- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Union Station
Category: Hotels & Travel Transportation Public Transportation Public Transportation [Edit]
800 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(213) 683-6875
208 reviews for Union Station
208 reviews in English
-
Review from Don W.
It's an amazing piece of architecture and truly old LA. Really, it's shocking that it's still here and mostly unmolested by "improvements."
The Metrolink I was on arrived on time and then next one left a minute early--nice and punctual.
Philipe's is a couple of blocks away, so I walked over there for lunch during my layover, as that's way better than anything I'm going to get in the station! -
Review from Frank S.
Rowland Heights, CA
2/3/2012
I had not been to the Union Station since high school when we had our senior prom there over a decade ago. Surprisingly, some of the places actually looked familiar. Especially this one area where I attempted to dance for the very first time. Haunting...
The coolest part was walking through the tunnel below the tracks on the way to catch the bus behind the station. Cool, industrial feel... Yeah, I obviously haven't been to many stations... -
Review from Donna S.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
You can't not love the old architecture. And imagine the old days when the train was a main way to travel and men wore suits and ladies wore hats.
Now there are a number of little food places to grab a snack. There is also the Traxx bar to grab a cocktail. Avoid the ATM machines here if you can. The services fees are ridiculous. It asked for my first born. And beware the beggars that stand at the ATM wanting your cash.
But there are all walks of life here. Interesting place to just people watch. Right outside the door is Olvera street if you have time to stop before your next train or metro rail. -
Review from Kristoffer Edralin B.
Bristol, VA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love LA as I lived here for 11 yrs. a truly LA icon.
-
Review from Zoie H.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm a big fan of Union Station. It's cleaned up a lot, there are food places now (yay!), and it can get you to where you need to go.
Before the only options for food were the convenience cart and Traxx and a few other places (bagels, etc) but now they've welcomed a Starbucks, Wetzel Pretzel, Famima, Subway, etc.
You can connect here to tons of Metro Local Lines, The Dodger Stadium Express, Amtrack, FlyAway Bus, as well as the Metro Red, Purple, and Gold line.
The restrooms aren't the cleanest given the high traffic of people who pass by but hey they're free public restrooms in Downtown - you can't beat that (Also I prefer the ones on the Pateosaurus Plaza side - the ones at the front of Union you have to walk through one door which then splits into the mens/womens room and I'm not a huge fan of that.)
Plus it's a part of LA history and I saw Social Distortion filming their last video here - yep I'm a fan!! -
Review from Monis R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012
This is a train station! I've never been to a train station like this! When did Union Station turn into a fantasy land scene coming straight out of an alcoholic infused fairy tale? I have no clue, but for my first time ever visiting Union Station, I kind of liked it.
There was a reason for all the pomp and circumstance. Yes, usually when it's not the eve of Comic Con and people are dressed up like Star Wars and Harry Potter, you'll see wanderers, nomads, gypsies, and travelers alike going every which way through the tunnels, but on Saturday night half of the place was closed down and the red carpet was out to greet Elijah Wood, the cast of Parks and Rec, Tru Blood, Kat Von D, Victoria Secret Super Models, Ryan Kavanaugh and a bunch of other beautiful people I didn't recognize.
The Art of Elysium Gala was the reason for why Union Station was turned upside down. At first I was disgraced for what I was seeing. I saw incredibly beautiful and well to do white people flaunting their jewelry and couture outfits while getting a good buzz off of top shelf liquors while a little table to the left of the stage featured five or six children who were completely ignored and from the looks of it, not doing so well.
"Hey, if it wasn't for all those beautiful TV and movie people sitting one foot away from you Monis, those kids wouldn't have the hope they do. Their money might not save them or pay for a risky treatment or surgery, but they do help fund incredible arts programs that gets them through the day and I'm sure what they have to go through is a fucking hell. Shit, they get funding to make any fucking movie they want. That sure wouldl put a smile on my face," a random cute Asian waitress said as if she heard what I was thinking.
I think she actually did. I probably muttered something under my breath.
The limos pulled up and the B and C list stars come out. They made their way to the red carpet as at least 50 photographers yelled every which way to instruct them to turn their chins down, face left, over the shoulder, stand taller, and smile more.
Sometimes it must be good to be a paparazzi, to have all that power over the star for those few seconds.
