Navigating St. Louis: Public Transportation Guide 2025

Exploring St. Louis is an exciting adventure, and understanding the city's transportation options can enhance your experience. This detailed guide provides up-to-date information on navigating the Gateway City efficiently and safely.

Photo by: Anthony Stewart (Panorama of Omaha at Night)

MetroLink: The Light Rail System

Overview: MetroLink is St. Louis's light rail system, offering two primary lines:

Red Line: Directly connects Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (Terminals 1 & 2) with downtown and continues into Illinois.
Blue Line: Starts in southwestern St. Louis County, crosses through downtown, and heads into Illinois. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Both lines intersect downtown, so if you need to switch lines, it’s a straightforward process.

Schedules & Popular Stops

Frequency: About every 10–12 minutes during rush hours (weekdays), and 15–20 minutes off-peak or weekends.
Airport Stations: Great for heading directly downtown without a car.
Civic Center Station: Near Union Station, Enterprise Center (St. Louis Blues), and a short walk from attractions like the Aquarium.
8th & Pine Station: Access to Busch Stadium (Cardinals baseball), the Gateway Arch, and other downtown highlights.
Central West End Station: Steps away from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Forest Park, and Washington University’s medical campus.

Operating Hours: Trains operate approximately from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Fares:

One-Ride Ticket: $2.50
Two-Hour Pass/Transfer: $3.00
One-Day Adventure Pass: $5.00

Reduced fares are available for eligible passengers. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Purchasing Tickets:

Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Located at all MetroLink stations, accepting cash, coins, and major credit cards. Metro Transit – Saint Louis
Mobile Ticketing: Use the Transit app to purchase and store tickets on your smartphone. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Validation: Ensure your ticket is validated before boarding. Tickets purchased via the Transit app are pre-validated. For physical tickets, use the red validation machines on station platforms.

Pro Tip: If arriving via Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, MetroLink provides direct service from the airport to downtown.

MetroBus: Extensive Bus Network

Overview: MetroBus lines cover places beyond the reach of MetroLink. If you’re visiting local neighborhoods, suburban malls, or tucked-away restaurants, a bus ride might be your best bet.

Photo by: Yassine Khalfalli

Operating Hours: Generally from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, varying by route.

Fares & Transfers

Base Fare: $1.00 or usually $2.00 if paying cash on the bus (exact change is helpful).
Two-Hour Pass/Transfer: $3.00 (you can request a transfer good for two hours on other buses and MetroLink trains).
One-Day Adventure Pass: $5.00

Reduced fares are available for eligible passengers. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Purchasing Tickets:

Onboard: Pay exact cash fare directly into the farebox when boarding. Metro Transit – Saint Louis
Mobile Ticketing: Purchase tickets through the Transit app. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Pro Tip: Use the Transit app to plan trips, track buses in real-time, and purchase fares.

Bus Etiquette

Timing: Buses typically run every 15–20 minutes during rush hour, and 30–60 minutes otherwise. Check apps like Transit or Google Maps for real-time arrivals.
Request Stops: Pull the cord or press the button when your stop approaches.
Stay Visible at Night: Wave to the bus driver so they know you’re waiting.

Reduced Fare Programs

Eligibility:

Seniors (65+)
Individuals with Disabilities
Medicare Cardholders

How to Apply:

In Person: Visit the MetroStore at 8th and Pine in downtown St. Louis with a government-issued photo ID. Metro Transit – Saint Louis
By Mail or Electronically: Contact Metro's ADA Services Department at 314-982-1510 or email adaservices@metrostlouis.org for application instructions. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Note: As of March 26, 2025, reduced fare tickets and passes cannot be purchased through the Transit app due to a technical issue. They are available at TVMs located at every MetroLink Station and Metro Transit Center. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Mobile Ticketing with Transit App

Overview: The Transit app allows users to plan trips, track vehicles, and purchase fares.

How to Use:

Download the App: Available for iOS and Android devices.
Set Up Account: Create an account and select Metro Transit as your agency.
Purchase Tickets: Choose fare type, enter payment information, and store tickets in the app.
Activate and Ride: Activate tickets before boarding and show the screen to operators or fare inspectors.

Pro Tip: Group travel is facilitated by purchasing multiple tickets on one device. Metro Transit – Saint Louis

Additional Transportation Options

Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout St. Louis.
Biking: Bike racks are available on MetroBus vehicles, and bike lanes are present in various neighborhoods.
Walking: Downtown and areas like the Central West End are pedestrian-friendly.

Special Programs & Local Perks

Game Day Updates: Check the local news for extended or modified bus and train schedules during Cardinals or Blues games—sometimes there are fare promotions, too.
Reduced Fares: If you’re a senior (65+), have a disability, or rely on Medicare, Metro offers discounted rides with proper ID.
Metro Call‑A‑Ride: A door-to-door service for eligible passengers who can’t use standard transit.
Student Deals: Some Missouri colleges give students free or reduced Metro passes—worth asking your school about.

Keeping It Comfortable & Safe

Stay Aware: While public transit is generally safe, keep your belongings close and pay attention to your surroundings.
Off-Peak Tranquility: If you prefer smaller crowds, avoid weekday rush hours (6–9 AM, 3–6 PM).
Courtesy Counts: No smoking, no open alcohol, and please offer up priority seating to seniors or those with disabilities.

Explore St. Louis at Your Own Pace

Without relying on a car, you can still see much of what St. Louis has to offer:

Lambert Airport to Downtown: The Red Line delivers you from Terminal 1 or 2 to the heart of the city in around half an hour—faster than most airport shuttles.
Forest Park Adventures: Head to Central West End Station, then walk or take a quick bus ride into Forest Park to visit the zoo, art museum, and other free attractions.
Neighborhood Gems: Soulard’s historic charm, the Delmar Loop’s entertainment scene, and countless local eats all become easily reachable via trains and buses.

Do's and Don'ts

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re flying in for a short trip or settling into a new Missouri address, St. Louis’s public transportation is here to help you get around easily—even without a car. Grab your tickets or pass, open a transit app, and let this friendly guide show you the way. You’ll save money, beat traffic, and maybe even discover hidden corners of the city that only the locals know about. Hop on board, and let St. Louis surprise you—one stop at a time.

Navigating St. Louis: Your Comprehensive Transportation Guide for 2025