Join us for a drive down one of St. Louis’s busiest bypasses as we cruise 14 miles south on Interstate 270, starting in Bridgeton and heading toward the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you’re a local tackling your daily commute or a traveler looking to skirt downtown traffic, I-270 is a route you’ll come to know well in the St. Louis area. This segment of highway forms a vital part of the beltway around the city, moving thousands of vehicles each day and connecting you to major interstates, shopping hubs, and local attractions along the way.
Our journey kicks off just north of the massive Interstate 70 interchange, where we hop on I-270 from MO-180 in Bridgeton. Right out of the gate, you’ll notice the energetic pulse of the area, with retail parks, hotels, and the nearby St. Louis Lambert International Airport all within a short drive. As we continue south, we pass through Maryland Heights—a vibrant suburb known for its parks, entertainment venues, and the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, which is just a short detour from the highway if you’re in the mood for a live show or event.
Staying on I-270, we approach the interchange with MO-364 (the Page Avenue Extension) and MO-D, giving drivers quick access to Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. If you have a little extra time, this park is well worth a stop for its lakeside trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas—a great way to stretch your legs before heading back on the road.
Moving on, we hit the MO-340 (Olive Blvd) interchange near Creve Coeur, a hub for dining, shopping, and local businesses. This stretch of I-270 is surrounded by established neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and bustling commerce, all tucked just beyond the tree-lined sound barriers that border the freeway. Don’t be surprised if you spot the iconic water towers or the signs pointing toward West County Center, one of the area’s popular shopping malls, just a few exits away.
As we make our way into Westwood, I-270 crosses paths with Interstate 64 (U.S. 40/61)—another major corridor serving the region. Here, the highway bends slightly southeast, signaling our approach to the next major junction with MO-100 (Manchester Road). Manchester Road is a main artery for West County, loaded with everything from classic diners to big-box retailers, and it runs parallel to the old Route 66 for a taste of American road trip history.
A few miles further south, we reach our final destination: the interchange with Interstate 44. At the time of filming, this interchange was undergoing major construction—a sign of St. Louis’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and smooth out traffic snarls. Our drive concludes on the ramp to I-44 west, a route that takes you deeper into St. Louis or westward toward the Ozarks if your journey continues.
Things to See Along the Route
Traveling I-270 through St. Louis is about more than just getting from point A to point B. Along this section of the beltway, you’re just minutes from:
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Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park (lakes, trails, kayaking)
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St. Louis Lambert International Airport (north end of the route)
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West County Center (regional shopping destination)
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Historic Route 66 attractions (via Manchester Rd)
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Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (live events)
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Easy access to Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo via I-64
If you’re planning a trip or just passing through, it’s worth considering a few of these stops to experience more than just pavement!
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