Union Station is a bustling transportation hub in downtown LA that connects various modes of transit, including trains, light rail, buses, and taxis. The architecture of the station is beautiful, with impressive wall decor and a blend of Spanish hacienda and art deco/streamline moderne styles. Inside, there are amenities such as two Starbucks, food options like Subway and Annie's pretzels, and a convenience store with breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
While some areas of Union Station may be less desirable, such as the bathrooms being described as filthy and sticky, there are still helpful staff members available to assist travelers. The station offers a restaurant and bar called Traxx, which is known to be pretty good. Additionally, there is a public piano on the east side, adding a touch of musical ambiance.
For those traveling to or from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Union Station serves as a convenient connection point for the LAX FlyAway shuttle. The station also offers easy access to the metro, making it a convenient stop even for those not utilizing transportation services. The renovation of the tiles and interior has enhanced the classic beauty of the station, making it an impressive and photogenic place to visit.
Travelers who have taken Amtrak trains from Union Station have had pleasant experiences. The comfortable train cabins feature amenities such as reclining chairs, footrests, tray tables, and even WiFi. The train ride to Solana Beach in San Diego took approximately two hours and offered scenic views along the way.
While there may be occasional issues, such as rowdy passengers on certain train rides, the staff at Union Station is generally helpful and friendly. They are known to provide assistance and guidance to passengers, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Overall, Union Station serves as a functional train station that gets the job done. It may not offer an extensive selection of food options, but it provides the necessary amenities for travelers waiting to catch their trains. Visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty, helpful staff, and the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic transportation hub in downtown LA.
Address:
800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles
Comment
24.06.23
Bradley
Union Station is absolutely horrific. The bathrooms are filthy and unusable. The entire area near the bus plaza smells. If you have the option of transportation that avoids this place, I would encourage it. The only pleasant seating area does not per.. Read more »mit you to enter if you happen to be here for Greyhound or FlixBus.
07.06.23
darlina
EXACT CHANGE ONLY!!!! none of the machines have change. You will receive a voucher for the teller WHO ISN'T THERE ON WEEKENDS OR AFTER BUSINESS HOURS. Nobody is helpful.
The restrooms are filthy, and everything you touch will be sticky. The lobb.. Read more »y / sitting / waiting area is BARRICADED, so wear your ticket on a lanyard if possible.
10.05.23
Juma
Bustling station.
Bathrooms here. Two starbucks. Some food, pretzels, seating options. Helpful staff. Busses greyhound etc
Follow signs. Flyaway bus on west side.
Public piano on east side.
01.03.23
Michele
In about an hour from OC, you’ll reach Union Station in L.A.
Union Station East (cheaper day parking)
📍 811 N Vignes St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
* Take Metrolink to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
* Tip: purchase a physical or digital TAP card .. Read more »before boarding
* You’ll take the B Line (Red). It’s about 24 minutes
* Get off Hollywood/ Vine
* When you walk out of the station, the Pantages Theatre is across the street.
Lots of nice wall decor. In the main area, the architecture is beautiful.
09.01.23
Scott
This is an iconic place for sure as the hub in downtown LA for transit connections of all kinds trains, light rail, buses, taxis. There is a restaurant and a bar called Traxx which is pretty good but other than that the food is all fast food like Sta.. Read more »rbucks, Subway, Annie's pretzels. There is a convenience store inside breakfast burritos sandwiches in the like as well. I will say getting to your train or bus is a little confusing sometimes so you have to be very careful to watch all of the signs. For the most part, people in the information booth are helpful. Usually it's not a very busy station like Grand Central station in New York or the Paris Metro. The architecture is iconic for this area and I posted a few pictures of some interesting features as well as a video a man playing the piano.
13.12.22
Andrew
This is where you get on/off the LAX FlyAway shuttle. Easy connection to the metro. But even if you're not here for transportation, it's worth a visit! It feels more like a unique blend of a Spanish hacienda and an art deco/streamline moder.. Read more »ne mansion rather than a train station. Both the exterior and interior are impressive and photogenic.
21.10.22
Jill
Beautiful renovation of tiles and interior. Classic beauty of an era gone by. Love the study in color and graceful architecture. Fun to see in person.
