Key Highlights
- Discover Los Angeles Union Station, the central hub for all your transit needs in Downtown Los Angeles.
- Learn how the Metro Rail system connects vast parts of the city, from Santa Monica to the San Gabriel Valley.
- Find out about the different train lines, including light rail and subways, that make up the LA Metro network.
- Get details on major transit connections at the primary train station, including the Amtrak station and Metrolink services.
- Explore the services and amenities available, from ticketing to parking.
- Receive helpful tips for navigating the Los Angeles train system for the first time.
Introduction
Welcome to your guide to navigating Los Angeles by train! Many people think of LA as a city of cars, but its public transit system offers an amazing way to explore without the stress of traffic. At the center of it all is the historic Union Station, a beautiful gateway to the city’s extensive Metro Rail network. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to ditch your car, this guide will help you master the LA train system with confidence.
Major Train Stations in Los Angeles
When you think of train travel in Los Angeles, one name stands out: Union Station. As the primary transit hub for the entire region, it’s the main connection point for local Metro lines, regional Metrolink commuter trains, and long-distance Amtrak services. It is centrally located in Downtown LA, making it the heart of the city’s rail network.
Beyond this central hub, the LA Metro system includes over 100 other Metro stations spread across the county. These stations serve six main rail lines, connecting communities from Long Beach to North Hollywood and Downtown Santa Monica to East Los Angeles. These well-placed stations make it possible to reach many key destinations without a car. We’ll explore the most important stations and what they offer.
Union Station: The Heart of LA Transit
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Union Station is more than just a train station; it’s a historic landmark and the epicenter of Southern California’s transit network. Located at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles Union Station has been serving passengers since 1939 and remains the largest passenger rail terminal in the Western United States. Its stunning architecture combines Mission Revival and Art Deco styles, making it a destination in itself.
What makes Union Station so essential? It’s the primary hub where multiple transit systems converge. Here, you can seamlessly connect between LA Metro’s B, D, and A lines, the Metrolink commuter rail system, and national Amtrak routes. This makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the city or traveling across the country.
The station offers a wide array of services to make your journey smooth. You’ll find ticketing counters and machines for all rail services, baggage assistance, waiting areas, and various food and retail options. It truly serves as the grand central hub for anyone traveling by rail in Los Angeles.
Other Key Metro Stations in Los Angeles
While Union Station is the main event, the Los Angeles Metro system features several other crucial stations that keep the city moving. One of the most important is the 7th Street/Metro Center station in the Financial District. This bustling underground hub is a major transfer point where you can switch between the A, B, D, and E lines, connecting you to nearly every corner of the rail network.
Other key stations serve as important terminuses or neighborhood anchors. The North Hollywood station, for instance, is the final stop on the B Line and a gateway to the NoHo Arts District. Similarly, the Downtown Santa Monica station marks the end of the E Line, dropping you just blocks from the famous pier and beach.
Across the County of Los Angeles, stations like Downtown Long Beach on the A Line and the Norwalk station on the C Line act as vital links for their communities. While “best-rated” can be subjective, locals value these stations for their connectivity and ability to provide efficient, car-free access to work, entertainment, and home.
Stations Near Popular Attractions
Absolutely! One of the best parts of using the LA Metro is its ability to take you directly to some of the city’s top sights, letting you skip the nightmare of parking. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a museum, or a concert, there’s likely a station nearby.
From Hollywood to the coast, the train makes it easy to be a tourist in your own city or as a visitor. The system is designed to connect major cultural and entertainment hubs throughout the region.
Here are a few popular attractions and their closest Metro stations:
- Santa Monica Pier: Take the E Line to the Downtown Santa Monica station.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Use the B Line and get off at the Hollywood/Highland station.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: The Universal City/Studio City station on the B Line offers a free shuttle to the park.
- Exposition Park & Museums: The E Line’s Expo Park/USC station is right at the doorstep of the California Science Center and Natural History Museum.
- Dodger Stadium: A free Dodger Stadium Express bus runs from Union Station on game days.