We then went in to a rather large atrium adorned with life sized human molded ice sculptures and a string quartet. Many of the staunch wore off as the penguin suit wearing waiters and waitresses gave everyone stiff drinks.
One hour later we were guided to go to the main ballroom catered by Wolfgang Puck. A fashion show started, speeches were said, and that cute Asian waitress kept on bringing me Jack and Cokes as I was next to the hot actress from The Rum Diaries and Minka Kelly.
The party really picked up after the formal sit down with the free food trucks. Now, that's what I'm talking about:) Whatever one is the ice cream cookie sandwich truck and Fatburger where there. And they were free! As many as you want.
I found my way back to where the start of the event was held and graffiti artist Shepard Fairey introduced himself and his wife before he started playing a DJ set consisting of a mash up between Neil Young, The Beach Boys, and neo Dub Step. Wash boarded male go go dancers stood atop the bar as more waiters and waitresses handed out more stiff drinks.
Elijah Wood kept on asking people where his sister was. Aziz Ansari hung out with his costar Rashida Jones talking about food. Ryan Kavanaugh chatted about his latest movie Haywire, and the kid who wore the black latex suit in American Horror Story said he's up for doing more twisted and fucked up roles.
For three hours I was in Hollywood. I wasn't in reality. Reality was a train station. The world I was in at this moment in time was some kind of heaven filled with free food, booze, and beautiful looking famous people smiling, laughing, and doing what they're suppose to do, look good.
I had no problem living and breathing this world for three hours. If I did it any longer, then I probably would have gotten rather bored, but three hours was the perfect amount of time.
I'm glad I live in Hollywood and have experienced the glitzy and glamorous side of it. For anyone who has not been in the thick of it, whatever is said about it is true, anything can be turned into complete fantasy, but it's only for a short period of time.
But it's a really good fucking time. -
Review from David W.
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE THIS TRAIN STATION!
So much history here. I always love coming here for the Amtrak and Gold/Red Line. Reminds me that public transport DOES exist in LA.
The history is saddening because LA used to be a beacon of public transport and today we struggle to get back to that spot. I can't wait for the day I can come here to take a bullet train to San Francisco. I hope that day will soon come! -
Review from Chris Y.
1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've never traveled by train in my entire life. As a kid, I always found trains fascinating. I even remember saying that I wanted to be a "train driver" when I grow up. Visiting Union Station brings back those childhood feelings.
The station has all the beauty and grandeur you'd expect. High ceilings, cushioned seats all around, information booths, small eateries and coffee shops. There's also a restaurant called "Traxx", which I've never dined at but looks quite nice. The kind of restaurant that brings images of the 1930's and 1940's to mind.
The waiting area is large, with high ceilings. Must like NYC's Grand Central Station, although Union Station seems to be quite a bit smaller. And just like any other major crossing point, you'll find people from all walks of life.
You also have Olvera Street just across the street, which is full of little shops, craft booths, restaurants and rich history.
If you haven't been to Union Station yet, make a point of visiting it. It's really quite a sight and quite an experience. -
Review from Laura G.
1/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Where am I? Historical building, beautifully maintained and friendly (YES, friendly) Port Authority available to help should you have any pressing questions (which exit for China Town).
This was my first time taking a train in Los Angeles! I have been on trains all over the world but never in my own back yard. I was really surprised at the beauty of this building, the ease in which to find someone to help you and the fact that I felt safe. -
Review from Nicole F.
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Union Station is beautiful! I was here recently twice making connections from the Flyaway LAX bus. I don't often see much work put into public transit stations.
I love the GIANT wall of fish tank. I sat in front of it while I waited for my friends and was amazed by all the lovely fish.
I also like all the weird and randomly placed (unless I'm missing something) little blinking light fixtures near the escalators. -
Review from Alexandra P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2012 24 Check-ins Here
It gets the job done. Glad to see you can now purchase new and reload TAP passes at the ticketing machines because the customer service center isn't very customer service oriented (read: not friendly or helpful) and the lines were always outrageous.
Can get to the Red, Purple and Gold metrolines, as well as the all Metrolink and Amtrak trains here! -
Review from Jennifer P.
