How to Get Around St. Louis on the Cheap

Just as in other major cities, you can get around St. Louis in everything from a limousine to a bus. Public transportation will always be cheaper than private, and using your own two feet will be the least expensive transportation mode of all.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guidebooks
• Maps
• Maps
• Bikes
• Bikes
• Daily passes

1. Use public transportation or a hotel or rental car courtesy van to get from the airport to downtown. It will cost a lot less than taking a cab, and unless it's really snowing, you won't mind the minor inconvenience.

2. Get a local guidebook and map and decide which attractions you really want to visit. Call and ask about public transportation to those spots or to a centralized location from which you can walk.

3. Use Metrolink to get around. This light rail system will take you almost anywhere you want to go in the metro area, and it's inexpensive. Take advantage of the Free Ride Zone between Union Station and Laclede's Landing on weekdays.

4. Use the Rams Express or the Redbird Express to get you to St. Louis Rams or St. Louis Cardinals games. See the St. Louis Regional Transit Web site (metrostlouis.org) for information on how to save by leaving the driving and parking to someone else.

5. Take a bike. Several Bi-State buses have bike carriers that allow you to take your bike with you on the bus, then disembark and peddle away. You can also take your bike on some Metrolink trains.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask about daily passes and discounts for kids and seniors on Metrolink.
• Check the Saint Louis Convention and Visitors Commission Web site (slcvc.com) for information on how to obtain a free Family Attractions Card. The card provides discounts at 14 local attractions and will save you a bundle in admission prices if you're traveling with kids.