Location and Map Overview
Feeling a bit lost with all these lines and stations? Don’t worry! Understanding the layout of the Los Angeles train system is simpler than you think. Everything radiates from the centrally located Union Station, with a network of Metro stations branching out to cover a huge part of the county.
Having a station map is your best friend when planning a trip. You can find detailed system maps on the LA Metro website, on the TAP LA app, and posted inside every station and train car. These maps show all the lines, stops, and transfer points. Let’s take a closer look at Union Station’s location and how to use a map to plan your journey.
Address and Accessibility of Union Station
You can find Los Angeles Union Station at 800 N. Alameda Street, right on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles. Its prime location makes it incredibly accessible, situated near major landmarks like Olvera Street, Chinatown, and Grand Park. Whether you’re arriving by car, bus, or another train line, getting here is straightforward.
For those driving, Union Station has multiple parking lot options available. These lots offer daily and monthly parking, ensuring you have a place to leave your vehicle whether you’re commuting for the day or embarking on a longer journey. The station is also designed with accessibility in mind, with features to assist all travelers.
Once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s the region’s primary transit hub. You can immediately connect to the Metro A, B, and D lines, as well as numerous bus services, all from one convenient location. Its central position is key to its role as the anchor of LA’s public transportation network.
Interactive Map of Los Angeles Train Stations
Getting a handle on the LA Metro system is all about the map. The official station map is your key to unlocking the entire County of Los Angeles without a car. You can download a PDF map from the LA Metro website or use the interactive trip planner to chart your course. These tools show all the Metro Rail lines, from the A Line stretching to Long Beach and Pomona to the D Line running through Koreatown.
Each line is color-coded and lettered, making it easy to see where you are and where you need to go. Major train station hubs like Union Station and 7th St/Metro Center are clearly marked as transfer points, where you can switch from one line to another.
To give you a quick idea of how the system connects, here’s a look at a few key stations and the lines that serve them. This helps you visualize how you can get from one part of the city to another with a simple transfer.
| Station Name | Metro Rail Lines Served |
|---|---|
| Union Station | A Line, B Line, D Line |
| 7th St/Metro Center | A Line, B Line, D Line, E Line |
| Willowbrook/Rosa Parks | A Line, C Line |
| Expo/Crenshaw | E Line, K Line |
| Wilshire/Vermont | B Line, D Line |
Proximity to Downtown and Neighborhoods
One of the greatest strengths of the LA Metro system is how it connects Downtown Los Angeles with dozens of diverse neighborhoods. The network of Metro stations acts like a web, linking communities that might otherwise feel disconnected by traffic-clogged freeways. This makes exploring the city’s rich cultural tapestry incredibly convenient.
From the central hub of Downtown LA, you can hop on a train and be in a completely different environment in minutes. The B Line, for example, will take you directly from the urban core to the vibrant NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood. Heading east? The E Line travels through Boyle Heights and into East Los Angeles, with stops at Mariachi Plaza and other local landmarks.
The network extends even further, with the A Line reaching deep into the San Gabriel Valley, connecting cities like Pasadena, Arcadia, and Azusa. This broad reach demonstrates how the rail system is more than just a way to get around Downtown—it’s a vital link for communities across the region.
Services and Amenities at Union Station
Traveling through Union Station is a comfortable and convenient experience, thanks to a wide range of services designed for all types of travelers. Beyond just being a place to catch a train, the station offers amenities that make your journey smoother from start to finish, including a baggage service and a premium Metropolitan Lounge for Amtrak passengers.
Whether you need to grab a bite, find a place to park, or figure out your ticketing, Union Station has you covered. You can even rent a bike from the Metro Bike Share dock to explore the surrounding area. Let’s look at the specific services available, from buying your fare to finding a secure parking lot.
Ticketing Options and Fare Machines
Buying a ticket for the LA Metro is simple, with several ticketing options available. The easiest way to pay is with a reusable TAP card. You can purchase a physical card for a small fee at the fare machines located in every Metro Rail station. Once you have a card, you can load it with a pre-set dollar amount to pay per ride.