28.07.22
Jessica
Took Amtrak from LA Union Station to Solana Beach in San Diego. It took about 2 hours and was a pleasant trip!
You can purchase tickets online, leave your car at Union Station (I believe $8 all day), and board from the platform onto the second floor.. Read more » (first floor is for handicap and other special exceptions).
The train has a bathroom (not the cleanest but not terrible and it has bathroom seat covers so that made it all great), a wall charger for the one sitting closest to the wall, WIFI, the chair reclines, foot rest, and a tray table. The train also has an area you can purchase food and drink from if you need it.
It's best to arrive about 15-20 min early to be able to claim a good seat on the train. We chose the window seat to view the beautiful ocean after passing Irvine and the rest of the trip to Solana Beach!
The train usher who checked our tickets was super cheery and helpful! He was an older gentleman and very well suited for his job!
I heard him let some people know where their exit was and let a family know that a person was leaving next stop and that the ocean view was coming up so he would move them to the window seat to see it all!
The only part I didn't like was returning on the train from Solana Beach to Union Station at 7pm-ish and there were about 20+ rowdy and drunk people coming from the horse races. I heard cops were downstairs with them so that was good they were being monitored but they initially walked through the second floor trying to find seats. They were insanely loud and some of them stumbled upon the chairs. I know this cannot be prevented as public transportation includes a lot of inevitable variables.
Concerning Union Station, they have a random aquarium near the bathrooms and entrance, it’s gotten semi cleaner but still has urine smell when walking through the halls, and there are plenty staff available to help. Still many homeless inside and outside. But the abundance of staff at Union Station shows some order.
18.07.22
Sonya
It's a train station. The architecture inside is pretty cool to look at. There aren't a lot of options for food here but it's convenient enough when you're waiting to catch a train. This place is fine. As a functional train statio.. Read more »n, it gets the job done.
26.06.22
Sindi
Very pleasant and helpful staff. First time riding a train, directed by personal on floor to wonderful woman at window who set up our tickets and walked us through processes. Great experience
08.06.22
Marly
We spent a couple of hours at Union Station on Thursday 6/?/22, and it's very impressive. It was built in the 1930's (opened 5/1939) back when things were BUILT by craftsmen to LAST. And they usually do. Although quite a lot of this archite.. Read more »ct's work was lost in a big fire in Seattle. Anyway, the place is vast but maintained and clean. Wear comfortable shoes! We saw plenty of Security guards & Police, and no bad people, so I guess it's safe (it is downtown L.A. just a block from the jail). We had no problems, we never do, we look like oldskool thugs ourselves lol!
20.05.22
Mirka
Main bus and train station. Walking distance from downtown LA.
Waiting areas and restrooms on site. They have a few stores and a direct bus line to the airport.
20.05.22
Yoshi
The building is a old and beautiful, perhaps from colonial times. I really liked the small mexican street that was a few walks away from the station. This part was wonderful to get lost.
20.05.22
Heathe
We had not been to Union Station in many years but came up from San Diego for a day trip on Olvera Street. I never paid any attention before on the beautiful architecture inside so here are a few photos for you have never been there.
07.05.22
Claire
What a huge place. This is one of Americas beautiful historic train stations. Be prepared to do a lot of walking and make sure you know which street you are headed for. It's easy to get lost. A great way to arrive in Los Angeles by train. Lots o.. Read more »f parking close by.
06.05.22
Kent
This historic station is beautifully restored and still a very busy train station to catch national, regional and local trains plus the transit bus. There are two entrances -- one is the historic entrance off Alameda and one is a modern, new entrance.. Read more » off Vignes St., where the transit bus station can be found. A tunnel beneath the tracks connects both sides of the station. There are fast food places and a nice, sit-down restaurant inside the depot.
06.05.22
Rolando
I'm in this beautifully tiled building many time a year in my travels. Just sitting out in the courtyard & enjoy the fountains & gardens while you wait for your connection. If you have a long wait - stroll over the the Public Works build.. Read more »ing - there's usually a good photo exhibit on display The building is classic California Spanish Colonial with lovely tile work and atmosphere.
