St. Louis

The questions people ask first about St. Louis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetySt.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$3–6
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop$5–8$2–4
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3 mi) rideshare3 mi (5 km) rideshareSurge pricing at stadium and concert times.$12–20
• Metro or bus rideMetroLink ride$2.50–4 (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryFree at the big Forest Park museums; special exhibits $10–25
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$40
• Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$150
• High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$260

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$280

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

STL St. Louis Lambert International (23 km (14 mi) northwest of downtown; MetroLink Red Line to the centre, about 30–40 min) · BLV MidAmerica St. Louis (34 km (21 mi) east in Illinois; Allegiant flights only, no rail link) · CPS St. Louis Downtown Airport (Charter and cargo only; not for scheduled arrivals)STL St. Louis Lambert International (14 mi (23 km) northwest of downtown; MetroLink Red Line to the centre, about 30–40 min) · BLV MidAmerica St. Louis (21 mi (34 km) east in Illinois; Allegiant flights only, no rail link) · CPS St. Louis Downtown Airport (Charter and cargo only; not for scheduled arrivals)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$70–110 excl. bed

Mid

$120–200 excl. bed

High

$220+ excl. bed

• Summer heat and humidity: heat indices near 38°C (100°F) are common in July and August — plan indoor stops midday.Summer heat and humidity: heat indices near 100°F (38°C) are common in July and August — plan indoor stops midday.
• Winter ice and occasional snow from December to February; driving can be slick.
• The city is sharply divided by neighborhood; check your route after dark and stay on lit main streets.
• Use a licensed taxi or a major rideshare app — uninsured cabs have been an issue.
• Downtown parking garages charge by the hour; check the rate before you pull in.