New to St. Louis? A Driver’s Guide to Getting Around Safely
New to St. Louis? Between highway interchanges, unfamiliar one-way streets, and neighborhoods that shift character block by block, getting around takes a little time to learn. Here’s what helps.
Learn the Major Highways First
- I-70 and I-64 cut east-west through the metro and are the backbone of most commutes
- I-44 and I-55 handle south and southwest routes
- I-270 loops around the outer metro and is useful for avoiding downtown traffic
- Rush hour on these highways runs roughly 7-9am and 4-6:30pm on weekdays
A Few Local Driving Quirks
Some downtown and Central West End streets are one-way, and construction zones can pop up with little notice on the interstate loops. Give yourself extra time the first few weeks until routes become familiar, and keep a navigation app running even for routes you think you know.
What to Do If You Break Down While Learning Your Way Around
Being unfamiliar with an area makes a breakdown more stressful, not less. Pull as far onto the shoulder as possible, turn on hazard lights, and use your phone’s location services so you can give an accurate location when you call for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the busiest highways in St. Louis?
I-70, I-64, I-44, and I-55 see the heaviest traffic, especially during weekday rush hours.
Are there a lot of one-way streets downtown?
Yes — parts of downtown and the Central West End have one-way streets, so a navigation app is genuinely helpful even for short trips.
What should I do if I get lost and my car breaks down?
Use your phone’s location services to identify your exact spot, pull over safely, and call for help with that location information ready.
New to the area and need a hand? 24 Hour Towing St. Louis MO knows the metro well and is available 24/7. Contact us at 314-597-0775.