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Union Station Los Angeles

4.5

·10k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

A majestic architectural marvel and a bustling transit hub, connecting Southern California and beyond.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings/evenings

Experience the commuter rush.

CrowdHigh

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Union Station Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday mornings/evenings

Experience the commuter rush.

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic architectural marvel and a bustling transit hub, connecting Southern California and beyond.

4.5

(10k reviews)

"It's a stunning piece of history and a vital transportation hub for LA."

TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Trains

Allow 1.5 hours for LA traffic and finding your track. Roomette passengers can use the lounge.

🤫 Secret Microphone Fun

Try the 'Hey Bill old buddy' phrase near the Metro entrance for a hidden surprise!

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 11,125 reviews

Type

Transportation Service

Address

800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Website

unionstationla.com

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Waiting Room

Main Hall

Marvel at the stunning architecture, including the iconic clock and tiled floors. A true architectural gem.

Secret Easter Egg

East side, near Metro entrance

Whisper a wake-up phrase to a hidden microphone for a fun, unexpected surprise.

Patsaouras Transit Plaza

East end

Discover the unique 'floating' bus stop design and its significance in urban planning.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Union Station's Grandeur

Union Station is a bustling hub. Arrive at least 1.5 hours before your train, especially during weekday rush hours, to account for LA traffic and find your track. If you have a roomette, utilize the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge for a more relaxed experience.

Safety and Surroundings

While Union Station itself is generally safe with ample security, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The park across the street may have homeless individuals, but they are typically peaceful.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings/evenings

Why

Experience the commuter rush.

Crowd

High

When

Mid-day weekdays

Why

Fewer crowds, more relaxed.

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekends

Why

Leisure travelers and events.

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Say the wake up phrase “Hey Bill old buddy” + one of the following names: Alexander Graham Bell• Cheshire Cat• Duke Ellington • Harpo Marx• Johnny Weissmuller• Lassie • Louie B. Mayer• Marilyn Monroe•...

@thejamesmonster

53.4K likes • 234.9K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Trains

Allow 1.5 hours for LA traffic and finding your track. Roomette passengers can use the lounge. +1

🤫 Secret Microphone Fun

Try the 'Hey Bill old buddy' phrase near the Metro entrance for a hidden surprise!

The best way to go to Dodger Stadium. Find out how! #gometro #dodgerstadiumexpress #metrolosangeles #dodgers #losangeles

@metrolosangeles

26K likes • 448K views

📍LA Union Station - Los Angeles, California 🇺🇲 Hosts @thisisframework Via @paolailianaa #losangelestechno #losangelesnightlife #losangelesnights #lanightlife #lanights #ravers #rave #raveculture #ravelife #raver #raves #undergroundrave

edm.us

2.5K likes • 65.7K views

🚌 Dodger Stadium Express

Free bus service to Dodger Stadium from Union Station on game days.

🧳 Luggage Storage Options

Coach passengers can use baggage desk ($10/item). Sleeper passengers store free in the lounge.

Los Angeles Metro A Line 📍Union Station #LosAngelesMetro #LosAngeles #LAMetro #NYCSubway #NYC #MTA #NewYorkCitySubway #LIRR #SubwayTrain #NYCTransit You can now buy me a coffee: https://bmc.link/NYCSubwayLife

nysubwaylife

307 likes • 13K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Trains

Allow 1.5 hours for LA traffic and finding your track. Roomette passengers can use the lounge. +1

🤫 Secret Microphone Fun

Try the 'Hey Bill old buddy' phrase near the Metro entrance for a hidden surprise!

🚌 Dodger Stadium Express

Free bus service to Dodger Stadium from Union Station on game days.

🧳 Luggage Storage Options

Coach passengers can use baggage desk ($10/item). Sleeper passengers store free in the lounge.