Cerritos, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great:
1. main public transportation hub
2. a quick walk to (across the street from) historic Olvera Street, and close to Chinatown and Little Tokyo
3. It's noir decor and architecture is straight out of a black-and-white 1940's film. Great for a photography outing.
4. Aside from the noir decor, there are great pieces of installation art.
5. 7,500 gallon saltwater aquarium with art etched into the glass for the sea denizens and passersby to see
6. Has several eateries (stalls and sit down restaurants), coffee shops, convenience stores, etc.
7. Plenty of "union chair" seating in the noir waiting area, perfect for sitting whilst sipping coffee and chatting/hanging out.
8. Free to roam around (hence on my "Free & Fabulous" list)
9. Word on the street is that the venue has areas for special events like weddings
10. Included in at least one of the free MTA Metro Art Tours (check out the website for more info http://www.metro.net/a...)
Parking:
Onsite parking = $2 per every 20 minutes ($14 max)
Find cheaper parking a walkable distance away.
The corner of Cesar E. Chavez Ave and Vignes has several lots. There's a small open-air lot for $5/day. -
Review from Gigi D.
Updated - 12/3/2011 12 Check-ins Here
I have to say that I pass through Union Station about 3 times a week, and while I have no problems with the station itself, I do have a serious problem with the security guards that work there.
I came through there a couple weeks ago and it was the last train coming through. I purchased a cup of coffee and just sat down for a couple minutes to turn my phone on and get ready to go walk to my next destination.
I was barely in the seat for less than a minute when the security guard comes up asking me for my ticket and telling me I have to leave because I did not have a train ticket.
I understand there is no loitering but he walked past a whole bunch of homeless people and went straight for me and harassed me. His excuse was he did not work for Metro so it was not his job to deal with what went on in their station, however, there were quite a few people just hanging out around the bathrooms and stuff and he ignored all of them to focus on me.
I do not know what his problem was, honestly, but the guy was a total jerk. So, since they made it clear they work for Union Station and not metro, my review has dropped to the lowest star available for Union Station being responsible for hiring rude, and (in my opinion) discriminating people to play security for them.
I am a paying customer who does spend money at the kiosks and restaurants there and to be treated rudely for sitting down for a minute to turn on a phone and make a phone call (especially when I had obviously just purchased a coffee as it was in my hand) is just basic lousy customer service.
Shame on you security.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/5/2011
Union Station is a great place to people watch. I love coming here. It is located in a central… Read more »
-
-
Review from Bo L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2011 10 Check-ins Here
Union station is a magnificent perl of a building in Los Angeles. I come there for the awesome space.
The ability of the MTA to make it interesting YAWN.. but the building rocks. -
Review from Erika B.
Simi Valley, CA
12/26/2011
I love union station. Every time Im here its to specifically visit the station, Im never here in between commutes.
Whoever said Los Angeles is ugly and has no special characteristics clearly hasn't been to Union Station. Granted its no grand central station, but its still gorgeous.
Theres always some interesting characters to feed your people watching cravings too. -
Review from Javier L.
Long Beach, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
So many people! awesome environment. I wish to bring a camera next time.
-
Review from Bullet S.
Los Angeles, CA
Union Station is another wonderful place to take photos.
It is especially beautiful during the Christmas season when they put up holiday decorations and lights. Located in Downtown Los Angeles it is the hub of many transit lines (i.e. Amtrak, Metro Red/Purple/Gold Line, Metrolink, and other bus services). It neighbors Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo and the Civic Center which are other good places to shoot.
Photography in Union Station is permitted as long as its open to the public with the exception of "engagements for commercial gain or profit such as, movie films, commercial television productions, and photography for commercial advertisements." I've shot here many times and have never been hassled - not once.
Lighting can be a battle for most photographers, especially for those who don't have a reflector or flash. I suggest being creative by freezing your subject and shooting a longer exposure, bringing wide primes, and/or simply shooting at a higher ISO and correcting noise via post-processing program (i.e. Lightroom).
Good luck and happy shooting! -
Review from Shalin D.
11/11/2011
When I think of train stations, I think of the odor of stale piss, sticky banisters, grotty 7 Elevens, and surly ticket agents.
But, girls, we're in Los Angeles, m'kay? That shizz don't fly.
Union Station is 1) remarkably clean, 2) staffed with really friendly folk, and 3) actually has decent concessions so you can stock up for your awaiting train ride. It's certainly a blessing to have a grocery store, convenient store, and Starbucks on the premises before you board a long haul train like the Coast Starlight. And someone is doing a great job managing staff and customer service at the station. The Amtrak check in staff is great: they'll walk you through ticketing, check in, and make sure you get from the gate to the seat. The station staff will make sure you get to the right track. And, based off the ubiquitous gleam, the janitorial staff is hard at work, too.
