A Complete Guide To Los Angeles Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station is a place we stop often as we frequent Los Angeles. In this complete guide to Los Angeles Union Station, we’ll not only tell you all about it, but also the surrounding area. You’ll learn a little about it’s history, what you can do at the station as well as many other things like dining options as well as the Metropolitan Lounge. If you are taking Amtrak to Los Angeles, this will be your final destination.
Los Angeles Union Station Overview
Los Angeles Union Station has a history as famous as it’s city. This intermodal transportation center serves as the main hub for Amtrak in California as well as Metrolink commuter rail, Metro rail and Metro bus services. You can also catch a free ride to Dodgers games with the shuttle bus service provided on game days.
This iconic LA landmark has the been the star in movies, award shows all while serving as the most busiest transportation center in the west. It is a cultural hub of activity and hope for the downtown area, a gateway to the best of LA. LA Union Station invites you into a portal to the great promise of the iconic “California dream”.
Built in 1939, this station is regarded as one of “the last of the great train stations”. From the moment you step inside, you feel like you have gone back in time. A time of luxury train travel. The station invites you in for a look at times gone by but also inviting the future in. The stations Mission Modern style is what makes it one of LA’s architectural gems.
Renovation projects are on the horizon but LA Union Station also boasts a Metropolitan Lounge with Red Cap Service.
Los Angeles Union Station Metropolitan Lounge
The Metropolitan Lounge for LA Union Station has two types of ticket holders who may enter the Metropolitan Lounge without a fee, sleeper car ticket holders and First Class ticket holders. If you don’t have tickets in these seats there are other options to gain access to The Metropolitan Lounge.
If you have a Single Day Pass or you are Select Plus or Select Executive you can also access the Metropolitan Lounge. With one of these options you can also bring one family member or non family member with you into the club. The Metropolitan Lounge offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal area.
The Lounge is located upstairs, you must take the elevators to the right of the ticket counter up. You ring the bell at the door to be buzzed in, the attendant will verify your access to the lounge. Once you are in, you can store you bags in the storage closet or keep them with you. The lounge is not very large but there is plenty of seating available. There is a snack area with prepackaged snacks like chips, cookies and fruit. You will also have access to the soda, water and juice available at the drink bar area.
Dining Options
There are many options available in the station as well as the surrounding area. You will find sit down restaurants as well as grab and go options. For coffee lovers, you will find a Starbucks as well as a Starbucks Pick Up station.
If you are looking for souvenirs to buy or any last minute purchases you need to make, you can always pop into Trimana. They have all the regular quick grab items as well as refrigerated food items if you are looking to grab something quick and fresh. If we are riding in coach we usually load up on snacks and stick them in a soft sided cooler to have on the train.
- TITAN DEEP FREEZE ZIPPERLESS HARDBODY COOLER: Zipperless cooler features a patented, “flip-open” Zipperless lid for quick access to food and drinks; Keeps ice for up to two days and holds up to 9 cans
- Durable soft, reusable lunch pail for packing food and ice cold beverages for car road trips, picnics, or take to office, school, or construction work.
Last update on 2023-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are no other shopping areas in the station outside of Trimana. You can utilize food delivery services to have items delivered to the station if you want more choices or need to purchase items not found at the station.
Hotels Near Los Angeles Union Station
If you need to stay near LA Union Station, the closest hotel is the Metro Plaza Hotel, which is acceptable. For a little better place to stay you could choose the Millennium Biltmore. We stayed there on our last Amtrak trip and recommend it, but this would require a short taxi or Uber to the station. There is a car rental location on site at the station.
We also love to get our attraction tickets through Go City Los Angeles. For one price you get all inclusive admission to the best of everything in Los Angeles!
What Amtrak Trains Leave From Los Angeles Union Station
There are many great train routes that leave from Los Angeles Union Station or pass through the LA area. Here is the list, you can click each one to learn more about that route:
- California Zephyr
- Capitol Corridor
- Coast Starlight
- Pacific Surfliner
- San Joaquins
- Southwest Chief
- Sunset Limited
- Texas Eagle
Where In LA Is Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station is not difficult to get to. It is conveniently near a metro station as well as close to downtown LA. You can also take a taxi or drive your own car. There is paid parking available near the station but it will be fairly pricey and very limited, we suggest taking one of the other methods to arrive. You can also rent a car at Los Angeles Union Station.
Here is the physical address for the station: Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
