Safety - arriving at night

Question

We (family of 4, two late teens) will be headed to St. Louis. Our flight lands around 9pm and I have the Drury hotel by the Arch booked for 2 nights. My question is, since we won’t be getting to the hotel until probably 10pm or so, assuming no delays, is it safe to be driving through St. Louis at that time? Or would I better just booking a hotel by the airport for that first night. Thank you for any advice.

Answer

Driving through St. Louis at night is generally manageable, but it’s important to be aware of neighborhoods and routes. The Drury Hotel by the Arch is located in downtown St. Louis near the Gateway Arch, a popular and well-patrolled tourist area. While downtown itself is usually safe, some surrounding areas can have higher crime rates, so it’s wise to stick to main roads and well-lit streets.

Here are some considerations for your late arrival:

From the airport (St. Louis Lambert International), the drive to downtown is about 25–30 minutes via I-70 East, which is a major route and generally safe, even at night.
Avoid unfamiliar side streets, especially after dark. Stick to the interstate and main avenues leading directly to your hotel.
Ensure your GPS is updated and set the destination in advance, so you can take the most direct and well-traveled route.

Alternatives to consider if you’re concerned about safety or fatigue:

Booking a hotel near the airport for the first night can provide peace of mind and a shorter, simpler drive after a long flight.
Ride-sharing services or taxis are an option from the airport to downtown, eliminating the need to drive yourself at night.
If you choose to stay downtown as planned, plan to arrive promptly, park in the hotel garage, and limit walking around after dark beyond your immediate hotel area.

In summary, driving from the airport to the Drury Hotel downtown around 10pm is generally safe if you stay on main roads and follow standard nighttime driving precautions. However, for extra peace of mind, using a rideshare service or staying the first night near the airport are reasonable alternatives, especially with a family of four and two late teens.

Safety - arriving at night

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