St. Louis is a fairly car-oriented metro, but the city and university areas have decent public transit, rideshare, and walkable pockets — how you get around depends a lot on where you live.
- The regional Metro Transit system runs MetroLink light rail and MetroBus. MetroLink connects Lambert International Airport, downtown, and the central corridor, and crosses the river into Illinois — handy for airport trips and getting around the middle of the metro without a car.
- For regular travel, get a transit pass; some universities give students a discounted or free pass, so ask your school.
- Rideshare apps and taxis cover trips transit doesn't, and central neighborhoods like the Central West End and the Delmar Loop are walkable — but much of the county is spread out.
- If you'll live in the suburbs — where many homes, jobs, and the Persian and Middle Eastern markets are — a car is usually the most practical option day to day. (See the driver's license & car section above for licensing and insurance.)
- Winters bring snow and ice. Keep an ice scraper and warm layers in the car, allow extra time, and check road conditions before driving in bad weather.