigation Aids: ILS CAT III, RNAV, VOR/DME, GPS
  • Customs and Immigration: U.S. CBP available 24/7 for international commercial and GA traffic
  • Aircraft Types: All types, including regional, narrow-body, wide-body, and business jets
  • Terminals: Two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with multiple concourses
  • Cargo Facilities: FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air, and DHL operations
  • Fuel: JET A, AVGAS
  • FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation STL
  • Equipment: GPU, de-icing, potable water, lavatory, hangar space, maintenance
  • Ground Services: Full commercial, general, and VIP aviation handling

Flight Operations

  • Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international general aviation with prior CBP coordination
  • Permission Required: Yes, for non-scheduled and foreign-registered aircraft
  • Slots: Not required
  • Aircraft Types: All aircraft up to Code F
  • Alternate Airports:
    • BLV: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport
    • SPI: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield, IL)

Contact Information

Passenger Information

  • Immigration Requirements: U.S. visa, ESTA, or passport as per entry requirements
  • Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration, visa/ESTA if required
  • Transport Options: MetroLink light rail, taxis, Uber/Lyft, rental cars, hotel shuttles
  • Nearby Accommodation:
    • Close to Airport: Marriott St. Louis Airport, Hilton St. Louis Airport, Holiday Inn Express
    • In Downtown St. Louis: Four Seasons Hotel, Magnolia Hotel, The Last Hotel
  • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); all major cards accepted

Local Attractions

Gateway Arch National Park

St. Louis’ most iconic landmark—a 630-foot monument offering panoramic views and historical exhibits.

Forest Park

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., home to the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center—all free to visit.

Busch Stadium

Home of Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals, offering games, tours, and great views of the city skyline.

City Museum

An imaginative, interactive museum made from repurposed industrial materials—fun for kids and adults alike.

Delmar Loop

A trendy, walkable district with live music venues, restaurants, shops, and the famous St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Take a tour of this historic brewing company and meet the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Travel Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:
    • Spring (Apr–Jun) and Autumn (Sep–Oct): Ideal weather and festivals
    • Summer: Popular for baseball, concerts, and riverfront activities
  • Additional Notes:
    • Jet Aviation and Signature offer full FBO services, including customs clearance, executive lounges, and hangar space
    • STL is known for short security lines and easy terminal access
    • Conveniently located for business travel and Midwest connections

St. Louis Lambert International Airport combines historic significance with modern efficiency, providing a welcoming gateway to Missouri’s cultural, economic, and aviation hubs.