Roads
Four major interstates lead into East St. Louis. They are Interstate 70, Interstate 55, Interstate 255, and Interstate 64. Interstate 64 takes the most direct route into the city center. U.S. Route 40 connects East St. Louis to St. Louis, MO and runs through East St. Louis. U.S. Route 50 runs through ESL as well. Illinois Routes 3, 15, and 111 also enter and leave East St. Louis. The city is very accessible by road through many different routes.
Metrolink
The Metrolink train travels into East St. Louis on the blue and red lines. The Red Line begins at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, MO and ends in Shiloh, IL. The Blue Line begins in Shrewsbury, MO and ends in Fairview Heights, IL. Both of these lines run through downtown St. Louis and both stop at the same East St. Louis stations- which are named, East Riverfront, 5th and Missouri, Emerson Park, Jackie Joyner-Karsee Center, and Washington Park. For more information, fares, and schedules visit the Metrolink page.
Airports
There are many airports near East St. Louis. The largest nearby airport is the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport approximately 16 miles from ESL. The Saint Louis Regional Airport in St. Louis, MO is around 25 miles from ESL. A smaller airport is located in Mascoutah, IL called Mid-America Airport, about 22 miles away. Public-use airports closest to East St. Louis include: St. Louis Downtown Airport, Airport: Sackman Field, and St. Louis Metro East Airport. Taxis are available at all airports.
Amtrak
The Amtrak Train does not directly station in East St. Louis, but makes many stops nearby. The closest stop is in St. Louis, MO at the 16th Street stop, approximately 5 miles away. Other stops are the Kirkwood Amtrak Station about 18 miles away and Alton Amtrak Station about 30 miles away. Taxi cabs are available at the station.
