Categories: Transportation

MetroLink - St. Louis Light Rail System

Author: Beth M. Custer

From downtown to the suburbs, Metro takes you wherever you need to go.  Metro operates the St. Louis metropolitan region's public transportation system, taking you to many of the area's most popular attractions.  MetroLink is a light rail system that carries passengers to multiple stops in Missouri and Illinois; MetroBus provides bus service throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area.

Metro utilizes bus transfer centers to serve as hubs with several connecting routes.  Additionally, many MetroBus routes are connected to MetroLink stations, ensuring convenient transfers between bus and light rail service.  MetroBus and MetroLink can be combined to reach almost any destination in the St. Louis area.  For complete and up-to-date bus and light rail service schedules, visit www.metrostlouis.org.

Getting There

With hundreds of places of interest in St. Louis, it could take several days to see all the sights.  Fortunately, many of these attractions are conveniently accessible via MetroLink.  The list below includes the closest MetroLink station in parentheses.

Gateway Arch Riverfront (Arch-Laclede's Landing station)

Since 1965, when construction workers placed the final piece of steel at the apex of the Gateway Arch, over 25 million sightseers have journeyed to the top.  Also known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Arch stands as the 630-foot tall gatekeeper to the Midwest, making it the tallest national monument inthe United States, and the 4th most-visited tourist attraction in the world.  Its juxtaposition between the Mississippi River and the historical city of St. Louis provides sightseers with much more than a bit of vertigo at journey's end.  Whether you check out the exhibits in the Museum of Westward Expansion, take a ride to the top, dine on the riverfront, or indulge in one of the many activities or exhibits, a visit to the Gateway Arch Riverfront offers a multitude of fun things to see and do.  www.gatewayarch.com

Laclede's Landing (Arch-Laclede's Landing station)

Laclede's Landing has been a happenin' St. Louis spot ever since Pierre Laclede built a fur trading post here in 1874.  The riverfront buildings that once were used as warehouses are now a maze of remodeled shops, restaurants, and bars.  Just a few yards away, barges drift down the Mississippi River.  The Landing, as locals call it, brims with architectural clues of eras long past, its old-world setting a comfortable pa ckage for the modern treats that lie inside.  Mosey down the cobblestone streets of Laclede's Landing, and you'll pass couples laughing on a cozy restaurant patio, professionals basking in the music of a live band, and families laughing after a day of visiting attractions.  www.lacledeslanding.com

Lumière Place (Arch-Laclede's Landing station)

The newest casino in St. Louis, Lumière Place is a luxurious hotspot that caters to a hip, urban crowd.  The beautiful and well-dressed populate a 75,000-square-foot gaming floor that boasts 2,000 slot machines and over 45 table games.  Seven dining venues will please any mood or taste, with cuisine ranging from gourment burgers at Burger Bar to kobe beef, chicken, seafood, and signature desserts ant SLeeK, a chic restaurant and ultra-lounge.  A pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways connects the casino to America's Center, the Edward Jones Dome, and the central business district.  The complex includes the Four Seasons Hotel and the all-suite HoteLumière, which is connected to the casino via a skywalk.  www.lumiereplace.com

Old Courthouse (8th and Pine station)

Its dome visible from a distance, this 150-year-old structure housed many pivotal civil rights cases.  Dred Scott fought for his legal right to freedom in the Old Courthouse, where the first trials in his case occurred in 1847 and 1850.  Virginia Minor challenged the 14th amendment, which excluded women from voting.  The fact that both cases eventually lost stirs hope for the potential of the law to change, and how essential it it to learnhistory so it isn't repeated.  Learn more about these cases and others while toruing a restored 1860s courtroom and revolving exhibits.  View vivid snapshots of pioneers facing the dangers of the wild West and other pivotal events shaping U.S. settlement in reich murals throughout the site.  Admission is free.  www.gatewayarch.com/oldcourthouse

Busch Stadium (Stadium station)

There is no doubt about it - St. Louis is a baseball town.  No matter where you're staying within the metropolitan area, you are never far from the boys of summer.  Downtown at Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals provide excitement for fans of all ages.  Just follow the roar of the crowd and the sea of Cardinal red.  www.stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com

St. Louis Union Station (Union Station station)

St. Louis Union Station, a National Historic Landmark, has been restored and refurbished to host a variety of shops and restaurants.  You can shop for yourself or buy a gift for that special someone, grab a bite to eat at a sit-down restaurant or in the food court, and even ride paddleboats out on the lake.  Be sure to try out the Whispering Arch while you are there.  www.stlouisunionstation.com

Missouri History Museum (Forest Park-DeBaliviere station)

The beautiful Missouri History Museum is operated by the Missouri Historical Society, an organization founded "for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state."  The Museum is free to the public and features an exhibit that explroes the legacy of the 1904 World's Fair, a large, interactive exhibit that tells the full history of the region, and another that tells the tale of hometown hero, Charles Lindbergh.  There is always a fascinating traveling exhibition for visitors to enjoy for a nominal fee.  www.mohistory.org

University City-Delmar Loop (Delmar Loop station)

Located on Delmar Boulevard, in University City, the Loop is a funky part of town where college students, artists, and musicians congregate due to the proximity of Washington University, the Symphony Music School, and the Center of Contemporary Arts.  You may hear a street musician or two while you window shop.  Many boutiques and specialty shops dot this bohemian boulevard, including new and vintage clothiers, jewelry stores, home furnishers, gift shops, and music stores with unparalleled new and used CD and vinyl record collections.   Take a break at a sidewalk cafe, restaurant, or coffee shop; all that walking and shopping allows you to splurge on ice cream for dessert.  www.ucityloop.com

