Is there a train to St. Louis?

Yes, Amtrak's Texas Eagle runs to St. Louis, but it is not direct from Annapolis.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 16 hours of pure transit time.

What is the best airport?

St. Louis Lambert International (STL) is the primary hub.

Yes, expect tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Yes, I-70 is a major, well-maintained interstate highway.

Annapolis

St. Louis

Flight Driving

Annapolis to St. Louis

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Annapolis to St. Louis spans approximately 1,000 miles across the heart of the United States. Most travelers prefer flying from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) to St. Louis Lambert International (STL) for speed. Driving via I-70 West offers a scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains and Ohio Valley. You will cross the Mississippi River upon arrival in Missouri. This route connects the historic Chesapeake Bay region with the Gateway to the West.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1,650 km, straight-line air distance 1,420 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from BWI to STL takes 4.5 hours including layovers, saving you 12 hours of travel time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more, costing roughly $200 in total fuel.

Compare Annapolis to St. Louis Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	16 hours
Avg Price	$180 - $400	$160 - $220 in fuel
Operator	Southwest Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	BWI to STL via Chicago or Atlanta hubs.	I-70 West through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance to secure lower fares on Southwest.	Expect heavy traffic near Indianapolis and Columbus during rush hour.

Travel Tips

Airport Choice
Always use BWI instead of DCA for this route to avoid D.C. traffic congestion.
I-70 Tolls
Keep an E-ZPass handy for tolls in Pennsylvania and Ohio to save time.
Packing
St. Louis weather is volatile; pack layers regardless of the season.
Car Rental
Rent a vehicle at STL airport if you plan to explore the surrounding Missouri countryside.
Dining
Try the local St. Louis-style pizza and toasted ravioli at The Hill neighborhood.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Avoid driving through downtown St. Louis late at night if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Weather Alerts
Monitor local news for severe thunderstorms in the Midwest during spring months.
Vehicle Prep
Check your tire pressure and oil before embarking on the 1,000-mile drive.
Parking
Use secure parking garages in downtown St. Louis rather than street parking.