Commuting from University City, MO: Getting to Clayton, Downtown St. Louis, and the Airport

One of the first questions any apartment hunter asks is some version of “how far is this from work?” For renters considering University City, Missouri, the answer is usually good news. Sitting between two of the St. Louis region’s busiest hubs, Clayton and downtown St. Louis, with direct highway access and multiple transit options, University City is built for commuters who want options. Here’s a practical breakdown of what commuting actually looks like from this part of St. Louis County, using Avenir Apartments at 8680 Delmar Blvd. as a reference point.

Commuting by Car: Highway Access from University City

University City’s location gives residents fast, direct routes in almost every direction. Avenir sits right off I-170, the north-south connector that links Delmar Blvd. to I-64/US-40 to the south and I-270 to the north. That combination means residents can reach downtown Clayton, downtown St. Louis, or the outer suburbs without navigating a maze of side streets first.

• I-170 provides direct access south to I-64/US-40 and north to I-270
• I-64/US-40 is the primary east-west route into downtown St. Louis and the Central West End
• I-270 connects to the broader St. Louis County suburbs and northern/southern parts of the metro

Drive Times at a Glance

For quick reference, here’s what the drive looks like from Avenir under typical, non-rush-hour conditions:

• Downtown Clayton: About 1 mile, roughly 5 minutes
• Downtown St. Louis: About 10 miles, roughly 20 minutes via I-170 and I-64/US-40
• Washington University in St. Louis: About 3.5 miles, roughly 7 minutes
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport: About 8 miles, roughly 12 minutes

Rush-hour traffic will add time, particularly on I-64/US-40 heading into downtown St. Louis, but even at peak times, University City’s commutes remain shorter than many outer suburbs offer.

Public Transit Options: MetroLink, MetroBus, and the Loop Trolley

Not every resident wants to drive every day, and University City accommodates that well. MetroLink, the regional light rail system, has stations accessible from the area, offering a car-free route into downtown St. Louis and Clayton’s business district. MetroBus routes run through University City as well, adding flexibility for shorter local trips. And along Delmar Blvd., the Loop Trolley connects the Delmar Loop entertainment district to Forest Park and the Missouri History Museum, a convenient option for evenings and weekends rather than daily commuting.

For residents who work in Clayton specifically, the short distance often makes walking, biking, or a quick rideshare just as practical as driving.

Biking and Walking Routes

For a more active commute, the Centennial Greenway trail runs near University City, offering a dedicated biking and walking route that connects to nearby parks and neighborhoods without relying on street traffic. Combined with the area’s generally walkable layout, especially around the Delmar Loop, University City offers more car-free commuting flexibility than many suburban St. Louis communities.

Getting to Lambert International Airport

Frequent flyers will appreciate that St. Louis Lambert International Airport is only about 8 miles from University City, translating to roughly a 12-minute drive under normal conditions. That’s a meaningful advantage over many St. Louis suburbs, where airport runs can stretch to 30 minutes or more, a small detail that adds up for anyone traveling regularly for work.

Why Commute Times Matter When Choosing Where to Rent

Commute time is one of the most underrated factors in day-to-day quality of life. A 20-minute difference each way adds up to hours per week, time that could go toward family, hobbies, or simply not sitting in traffic. University City’s position between Clayton and downtown St. Louis, paired with direct highway access and real transit alternatives, means residents aren’t forced to sacrifice commute time for a quieter, more residential address.

For a broader look at what makes the area worth the commute in the first place, see our guides to living in University City, MO and the Delmar Loop’s restaurants and entertainment.

Curious what your actual commute would look like? Schedule a tour of Avenir Apartments and map it out for yourself.