Given how nice the station is, it's actually worth arriving on time for your train ride. -
Review from Patricia A.
San Bernardino, CA
1/15/2012
Going to Union Station for the first time on Saturday, taking the Metro from San Bernardino, my husband and I thought it would be something fun to do with our 4 yr old. But i dont know what there is to do once we get there.
-
Review from Paul K.
11/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This isn't too bad of a train station. Security and railroad police have become nicer as the years have gone by, probably due to the lawsuits from photographers (like myself) who have been harassed or arrested, but not charged (hasn't happened to me yet).
The restaurants they have here are supposed to be pretty good, although I haven't had the opportunity to try it. The architecture here is pretty cool, and another historic note is that this is the last Union Station in the US, constructed in I believe 1939. -
Review from Kevin V.
Gardena, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Haven't been here in 20+ years! The last time I was here was when I was in the military and my father would drop me off here every Sunday afternoon to go back to San Diego. And he would also pick me up on Saturday mornings when I would come home also. Before I got my own truck. Those were some memories that will stay with me. Thanks for the memories!
-
Review from Angie W.
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love the architecture! I can see why so many people comment on it. It brings you to another time...
Plenty of parking in the multiple lots. Lots of food choices, Subway & Starbucks.
Great hub for public transportation, can't wait to use it for the LAX Flyaway. -
Review from Mitch K.
Corvallis, MT
10/11/2011
I enjoy taking Amtrak, but my experience in Los Angeles has not been as rosy as some of the reviewers have portrayed.
It is a mob scene of humanity. Inside the track areas it is heavy with shoppers, business people and a god slice of clean, groomed humanity. Outside, in the common areas and in the patio areas you take in a deep breath and watch your possessions.
It is a true shame to see a beautiful main waiting area, art deco track entries and nicely landscaped outside areas that are full of unsavory people and trash.
I cry to see such a historical place in decay.
The staff try to keep up, but this is a busy place.
Watch your children and possessions and bring handi-wipes for the rest rooms. -
Review from sheree y.
Cerritos, CA
1/6/2012 5 Check-ins Here
i really like union station. it's clean and beautiful. it's basically the grand central station of nyc! haha. but i have yet to use the amtrak...i can't wait. i love public transportation!
i've stopped by here to transfer lines to get to jtown and dtla all the way from el segundo. so i've sat in the green line (which i do every day for work), blue line, red line, gold line. the blue line is the dirtiest...smells like piss too. gross. the gold line is the cleaniest!
anyway, i'm glad i've been making use of la's public transportation system. more people should use it. that way there's less traffic and accidents. some people need to get off the road bc they're horrible at driving. how did they even pass their exam? i just don't get it. but la should definitely improve the public transportation system like nyc and sf! maybe then, people will be more likely to use it? -
Review from Sing W.
San Gabriel Valley, CA
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I come here for the Flyaway service to LAX and Union Station never disappoints!
This place doesn't feel like a train station...it's clean and tidy (trust me, I've seen some janky train stations) and the staff is very friendly. The staff for Flyaway is also helpful and they're always happy for some reason (this is a good thing).
I also love that the traffic is never bad around here, you would expect a train station to have horrible traffic but, you can get in and out of here FAST! Whenever someone is dropping me off, they can just go to the unloading/loading curb and leave right away. Also, I love the selections of food inside.
Honey, (it feels like) you're not in downtown L.A. anymore! -
Review from jessica w.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Union Station!
The food options are:
Famima - a convenience type store that offers some hot foods but mostly sodas and snacks
Starbucks - if you don't know what this is, then i'm proud you've made it to yelp :)
Subway - eat fresh
Wetzels - a yummy pretzel place! get the 2 for deal on pretzel dogs!
There is a bagel shop and a restaurant too but i can't remember much. I always hit those four.
Customer servie here is great! i had a machine malfunction and the amtrak people were so kind in helping.
Check out the decor - its a great building.
And they film here A LOT. I guarantee i've been in a few movie backgrounds waiting for my trains in the main lobby :) -
Review from Bryan W.
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Union Station is evocative of grandeur. The architecture inspires awe and melancholy as the stations importance to the city ha been washed over. It's no longer the essential hub and life blood of the city but instead an adjunct curiosity now that the urban freeways shuttle Angelenos to and fro.
