Rental Car or Public Transit?

Question

Hello,

So I will be staying about 20 minutes from downtown by car and about an hour by public transit. Should I get a rental car or take public transit every day when I'm there?

Answer

Given your location—about 20 minutes from downtown by car and roughly an hour by public transit—a rental car is likely the more practical choice for your visit to St. Louis. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

Pros of renting a car:

Significantly shorter travel time to downtown and other attractions (20 minutes vs. 60 minutes by transit).
Flexibility to visit multiple attractions in one day, especially if they are spread out, such as Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, or Grant’s Farm.
Convenient if you plan to explore areas outside of downtown, including neighborhoods like Clayton, Chesterfield, or even short day trips outside the city.
More comfortable for traveling with luggage, shopping, or for a child and/or elderly companion.

Cons of renting a car:

Parking in downtown can be expensive, ranging from $15-$30 per day at many hotels or public lots.
Driving in unfamiliar city streets may be slightly stressful, especially during peak traffic hours.
Gas and rental fees add to your overall cost, though they may be offset by time saved.

Pros of using public transit:

Lower cost, since you won’t need to pay for parking or rental fees.
Downtown parking hassles are avoided.
Less stressful driving experience if you’re not familiar with the area.

Cons of using public transit:

Travel time is considerably longer (about 1 hour each way from your location). This may limit how much you can do in a single day.
Limited coverage outside central areas; many attractions like Grant’s Farm, some suburbs, and certain museums are difficult to reach without a car.
Schedules may be less convenient, and transfers between bus or train lines could add time and complexity.

Recommendation:

If your goal is to maximize your time and comfortably visit multiple attractions—including those outside downtown—a rental car is the best option. Public transit could work if you plan to stay strictly within downtown and nearby neighborhoods, but for a full St. Louis experience, a car provides far more flexibility and efficiency.