27.04.22
Fred
It's always a pleasure visiting Union station. It's like a nostalgic walk through history. I've always entered on the front side of the street which I think is Alameda street. This time I entered from the south side and it was quite a .. Read more »surprise. I didn't know it had been upgraded like that. This beautiful works of art, fountains, and the aquarium really blew me away. I would really love to go on a tour through that station one of these days. Definitely one of America's hidden jewels. As always there is a small problem with homeless people and some mentally ill. I realize that's hard to combat in a public place like that. But they have plenty of security and the service personnel are really on task. Navigating and directions were breeze.
19.04.22
Andrea
We met some really nice ? and helpful people at Union Station. Keith was nice, helpful. Thank you so much Keith.
16.04.22
Brett
I love this train station, it's amazing that it's still much like it was when first built. While it may seem like Noone knows anything regarding where to go, once you get the different trains and busses down, you're good. They don'.. Read more »;t change up things so once you figure it out, it's not as chaotic. I wish the area that allows ticketed passengers to sit and wait also had a place to charge electronic devices. There is a serious lock down on all the outlets
08.04.22
Sandy
Pretty station. Bathrooms need updating. Homeless people hanging around but not bothering anyone. Helpful security female officer in locating our train.
19.03.22
Mike
Pamela at the Amtrak desk was really helpful and came up with a solution to get me and my bike to Salt Lake via the coast starlight and the California zephyr. Give this lady a raise!
Angel upstairs in the baggage room was awesome as well!
03.02.22
Deborah
Love the decor of this place. It gives you the vibe that you'll always want to get-up-and-get on a train to go somewhere.
10.01.22
Dasianaie
Took three times to figure this place out, but once I did I truly appreciate it's beauty! My most recent experience was on the Amtrak train for a cross-country trip, the connection was smooth and easy.
27.12.21
Il
Really beautiful and historic Station. Been passing thru here for years, but you really need to do something about the homeless in the station. It's like "whack-a-mole" , you get rid of one and another pops up. Security is Inundated .. Read more »with problem. More needs to be done. Before it gets worse.
26.12.21
David
Located near the beautiful Skid Row, Union Station is truly a gem. While waiting for the FlyAway bus in the broad daylight of a Tuesday, you might be lucky enough to be approached by a random schizophrenic, homeless male off his meds who tells you he.. Read more » just called his "brother" and his "brother" said that you "work for the government" and "stole $26.14" from him. This wonderful experience will then culminate into the homeless man saying he's going to shove your phone down your throat and steal your luggage — as he increasingly gets closer to you even when you ignore him and move away, forcing you to sprint onto a bus and ask the random, surprised bus driver to call the police (while the homeless man is still threatening your life and trying to identify your luggage below the bus to steal). A traditional LA experience! I'd say the police would help, but who are we kidding, they're too busy providing a six-car blockade to allow their favorite celebrities to get through traffic faster.
11.12.21
Jill
Beautiful renovation of tiles and interior. Classic beauty of an era gone by. Love the study in color and graceful architecture. Fun to see in person.
23.10.21
Ayona
When we were checking places to visit in LA this place came as a suggestion n decided to visit this place too. It’s so beautiful n classic. Love the architecture …
03.09.21
Timothy
Union Station, an Architectural Gem in Downtown Los Angeles. My recent visit was unplanned but if I am near here I always want to go inside.
I think the natural light here is quite beautiful.
Built on a massive scale, some areas are no longer in use .. Read more »but thankfully somehow unchanged. The restaurant seen here is open.
I'm a native of L.A. but I've lived a bit farther south for a while. When driving up I missed my freeway around the four level interchange and seeing the Alameda Street offramp/Union Station I stopped to get my bearings and feel so happy I did. I have traveled on rail from here and recommend the same to anyone for scenic travel.