I was at Union Station to simply catch Amtrak's Surfliner to San Clemente, CA for the weekend, but if you don't think you'll have rail needs you might still check out Union Station as a sight seer.
If you are there to take Amtrak here are some tips/
* the automated machines that service both Amtrak and Metrolink will have lines as more people are commuting on Metrolink, there is a bank of Amtrak only machines nearby where you'll have no wait.
*Amtrak tells you what 'Gate' you're departing from (eg Gate 'E' or Gate 'F') however all the tracks are numbered! The 'gates' refer to two arches near Amtrak info booth. 10-15 min before departure someone comes by the 'Gate' to tell you what track number the train will depart from. The crowd of people waiting for the train then scuttles hundreds of yards to the proper track.Listed in: I Heart San Clemente
-
Review from Dennis E.
Simi Valley, CA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Don't miss your train!
Missed my train by 1 minute because the foot traffic was horrible. The trains are typically clean, yet the people I run into that work for the systems aren't always so friendly. -
Review from Stella T.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2011
This place has been my life saver for the past few years every time I fly out from Australia to LAX and Via Amtrak I head on down to San Diego. Cannot stand the connecting flights in LA and have always used this option when travelling further down south as it is also a cheaper way and fun way to see the rest of California. It has been reliable from many experiences and it is also connected to the subway rails that go all the way out to Hollywood.
The station inside seems of gone through some major renovations and installed a few snack pits where the restrooms used to be located. -
Review from Norm K.
9/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Union Station is one of those iconic buildings that almost everyone has seen in film or TV but may not have known where or what it is. Since the MTA completed the Gold Line extension through Little Tokyo, I have been in and out of Union Station more. I take the Gold Line to Union Station and then transfer to the Red Line to go to Hollywood and other spots in the Los Angeles Basin.
The architecture is grand. What a beautiful, mostly mission revival building! When you're in Los Angeles, it's a must see! -
Review from Jay K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2011
I love the architecture, the restoration, and the look. I think it can be so much more though. It's so empty, it should be bustling with people, businesses, and helpful employees.
If I were mayor, the first thing I'd do is make a food court. Doesn't even have to be a big one. Make sure one restaurant or eating hall overlooks the train departure / arrival. On the weekdays it can draw in the business crowd. On the weekends, families can come to see the trains. Theme it all in the 30's style decor.
I'd even go as far as having a visitor center, having tours. The place is truly fabulous, worthy of sharing it's rich history.
Imagine the potential? Increase interest in the station, ridership, visitor experience, and fond memories... not to mention revenue.
The potentials, if only I were mayor...
Side Note: Hollywood has visited this place, many times over, Blade Runner, Speed, Star Trek: First Contact, Pearl Harbor, The Italian Job, and NCIS: Los Angeles.
If you're a photographer, the place is photo friendly. At night, no one is around, not even employees. Eerily so. -
Review from ALLEN S.
Providence, RI
1/22/2012
This station,was in a movie, as i heard about. This station was built in 1939, when Los Angeles born actor Dustin Hoffman, was 2 years old, now he is old. Dustin Hoffman, Hollwood's actor came to Haruki East Japanese Restaurant, in Providence, RI, a few times, where i work. This Railroad Station as LAUPT, is a nice looking station, where i swiched, to Amtrak's Coast Starlight Superliner Train, to San Jose, CA, back in March 2006, while i was riding across, the USA, to California, from Boston, MA, THAT WAS FUN TO RIDE ACROSS, this country.
-
Review from Ticha B.
Yes...a lot of history to this place. We use to go to Union Station all the time when my brother would ride the Amtrak up from Oceanside bi-weekly.
Easy access to the Amtrak and Metrolink trainings. Big place, lots to see and some places to eat and drink before your departure.
I HATE the bums, druggies and gang bangers that call Union Station their playground or home. I was excited to take a one-way Amtrak train from LAX-SAN this weekend. Even though it was a nice overall experience on the train, while waiting in line I noticed tons of gang bangers and bums asking for change or sizing people up as to maybe mug the unsuspecting tourist. I didn't see too many transit police either. I saw a lot of ushers but it didn't look to be too safe especially since it was already dark out. Lots of people use Union Station for their travel needs, I like the Amtrak trains there! -
Review from Alan K.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I loved taking LA's public light rail system through Union Station. The facility is immaculate. The interior is phenominal. The original chairs are still there with the high vaulted ceilings and it even has a vintage restaurants called Traxx. Also, we saw these old ladies at the restuarant that were originally from our train ride to Union Station. How amazing is that? They must have taken advantage of the senior citizen discount.
