Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct Amtrak service between Northfield and St. Louis.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 8 hours depending on traffic.

What is the best airport?

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

There are no major toll roads on the primary I-35/I-70 route.

Is it safe to drive alone?

Yes, the route is well-traveled and safe for solo drivers.

Northfield

St. Louis

Flight Driving

Northfield to St. Louis

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Northfield to St. Louis covers approximately 500 miles through the heart of the Midwest. Driving via I-35 South to I-70 East is the most common route, taking roughly 8 hours of pure driving time. Alternatively, you can fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to St. Louis Lambert International. The drive offers scenic views of the Mississippi River valley as you head south. Expect varied terrain from Minnesota farmlands to the rolling hills of Missouri.

Total Distance: 805 km driving, 650 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest, taking 4 hours total including airport security and transit.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option if traveling with more than one person, costing roughly $100 in fuel.

Compare Northfield to St. Louis Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours including layover	8 hours
Avg Price	$250-$450	$80-$120 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to STL via DTW or ORD.	I-35 South to I-70 East via Des Moines.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the best fares.	Stop in Des Moines for a quick break to avoid driver fatigue.

Travel Tips

Traffic
Avoid I-70 near downtown St. Louis during morning and evening rush hours.
Parking
Use parking apps to find discounted garage rates in the downtown district.
Weather
Check for winter storm warnings if traveling between November and March.
Airport Transit
Use the MetroLink light rail to get from Lambert Airport to downtown St. Louis.
Fuel
Fill up in Iowa to take advantage of lower gas prices compared to Minnesota.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Keep an emergency kit in your car during winter months.
Urban Awareness
Stay in well-lit, populated areas when walking downtown at night.
Vehicle Security
Do not leave valuables visible in your car when parked in public lots.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cellular service can be spotty in rural Missouri.