01.09.21
Suzie
So, after a two day trip from Arizona, on Amtrak, I was looking forward to arriving at the lax union station, Thinking it would be big enough for me to grab a bite, get sum fresh water bottles for myself and my service animal, I was stunned to find o.. Read more »ut that there wasn't a single water fountain in that huge station to get a drink of water... The baggage claim attendants were rude, unfriendly, and even abrasive. I am a handicapped female with a walker, who was traveling alone, besides my small service animal, and not one attendant or service rep even offered to help me transport my luggage to the Amtrak bus area. The service attendants from the train into the station dropped me and my little dog inside the station with my luggage and just lef.. Didn't inform me of where my gate was, and manhandled my luggage so roughly that several items inside my suitcase were broken. When I tried to ask for directions. The attendant I approached was very unfriendly and looked like he hated his job and everyone inside the station. I was utterly appalled at the blatant disregard for a handicapped individual traveling alone. Now as for the conductor of the train and the staff on the actual Amtrak was quite the opposite. They were friendly helpful and made an already long and tiring trip very acceptable and as comfortable as could be. I love Amtrak.. They are always friendly and do their best to provide excellent customer service for their passengers. I was truly shocked at the horrible treatment I received at lax union station
18.08.21
Andre
A very cheap, good timed and cool way to move among Los Angeles. From the airport you can get there via Flyaway bus ($9.75) and then you pay about $2 for the Metrolink card and $1.75 per one way trip. I enjoyed it so much.
23.07.21
Claire
Easy to access from LAX via FlyAway's bus service. The people that work here are friendly and helpful. The facility is well kept, well sign posted, and had good food options for travellers on the go.
27.06.21
Ania
Very well marked. I had to connect from Surfliner train to Flyaway bus to LAX. There was no problems in finding directions
27.06.21
J
Iconic La place to visit. I can only imagine how fun it would have been to see t it’s peak.
16.05.21
Kundi
There were a lot of people in uniform. It made me uncomfortable. I was wondering if the place was safe or not. Everyone was fine however and all was well.
07.05.21
Lyla
Beautiful place, I enjoyed my experience at the Union station. All the security guards are super nice and helpful Thank you all for your service ?!!
17.04.21
Loreen
Went for the first time pre-pandemic with friend. Had so much fun, its beautiful. Definitely a place to visit.
19.03.21
Reza
If you get here AM early there is NOTHING around the station. Everything is closed and there is a high number of homeless people. The station appears safe. I walked around at 7:30 AM and felt safe. The closest cafe is a 10 minute walk.
10.03.21
M.
Union Station deserves 5 stars simply because of its architectural beauty. I have only passed through this station in the middle of the night when few people walk around inside. It's then when the building shines. I could spend hours photographi.. Read more »ng here. Not many buildings of this grandeur exist anymore. And it's great that in a city as huge as Los Angeles that there is one place where city buses, Amtrak, Bolt, Greyhound, multiple county lines, etc all connect in one central place. It makes traveling through the city and connecting to so many destinations really easy.
The Los Angeles Amtrak Depot waiting room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Amtrak ticket window is closed from midnight until 4:00. Extra security seemingly is in place during these early morning hours, requiring a current ticket to use the waiting room.
07.03.21
Steve
I enjoyed my first visit to this iconic American station! I arrived on the Surfliner at 9am, transferring to the Coast Starlight for the LONG ride to Seattle. The entire trip was relaxing and very scenic.
Union Station itself has gorgeous architectu.. Read more »re, as you can see from the photos. It was a slow morning, likely due to COVID. Everyone wore face masks and kept reasonable distance. There was a bit of homeless activity around the exterior as you may expect for LA.
Olympic Otter
12.02.21
kING
The subways are completely awful. The homeless problem is extremely bad now. There is not a day where the subway doesn't smell horrible or have someone crazy on board. If you have a family DONT TAKE the subway!
02.02.21
Richard
I always enjoy visiting Union Station it's never too crowded and it still has the "old world" charm yet doesn't seem outdated.
23.01.21
William
History... and the excitement of going somewhere. I arrived in LA through Union Station and it was the beginning of the rest of my life. Always clean and helpful staff around.
22.01.21
Brandt
Really nice museum. A bit small, but nice. The earthquake exhibit was closed when we arrived, which was a bummer - as that was the sole purpose of our visit. The other exhibits are cool though. I enjoyed the rooftop garden. This museum is nothing spe.. Read more »cial. It is not that big, so you can see the entire place in a few hours. We spent about an hour here and it was enough. I wish the museum was a bit more interactive. I probably would have given more stars if I was able to experience the earthquake exhibit as we'd planned.