Saint Louis Galleria (Richmond Heights station)

The prominent central location of the Saint Louis Galleria welcomes shoppers from all directions.  Flanked by multiple department stores, the Galleria features many of the shops you might expect and many you don't, including Aveda, Bare Escentuals, LaCoste, Pottery Barn Kids, and Restoration Hardware.  www.saintlouisgallera.com

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (Lambert Airport Main or Lambert Airport East stations)

Lambert is the major airport for St. Louis, with millions of passengers arriving and departing annually.  As you're passing through, be sure to view the amazing mural "Black Americans in Flight" on the airport's lower level.  The mural portrays the achievements of African American aviators from 1917 to the present.  www.lambert-stlous.com

 

 

Check out places of interest near MetroLink - St. Louis Light Rail System:

Lumiere Place Casino: SLeeK
999 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

The new steakhouse at Lumière Place Casino on Laclede's Landing offers a hip addition to nightlife in St. Louis.

Wasabi Sushi Bar
1228 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103

Wasabi downtown is one of the tastiest sushi restaurants in St. Louis, with inexpensive lunch specials and authentic Japanese cuisine.

 

Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

The Missouri History Museum is a thorough look at St. Louis history and culture, from the time it was just a village up until its present day glory.

Saint Louis Galleria
Clayton Rd. and Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117

Popular shopping destination for visitors offering 165 retailers.

St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis's grand old train station, Union Station is a National Historic Landmark and has been restored and refurbished to become a one-of-a-kind shopping center, with an attached Hyatt Hotel, and hosting national brands and stores found only in St. Louis alike.

Lumiere Place Casino: SLeeK
999 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

The new steakhouse at Lumière Place Casino on Laclede's Landing offers a hip addition to nightlife in St. Louis.

Chesterfield Mall: AMC Megaplex
291 Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Chesterfield's AMC Megaplex movie theater is 14 screens of fun in the 'field.

 

Gateway Arch
707 N. First St., St. Louis, MO 63102

Since 1965, when construction workers placed the final piece of steel at the apex of the Gateway Arch, over 25 million sightseers have journeyed to its top. Also known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Arch stands as the 630-foot tall gatekeeper to the Midwest, making it the tallest national monument in the U.S. , and the 4 th most-visited tourist attraction in the world. Its juxtaposition between the Mississippi River and the historical city of St. Louis provides sightseers with much more than a bit of vertigo at journey's end. Whether you pop into a museum, patronize one of the unique eateries at river's edge, or indulge in souvenirs, a visit to the Gateway Arch grounds offers anyone and everyone a memorable experience and a bit of American history.

Lumiere Place Casino
999 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

New casino and luxury resort located on Laclede's Landing reflects a hip, urban ambiance.

Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

The Missouri History Museum is a thorough look at St. Louis history and culture, from the time it was just a village up until its present day glory.

St. Louis Blues
1401 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103

The puck drops and it's a race on ice. The Blues are St. Louis's official team of the National Hockey League.

 

St. Louis Cardinals
700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

The Cardinals bring America's passtime to St. Louis, Busch Stadium to be more precise. The team won the World Series in 2006, their 10th national title. 

 

St. Louis Rams
901 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63101

Set, hike--the St. Louis Rams have been the city's official team of the National Football League for more than 70 years. The team plays at the indoor Edward Jones Dome from August until December. 

 

St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis's grand old train station, Union Station is a National Historic Landmark and has been restored and refurbished to become a one-of-a-kind shopping center, with an attached Hyatt Hotel, and hosting national brands and stores found only in St. Louis alike.

St. Louis University Billikens
#1 South Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103

The St. Louis University Billikens are part of the Atlantic 10 sports conference, competing in baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming and tennis.

 

St. Louis University Museum of Art
3663 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

The St. Louis University Museum of Art offers some of the finest collections of art available in the midwest, with permanent works from Andy Warhol, Tom Huck, Max Ernst and others.

 

The Loop/University City
6504 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130

Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, this restaurant, shopping, arts & entertainment district is 20 minutes from Lambert International Airport, five minutes from Clayton and within walking distance of Washington University. The Loop is centrally located with easy access to highways 40 (I-64), I-170, I-70, I-44, and the Delmar Loop MetroLink Station.

The area's diverse selection of specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame attracts people of all ages. A major portion of the area is designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The Loop has large, well-lighted parking lots, a parking garage with a uniformed attendant and plentiful street parking.

Call 314-727-8000 for a free copy of The Loop Brochure.

The Old Courthouse
11 North Fourth St, St. Louis, MO 63102

A visit to the Old Courthouse is a must for history buffs. Located just steps away from the Arch grounds, the Old Courthouse was the site of the famous Dred Scott slavery case when it was not so very old. A restored 1860s courtroom, dramatic murals, and revolving exhibits demonstrate the richness of St. Louis history to all who visit. Admission is free.

Lumiere Place Casino: HoteLumiere
999 N. Second St., St. Louis, MO 63102

HoteLumiere is an elegant hotel connected to the Lumiere Place Casino, offering rich accomodations, terrific views of the St. Louis skyline, and most importantly, all the entertainment you can imagine.

Metro
707 N. First St., St. Louis, MO 63102

Metro is the St. Louis area's public transportation system.  It includes MetroLink light rail and the MetroBus system.