✨ Amtrak Lounge Access

Roomette ticket holders get access to the Metropolitan Lounge for amenities. +1

📸 Architectural Marvel

Don't miss the stunning main hall; it's a photographer's dream.

What Travellers Say

4.5

(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Union Station's breathtaking architecture and its role as a vital transportation hub. Many appreciate the convenience for Amtrak and Metro travel, with specific mentions of the scenic Pacific Surfliner route. However, some note that navigating the station can be overwhelming during peak hours, and occasional concerns about safety at night are raised, though generally mitigated by security presence.

"Came into Union Station late at night for the first time on an Amtrak connection bus and was impressed right away. The station is well-marked with staff at nearly every corner ready to point you in the right direction, which makes navigating super easy. The main lobby gets busy but it’s grand, with a massive roof and plenty of space to move around. Nice bonus having a Subway and little store inside to grab food when you’re passing through. Only gripe is the bathrooms could be kept up better, but overall this place really lives up to its name as LA’s gateway."

Joshua Brewer

"Architecturally this is a magnificent train station. It’s like stepping back in time to another era and is beautiful.

I jumped an Amtrak from here to Burbank Airport and everything worked well with that.

Food options are pretty limited at the station with not much to choose from, so come prepared.

Other than that stop a while and soak in the history…"

Andrew Healy

"The architecture is primo! I love arriving here, whether it's via the metro train or parking in the rear long-term parking area. Walking through here beginning my adventure through the downtown area is a treat. There was a lot of effort done to build this place and it shows. Go here and take a look. Among the nicer buildings in the city. My pictures don't do it justice."

Isaac Salvatierra

What People Like

Stunning architecture

Convenient transit hub

Scenic train routes

What People Dislike

Crowded during rush hour

Occasional safety concerns at night

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way is to take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare. The journey typically takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Union Station is a major transit hub. You can reach it via Metro Rail lines (Red, Purple, Gold, and Expo lines), Metrolink commuter trains, and numerous bus routes. +1

Yes, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic route from San Diego to Union Station in Los Angeles, taking approximately 3 hours.

Absolutely! Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner also runs from Union Station Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. Consider business class for complimentary drinks and snacks.

The Dodger Stadium Express bus service runs from Union Station directly to Dodger Stadium on game days. It's free with a game ticket.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book Amtrak tickets in advance, especially for popular routes like Los Angeles to San Diego or Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, to secure your seat and potentially better prices. +1

Union Station is generally open 24 hours a day for passengers, though specific ticket counters and services may have limited hours. It's a functional transit hub.

Yes, you can purchase Amtrak and Metrolink tickets at the ticket counters within Union Station. However, booking online in advance is often more convenient.

No, Union Station itself does not have an entrance fee. It's a public transportation hub. You only pay for train tickets or specific services.

The address is 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Union Station has a significant security presence and is generally considered safe at night. However, like any major transit hub, it's wise to remain aware of your surroundings. +1

Coach passengers can use the baggage desk for a fee ($10/item, max 24 hours). Sleeper car passengers can store luggage for free in the Metropolitan Lounge. Luggage Hero is also an option.

Nearby attractions include Olvera Street, Little Tokyo, The Broad museum, MOCA, and Grand Central Market. You can also take the Metro to explore other parts of LA.

Yes, passengers with roomette or bedroom tickets on Amtrak trains are entitled to use the Metropolitan Lounge, which offers complimentary snacks and drinks. +1

Yes, there's a hidden Easter egg near the Metro entrance where you can speak a specific phrase into a microphone for a surprise.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Union Station has several dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. Grand Central Market, a short walk away, offers a wide variety of food vendors.

Yes, Amtrak generally allows passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This is a great way to save money on longer journeys.

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! Union Station's grand architecture, natural light, and historic details make it a fantastic spot for photography. The main hall is particularly photogenic.

The main waiting hall with its high ceilings and tiled floors is a must-see. The exterior architecture and the Patsaouras Transit Plaza also offer unique photographic opportunities.