Your Guide to Los Angeles Union Station
First time navigating Los Angeles Union Station? As one of Southern California’s busiest transportation hubs, there’s a lot to find under one very beautiful roof. Whether you’re catching the Pacific Surfliner, connecting to Metro or exploring downtown LA, this guide covers what you need to know, including where to board, how to get around the station, where to eat, luggage storage, parking, and so much more.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to look around! Los Angeles Union Station is a transit hub, but it’s also an iconic landmark filled with sweeping hallways, grand chandeliers, and nearly a century of LA history.
Next Stop…
Finding Your Train
Inside Union Station
Helpful Info for Your Trip
Getting To and From Union Station
FAQs
Finding Your Train
Not sure where to go once you arrive? Start with the departure boards throughout Union Station, where you’ll find your train number, departure time and track assignment. Keep an ear out for station announcements, too — track assignments can occasionally change.
When your track is posted, follow the signs from the main concourse to the passageway beneath the tracks, then take the ramp or stairs up to your platform. Union Station is a big place, so we recommend giving yourself a little extra time to find your way before boarding.
If you’re riding the Pacific Surfliner, match the train number on your ticket with the departure board and follow the signs to the assigned track.
Inside Union Station
Historic Waiting Area
Got a little time before departure? Grab a spot in one of the vintage cushioned seats in the passenger waiting area, available to Amtrak and Pacific Surfliner travelers with an upcoming ticket. It’s a pretty good place to wait, with towering windows, intricate tilework, and wood-inlaid ceilings all around you. Before you board, check out the nearby gallery for rotating cultural and educational exhibitions.
Shopping and Dining
Union Station has plenty of options for a quick bite, coffee or something to take with you on the train. Stop by the pop-up kiosks for gifts and souvenirs, or grab travel essentials at Trimana. In the passenger concourse, you’ll find quick-service favorites like Subway, Starbucks, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Robeks Juice, and Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill. If you have time to sit and stay awhile, head toward the main entrance near Alameda Street for more dining options, including station staple Traxx Restaurant, serving New American fare and creative cocktails.
Ticket Concourse
Union Station has had its share of screen time. Its historic ticketing area has appeared in movies like Catch Me If You Can, Blade Runner, and The Dark Knight Rises — and it’s easy to see why. The space features a 110-foot-long ticket counter, soaring stenciled ceiling and 1,000 hand-painted tiles. Today, it’s reserved for special events and closed to foot traffic, but you can still admire it from the main hall!
South Patio
Soak up some sunshine! The south patio has a park-like setting with benches, hedges, and brick walkways. During the holidays, a beautifully decorated tree is displayed here.
More to See
There’s plenty to discover between trains, too. Just outside the waiting area, an open piano invites travelers to sit down and play — don’t be surprised if you hear a tune or two echoing through the station. Near the escalators to the Metro B and D Lines, look up to spot a colorful mural high on the walls, then keep your eyes peeled for a nearly hidden fish tank nearby.
Helpful Information for Your Trip to Union Station
Amtrak Ticket Window
The Amtrak ticket office is open between 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., with representatives available to help passengers book travel, modify reservations, check baggage, and more. It’s located on the west end of the passenger concourse, behind the convenience store. There is also an information window nearby with staff who are available to answer questions.
Luggage Storage
Need a safe place to store your luggage for a few hours? Head to the baggage claim and parcel check, located behind the Subway sandwich shop. The window is open from 4:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Each item costs $20 to store for passengers with a valid train ticket (within 24 hours), and $30 for those without an upcoming train trip. This area also has baggage carousels where passengers with checked luggage may pick up their items upon arriving at Union Station.
Metropolitan Lounge
Located on the second floor on the west-end of the passenger concourse, this Amtrak lounge features comfortable seats, as well as complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and TV. Business Class passengers may purchase a $35 day pass to access the lounge, or customers can get a single-day pass by redeeming 1,500 Amtrak Guest Rewards points. The lounge is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Red Cap Service
Dedicated Amtrak staff are available at Union Station to provide free assistance for passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, and large groups. They operate motorized vehicles to bring large bags to and from the trains. They can also help passengers navigate the station. If you have a question or need help, look for official uniformed Red Cap agents.
Getting To and From Union Station
Amtrak Connections
Amtrak Thruway buses, which are currently boarding in front of the station along Alameda Street, provide additional departure options to train stations north of Los Angeles, and they also connect passengers to the San Joaquin Valley, UCLA, and other destinations. Three long-distance Amtrak routes also serve the station, including the Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited-Texas Eagle. Connect to these routes to travel beyond Southern California.
Local Transit
Connect to LA Metro Rail for an easy trip into different areas of Los Angeles, including Hollywood, L.A. Live, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and more. There are also many bus lines that serve the station, including Metro (citywide), DASH (citywide), Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica), and others. Metrolink trains provide connections to San Bernardino, San Gabriel Valley, Riverside, and more. Metro also operates a bike share program throughout the city – bikes can be rented from the kiosk near the front of the station.
Destination Shuttles
Dedicated shuttle services also operate to and from Union Station. Travel between the station and Los Angeles International Airport on LAX Flyaway – buses operate approximately every 30 minutes. Heading to a Dodgers Game? Catch the Dodger Stadium Express, operated by LA Metro.
Parking
All parking at Los Angeles Union Station is paid. The Union Station East parking garage, accessible via North Vignes Street, is open 24 hours a day and allows overnight and long-term parking. Parking costs $2 every 15 minutes, up to $8 per 24-hour period. For overnight and long-term stays, don’t forget to submit the required parking form!
Union Station West Lots B, D and G offer short-term parking from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily for $2 every 15 minutes, up to $16 per 24-hour period; overnight parking is not permitted in these lots. Special event rates may apply.
Wander the halls, spot a few hidden gems, grab something for the ride, and soak up one of the West Coast’s most iconic train stations. When it’s time to go, the Pacific Surfliner will be waiting to take you to your next adventure.
Union Station FAQs
Is there a map of Los Angeles Union Station?
Yes! Use the Los Angeles Union Station map to find train platforms, Metro connections, dining, waiting areas, and other station amenities before you arrive.
Where do Pacific Surfliner trains board at Union Station?
Pacific Surfliner trains board from the train platforms at Los Angeles Union Station. Track assignments can vary, so check the departure boards when you arrive and listen for station announcements. Once your track is posted, follow the signs through the passageway beneath the tracks and up to your platform.
Can I store luggage at Union Station in Los Angeles?
Yes. Luggage storage is available at the checked baggage service behind Subway. The window is open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and costs $20 per item for passengers with a valid train ticket within 24 hours, or $30 per item without an upcoming train trip.
How do I get from LAX to Union Station?
The LAX FlyAway bus provides direct service between Los Angeles International Airport and Union Station. At Union Station, FlyAway buses arrive and depart from the Patsaouras Bus Plaza, making it easy to connect between your flight and Pacific Surfliner trip.
Is there parking at LA Union Station?
Yes. Paid parking is available at Los Angeles Union Station. The Union Station East parking garage is open 24 hours and allows overnight and long-term parking, while the West parking lots offer short-term parking from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Overnight parking is not permitted in the West lots.
Does Union Station have an Amtrak lounge?
Yes! Los Angeles Union Station has an Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge for eligible Amtrak passengers. The lounge offers a more comfortable place to wait before departure, with access based on ticket type or Amtrak Guest Rewards status!