09.01.21
Lance
Its really busy here. I enjoyed my experience being in the trains. Its easy to get lost because its such a big station! Theirs also great customer service as I and a friend were lost on multiple occasions. You'll see a wide variety of people tha.. Read more »t come to Los Angeles. It is a very interesting place.
09.01.21
Oscar
It's a great station somewhat clean on some areas. It has all the busses and trains and rail to take you anywhere in the greater LA area.
29.11.20
Julie
Very enjoyable and fun tour. They were both informative and funny and did a great job making sure we were all entertained.
25.11.20
Timothy
I going through Union Station to from where I what's going on you to use restroom so stop at the store got a few things in the store and I use the restroom I then was on my way it was very Pleasant I have I have to say
19.11.20
Steven
Ive never been to a station that the employee's didnt complain about their job.... Every employee here always greets me with a smile, and they are very respectful in making sure your question or problem is resolved to the up most satisfaction...
03.11.20
Tina
There cart picked us up right out front and took us where we needed to go. The staff/crew are very friendly and accommodating.
12.10.20
Briars
I photographed the wedding of David and Dat, two train lovers who married on an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner carriage halfway to San Diego, and the first meeting point was at the brilliant Union station. Brilliant! So much heritage and details at Union S.. Read more »tation, and it feels like you're stepping into a little time capsule, right in the middle of Los Angeles.
04.10.20
Gennipher
Los Angeles Union Station is a must see if for nothing else than to say you've been there. It is a gateway, if you will, for all of the greater Los Angeles area and all of neighborhoods that comprises L. A. El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and Alvera S.. Read more »treet are within eyesight from Union Station's West(main) Entrance. I would have to say Metro's major east west and north south bus lines have stops coming and going not to mention the rainbow of colors for the ever expanding light rail/subway system that is a wiz once you are oriented and feel like exploring. It gets you where you need to be quick.
The ongoing restoration of the Union Station terminals and buildings is almost complete as far as architecture and infrastructure is concerned but all of the whole Downtown Los Angeles Metro area is and has been under going a tremendous amount of capital investment and much needed updating and in a city such as Los Angeles it will be continual.
When I think of Downtown L. A. Union Station, the iconic L. A. City Hall building, Pershing Square and many others come to mind. A very essential part and place to start exploring Los Angeles.
18.09.20
Olivier
I took the Southwest Chief train to Chicago from this station. It is a very beautiful building. The waiting room is pleasant; the signage is clear; the advice and information from the staff of the amtrack company is clear and effective. This station .. Read more »is a perfect place to wait for a train.
11.08.20
Andy
Best place to get around the city and most of California. Connects to various bus lines and all sorts of public transportation. From this location you can make it to Los Angeles Airport, Burbank Airport, Santa Monica, Universal Studios, Hollywood, Wi.. Read more »lshire Center, East Los Angeles, Glendale, and many other location. It's also right down the block from Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles.
22.07.20
Valerie
I love Union Station! I took both the Amtrak and Metrolink to UCI for 2 years during my undergrad. Though sometimes the trains ran late or got rescheduled or there were rude or disrespectful people on the trains, the staff at Union Station and those .. Read more »working for Metrolink and Amtrak were exceptionally courteous and helpful when needed.
I didn’t appreciate the amount of sheriffs that were around the times I was there but I also understand that attacks on train stations and sketchy activity occurs often. Nonetheless, they could’ve cut back on the amount.
On a more positive note, I love how this station really connects you to a ton of places, especially with the metro light rail lines and also the food sold inside is great.
The architecture speaks for itself :) It is all especially beautiful and magical during the holiday season. They tend to have a little band perform Christmas carols, and when you have to catch a train at 6am, it really adds a positive touch to your day!
13.05.20
Julie
Great place for sightseeing. And meet new friends and experience diverse cultures.
17.11.19
Fabian
Went here to go spend the day at San Juan Capistrano. The station itself is pretty much out of a 1940's noire movie. There is a section that still preserves that style and the rest looks very updated. Because its a transport hub its got that ai.. Read more »rport feel ... but with trains... go for the experience. Plenty of places to go to.
4.4 / 137