These fare machines are user-friendly, accepting both cash and credit cards. A single ride on the Metro system costs $1.75 and includes free transfers for up to two hours. Metro also has a fare-capping system, meaning you’ll never pay more than $5 a day or $18 a week, no matter how many times you ride. If you’re connecting to a Metro Bus, you can pay with your TAP card or exact cash on board.
For other services like Metrolink or Amtrak, separate ticketing windows and machines are available within Union Station.
- TAP Card: Your all-access pass for LA Metro buses and trains.
- Fare Capping: Ride as much as you want; you’ll never exceed the daily or weekly cap.
- Fare Machines: Conveniently located at all rail stations to buy or reload your TAP card.
Waiting Areas, Food, and Shopping
Waiting for your train at Union Station doesn’t have to be a bore. The station is equipped with comfortable and spacious waiting areas where you can relax before your departure. The main hall, with its soaring ceilings and classic design, offers a beautiful space to sit and people-watch. For eligible Amtrak passengers, the exclusive Metropolitan Lounge provides an even more private and comfortable setting with complimentary snacks and Wi-Fi.
Feeling hungry? You’ll find a variety of food options scattered throughout the station. From quick-service cafes for a coffee and a pastry to sit-down restaurants, there’s something to satisfy any craving. This makes it easy to grab a meal before you hop on your train.
Additionally, Union Station has a selection of shopping kiosks and stores. You can pick up last-minute travel necessities, a newspaper, or a souvenir to remember your trip. These amenities transform the station from a simple transit point into a convenient and pleasant place to spend time.
Parking Facilities and Accessibility Features
If you need to drive to the station, Union Station offers ample parking facilities to accommodate your needs. There are several large parking lot areas located on-site, providing convenient access to the main terminal. Whether you’re leaving your car for a few hours or a few days, you’ll find a suitable option.
The station provides different types of parking to fit your travel plans. Daily rates are available for commuters and short-term visitors, while monthly parking is a great option for regular travelers. For those taking longer trips, overnight parking is also permitted, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. The station also features secure bike parking for cyclists.
Union Station is committed to being accessible to all travelers. It is equipped with numerous accessibility features, including ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces, to ensure that everyone can navigate the station safely and comfortably. These features make it a welcoming environment for passengers with mobility needs.
Transit Connections: Amtrak, Metrolink, and Metro Rail
Los Angeles Union Station truly shines as the ultimate connection point for rail travel in the region. It’s the only place where three major rail systems—Amtrak, Metrolink, and the local Metro Rail lines—all come together under one roof. This integration makes it incredibly easy to transfer from a long-distance train to a local subway or a regional commuter line.
This seamless connectivity is what makes Union Station the most important transit hub in the Western United States. Whether your journey starts in another state or a nearby county, you can arrive at this Amtrak station and easily continue on to your final LA destination. Let’s explore each of these connecting services.
Amtrak Long-Distance & Regional Services
As the main Amtrak station in Los Angeles, Union Station is your gateway to the rest of California and beyond. Amtrak operates several long-distance and regional routes from this hub, connecting LA with cities across the country. It’s the perfect starting point for an epic cross-country adventure or a scenic trip along the coast.
Imagine boarding a train and watching the diverse landscapes of the United States unfold outside your window. Long-distance routes like the Southwest Chief travel to Chicago, while the Sunset Limited can take you all the way to New Orleans. These services offer a relaxed and scenic alternative to flying.
Amtrak also offers popular regional services within California, making it easy to explore other parts of the state. Key routes originating from Union Station include:
- Pacific Surfliner: Travels along the beautiful Southern California coast to San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
- Coast Starlight: An iconic route that runs all the way up to Seattle.
- Southwest Chief: Connects Los Angeles with Chicago through the American Southwest.
- Sunset Limited: Travels east from LA to New Orleans.