Union Station is the hub for the Metro light rail system, Metrolink, and Amtrak as they all converge here. You can also take the Flyaway bus to and from LAX. Very convenient indeed. -
Review from David A R.
Venice, CA
11/14/2011
A beautiful old building. I just wish Amtrak were cheaper and faster and there was a subway from Venice to get me there.
-
Review from Lisa C.
8/31/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I walk through this place so often that it never occurred to me to write a review about it until now.
This place is a commuter paradise! The gold, silver, and red Metro lines all stop at this place. Not to mention your local Metro buses. The Dash and Big Blue Bus can be easily located just outside of the Union Station on Alameda. Union Station also serves as one of the stops for Amtrak (Taken the train from here to AZ. What an adventure that was!). If you're heading to LAX, hop on the FlyAway. Save that parking money by taking the Dodger Stadium Express to the game.
And if you're hungry, there are plenty of places to grab a bite. There is a Starbucks to satisfy your caffeine addiction, Subway for those who are looking for a sandwich. Famima is open if you want to grab something on the go. Not to mention there is a Wetzel's Pretzels adjacent to Starbucks. (The place makes the entire Union Station smell delicious!) -
Review from Erika E.
Every person who comes to LA should roam this station.
It is a cool place, great tile, windows, ceiling, etc...courtyard outside is nice, be sure to stroll through the garden at building next door.
Have a drink at Traxx - relax and just watch the crowd go by.
Great people watching, nice architecture and an LA treasure!Listed in: Downtown Days
-
Review from Tai F.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
14 years old and pretending to be 21, I sat in one of the weirdly comfy chairs at Union Station waiting for my connecting train to Irvine. I would be visiting my aunt for the weekend and thought I was beyond cool to be traveling by myself on the train.
Flash forward 8 years and I'm 22 years old pretending to be 30 (so few things change don't they?) and I still feel cool when I'm inside Union Station. You can't help but feel a bit of swelling pride as you gaze around this in(spiring)credible building. It's truly the epitome of LA edifices and a monument to the life and love beneath the grunge and grime.
As an Angeleno or as a visitor, young or old, it's a must go place. Take advantage of the relaxing train trip to catch up on some reading or some Angry Bird or maybe make a new friend. All forms of day trips are possible with the wonder of public transportation. Take your hat off to Mother Earth and skip the car fumes today; the train is a happier place anyway. -
Review from Allison B.
Chatsworth, CA
6/8/2011
I have loved this station since I was a kid. My grandparents used to take us to San Diego almost every summer on the train. I have many great memories.
A lot has chanced since 1987! Union Station has been restored to its original beauty and its absolutely stunning. In addition to the beautification, Union Station is where all of the LA Rail lines and Busses meet up, which is uber convienent!
The rose garden is beautiful and there are shops and eateries all over the place in addition to comfy seats to wait for whichever train train you are leaving on.
There used to be a huge crime problem at Union Station and it also seemed to be a spot where many homeless people stayed. No more. All you will see is happy travelors!Listed in: Transport Me!
-
Review from Gene k.
Los Angeles, CA
6/1/2011
Union Station is a sick ass place. There's a lot of history behind this station plus you really can go anywhere from here. Every May is National Train day so it's great day to spend if your a train fanatic.
Literally you can go anywhere from this station. The Metro Gold/Red Line is here and Metrolink/Amtrack is at your disposal. Take off to Santa Barbara from Union Station and it lands you right off of State street plus you can take the bike on the train. SICK!!
Flying from LAX? Well. You'll be glad that Union Station charges $6 for parking a day which means they will charge for 24 hours of parking. This means if you leave your car at 5pm your paying until 5pm next day not 12am like a lot of places. Your time starts the moment you get the ticket. Plus they have the LAX Flyaway for $7. Not bad at all. Remember park in the back towards Virgnes road not in the front. You'll get rapped if you park on the West end towards Alameda.
Also.. the Silver line, Metro 733, Metro 720 also meets here. The weird thing is that the Silver line drops you off the 101 and Alameda exit and you have to walk to Union Station it doesn't go directly in to Union Station.
