I am trying to figure out how to get to Carlyle, Illinois to meet some on-line friends. I guess the closest airport is at St Louis, IL. I am wondering how big this airport is. I am a small town girl and I am afraid that I would be overwhelmed by a large airport with lots of traffic if I rent a car. Could anybody comment on how much traffic and finding directions to get there? Thanks for your help.

ttt

I've only been there on the inside (TWA in the 90's major transfer hub). I think it's a pretty good size hub for AA, Southwest, Frontier, etc.. I think it's medium to large but not huge. Hopefully, you can get some other responses.

St. Louis is in Missouri, not in Illinois. The airport is called Lambert International Airport, though I don't know how much "international" there is any more. This website may give you some perspective
http://www.lambert-stlouis.com/

I grew up in NYC and now live here in STL so I'm not probably the best judge since I'm used to incredibly busy airports. When AA pulled out of using Lambert as a hub in 11/03, I think the airport traffic really decreased. Southwest Airlines has its own terminal.

Its only about 50 miles or so to Carlyle, shouldn't be too daunting. One thing to remember if asking directions at a rental car place: St. Louisians refer to I64 as Highway 40. It will be marked with both designations. If someone says "take 40 over the river..." please know it is the same as Interstate 64.

Any other comments?

It's been a few years, but it's a manageable-size midwest airport that really hasn't left an impression on me either positive or negative. And I used to travel to STL on business a lot.

I think you'll be just fine.

I grew up 9 miles from Carlyle. Yes, Lambert Field is the closest airport. And the only alternative to driving from the airport to Carlyle might be to take the Metrolink out of the city and then rent a car. But I'm not sure how practical that would be.

The Metrolink is great. But I'm not sure whether any of the stops on the Illinois side would be close to a place where you could rent a car.

Once you get out of the city, the drive to Carlyle is an easy one. Depending on the time of day and traffic, it should probably take you about 45 minutes.

If you get overwhelmed easily then St Louis Lambert Field( St. Louis, MO) will not make you happy.
It is a mojor airport, albeit not as busy as before TWA left. It is located right off a major interstate. You will have to take a shuttle bus to pick up a rental. Lambert Field is not laid out well at all, It is a jumbled mess in my opinion. Keep a stiff upper lip and and you will be fine.
Can you have someone meet you at the airport???

mitch1971

Where are you coming from? Just how small town girl are you?

I think you will be fine. St. Louis has IMO a very small airport. Yes you would have to catch a shuttle to pick up a rental car, not difficult. It is well marked.

The Metrolink, buy ticket and get on at the airport goes over to Illinois and if you rode it to the end of the line it would take you to Scott AFB or Shiloh, IL. Be aware this would add quite a bit of time on to your travel. Shiloh, IL is about 35 miles from Carlyle. Perhaps your friends would be willing to pick you up from here or come to the airport to get you if you think the drive may be to difficult.

Their is also MidAmerica Airport in Illinois but very few flights - from Vegas, Orlando, Tampa St. Pete www.flymidamerica.com

What do your on-line friends suggest.

Sandy

SandyBrit
I live in a small town in Ontario
Canada. I am OK to drive to and from the Ottawa airport and through Ottawa but I absolutely refuse to drive in Toronto or Montreal. I don't know if that means anything to you. I am just a big chicken!!

mitch1971

Hopefully you can work your trip out so that it does not involve driving. Do keep us posted on how you work it out and come back if you want ideas on things to do and see in the St. Louis area.

Good luck.

Sandy

St. Louis is more like Ottawa than Toronto or Montreal. You will be fine