Metrolink Commuter Links
For those who live in the greater Southern California area, Metrolink is an essential service. As the region’s commuter rail system, it provides vital links between Los Angeles County and neighboring counties. Union Station serves as the central hub for nearly all of Metrolink’s seven lines.
These commuter links are a lifeline for thousands of people who travel into LA for work every day, allowing them to avoid the stress and gridlock of freeway traffic. Lines extend to Orange County, the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties), Ventura County, and the Antelope Valley.
If you’re visiting and want to take a day trip out of the city, Metrolink is a fantastic option. You can easily ride from Union Station to beach towns in Orange County, explore the historic missions of the San Gabriel Valley, or venture out to other regional destinations. Just be sure to check the schedule, as service can be infrequent, especially on weekends.
Los Angeles Metro Rail Network Access
Once you arrive at Union Station, the entire Los Angeles Metro Rail system is at your fingertips. This network of subways and light rail lines is your ticket to exploring the vast County of Los Angeles. The system is comprised of two heavy rail subway lines (the B and D Lines) and four light rail lines (the A, C, E, and K Lines).
From Union Station, you can directly board the B Line to Hollywood and North Hollywood, the D Line to Koreatown, or the A Line, which stretches from the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Downtown Long Beach. A quick transfer at 7th St/Metro Center connects you to the E Line for a trip to Santa Monica or East Los Angeles.
Using the system is as simple as getting a TAP card, tapping it at the turnstile, and hopping on the correct train. Maps are posted everywhere, and signs clearly indicate the direction and destination of each train. It’s an efficient way to travel between LA’s most popular neighborhoods.
Tips for First-Time Train Station Users
Navigating any new public transit system can feel a little intimidating, but the Los Angeles train station network is designed to be user-friendly. With a little preparation, you’ll be riding the Metro Rail like a pro in no time. Your journey will almost always start with a plan and a ticket, so familiarizing yourself with the station map and ticketing options is the best first step. From the grand halls of Union Station to the smaller neighborhood stops, the process is largely the same.
The key is to know where you’re going and how you’ll pay for your trip. Most lines run from the early morning until around midnight, with more frequent service during peak hours. Don’t be afraid to ask a Metro employee for help if you’re feeling lost—they’re there to assist you! The following tips will break down the basics of navigating stations and buying tickets.
Navigating Stations & Buying Tickets
Your first stop at any station should be the fare machines. Here, you can purchase a TAP card and load it with fare. These machines are straightforward and offer instructions in multiple languages. Remember, you’ll need a TAP card to enter the platform areas at most stations.
Once you have your ticket, consult the station map to find the right platform for your train. Signs will clearly display the line letter (A, B, D, etc.) and the final destination of the trains on that track. This ensures you get on a train heading in the right direction. For example, at Union Station, you’ll follow signs for the B Line to North Hollywood or the A Line to Long Beach.
Remember these key steps for a smooth journey:
- Plan Ahead: Use the Metro website or a transit app to map your route.
- Buy a TAP Card: Purchase and load your card at a fare machine.
- Find Your Platform: Follow the signs for your line and destination.
- Tap Your Card: Tap your card on the validator at the turnstile before entering the platform.
- Connect Seamlessly: Your TAP card also works on any Metro Bus for easy transfers.
Conclusion
In summary, Los Angeles train stations, particularly Union Station, serve as vital hubs for both locals and visitors. With a range of services and amenities designed to enhance the travel experience, these stations offer seamless connections to essential transit options like Amtrak, Metrolink, and the Metro Rail network. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time user, understanding the layout and available resources can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. So, next time you find yourself in LA, take advantage of the excellent public transit system and explore all the vibrant neighborhoods and attractions this city has to offer. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Los Angeles train stations connect with Amtrak and Metrolink?
The primary station for these connections is the historic Los Angeles Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. It is the city’s main Amtrak station and the central hub for the Metrolink station network, offering direct access to the Metro Rail B, D, and A Lines all in one place.
Are there train stations close to tourist spots?
Yes, many Metro stations are conveniently located near top attractions. The Los Angeles Metro Rail can take you to Downtown Santa Monica via the E Line, