St. Louis Union Station
A historic train station transformed into a vibrant entertainment hub with an aquarium, carnival rides, and a dazzling light show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration.
St. Louis Union Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic train station transformed into a vibrant entertainment hub with an aquarium, carnival rides, and a dazzling light show.
"Really fun place to spend the day! The aquarium, mirror maze and ropes course were all really really fun!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets for attractions like the aquarium and rides in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Union Station is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Main concourse
Marvel at the breathtaking architecture and the mesmerizing light show projected onto the ceiling. A true architectural gem.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Union Station
Discover diverse aquatic life, from sharks to otters, in this immersive and engaging aquarium experience.
Union Station Carnival Rides
Union Station Midway
Enjoy classic carnival fun with new rides like the Flying Pirate Ship and Loco Motion Roller Coaster, especially vibrant at night.
The St. Louis Wheel
Union Station Midway
Soar high above the city for panoramic views from this iconic Ferris wheel, offering a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Grand Hall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets for attractions like the aquarium and rides in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Union Station is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the attractions.
✨ Catch the Grand Hall Show
Don't miss the captivating light show in the Grand Hall; it's a free and stunning visual experience.
🚗 Parking Value
Parking is available and can be a good deal, especially for a full day of activities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets for attractions like the aquarium and rides in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Union Station is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the attractions.
✨ Catch the Grand Hall Show
Don't miss the captivating light show in the Grand Hall; it's a free and stunning visual experience.
🚗 Parking Value
Parking is available and can be a good deal, especially for a full day of activities.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The new carnival rides are a hit with kids aged 5-10, offering a great family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Louis Union Station is widely praised as a fun and well-maintained destination with a variety of attractions for all ages. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the stunning architecture of the Grand Hall, and the engaging experiences offered by the aquarium and new carnival rides. While some note that food options can be limited or pricey, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.
"Really fun place to spend the day! The aquarium, mirror maze and ropes course were all really really fun! It's a very nice, clean, well maintained place. The employees were all incredibly nice and friendly everywhere we went, and really made us feel welcome. Can't wait to go back!"
Savannah Herron
"Stayed at the Hilton Curio Hotel at Union Station mid-week for a short business trip. The hotel was great with beautiful architecture, nice fitness center, and well maintained executive lounge. I explored Union Station which had a nice variety of entertainment venues including the wheel, mini-golf, Landry's Seafood, the Aquarium, other food stands, and rotating event spaces. The property is vast and it was sparsely populated during the week. Hope they get more customers because it was a pleasant environment. The main hall in the station has a nice bar and also serves small plates."
Ryan Law
"Got into town with no issues from Amtrak the ride was smooth here and there was a woman who was at the help desk who was very helpful and nice. Directed me to the local train with no issues I even went the wrong way and she was helpful to be watching the cameras and to tell me that I’m going the wrong direction lol. Not a lot of food options inside but they have a restaurant inside. I have no issues with this place at all so far on my individual experience. Hopefully my reviews are recognized."
Garth Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Louis Union Station is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and Amtrak. If arriving by Amtrak, the station is your destination! For those driving, parking is available on-site. Public transit options can also get you close to the station.
Yes, there is ample parking available at St. Louis Union Station. Rates can vary, but it's often considered a good value for a full day of exploring.
Yes, several MetroLink and MetroBus routes serve the Union Station area, making it accessible via public transportation in St. Louis.
Union Station is generally stroller-friendly, with wide walkways and elevators to access different levels and attractions.
Yes, Union Station is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and elevators available throughout the complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station can vary. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially during peak times. +1
Yes, you will need to purchase tickets or a wristband for the new carnival rides at Union Station. Consider purchasing online in advance. +1
Often, St. Louis Union Station offers combo packages or passes that include multiple attractions, providing a cost-effective way to experience more. Check their website for current deals.
Operating hours for St. Louis Union Station and its attractions can vary seasonally and daily. It's best to check the official Union Station website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the Grand Hall itself is generally accessible to walk through and admire the architecture and light show without needing a ticket for a specific attraction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, carnival rides, a mirror maze, mini-golf, a ropes course, and the historic Grand Hall with its light show.
Absolutely! Beyond the aquarium, enjoy the Ferris wheel, carnival games and rides, mini-golf, a ropes course, a mirror maze, and the stunning Grand Hall light show.
The Grand Hall light show is a spectacular projection mapping display on the ceiling of the historic train station's main hall, transforming it into a dynamic visual experience.
Yes, Union Station offers a variety of dining options, from sit-down restaurants like Landry's Seafood to casual food stands and concessions.
While it's a historic train station, the main train experience is the Polar Express during the holiday season, a themed journey to the North Pole.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Union Station features a range of dining, including seafood restaurants, casual eateries, and quick-service concessions offering snacks and drinks.
Yes, many of the dining options at Union Station are family-friendly, with kid-approved menus and a lively atmosphere.
Definitely! You can find various concessions selling popcorn, ice cream, lemonade, and other carnival-style treats throughout Union Station.
Yes, the Grand Hall area often features a bar where you can enjoy drinks and small plates while taking in the ambiance.
While specific options can vary by restaurant, many establishments at Union Station are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices. It's best to check menus directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Hall with its architecture and light show is a prime photo spot. The St. Louis Wheel, the Koi pond, and the carnival rides at night also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the St. Louis Aquarium, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life.
Yes, if there are any train displays or historical exhibits, photography is usually permitted. The Polar Express train itself is also a popular photo subject during the holidays.
Union Station has a 'Selfie Express' area designed for fun photos, and the overall ambiance with the lights and architecture provides many spontaneous photo ops.
Daytime offers clear views of the architecture, while evenings are magical with the lights of the Grand Hall show and the carnival rides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a combo ticket to maximize value and access multiple attractions. Many visitors highlight the friendly staff and the overall clean, well-maintained environment, which adds to a stress-free family outing.
For a truly magical experience during the holidays, the Polar Express train ride is a beloved tradition. 💰 Budget Travelers
Simply walking around the historic station and admiring the architecture is an activity in itself. Look for combo ticket deals that bundle multiple attractions, which can offer savings compared to purchasing individual tickets.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when crowds are smaller and you might find better deals. While food options can be pricey, exploring the concessions or bringing your own snacks can help manage dining costs. 💑 Couples
Consider a visit during the holiday season for a truly enchanting experience with festive decorations and the magical Polar Express train.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Hall: A Historic Marvel
It's a truly immersive experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Visitors often remark on the sheer scale and beauty of the Grand Hall. While it houses a bar and serves small plates, its primary draw is its architectural splendor and the captivating light projections. It’s a place where you can imagine the hustle and bustle of early 20th-century travel while being mesmerized by contemporary visual artistry. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting in the evening, when the lights create a magical ambiance.
New Carnival Rides: Fun for All Ages
+1These rides are particularly popular with younger children, with some recommendations suggesting they are ideal for ages 5-10.
The St. Louis Aquarium Experience
Beyond the main exhibits, the aquarium often features interactive elements and opportunities to learn about conservation. While specific ticket prices should be checked on their official site, it's a popular attraction for families and anyone interested in marine biology. The aquarium's location within Union Station makes it easy to combine with other activities at the complex.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit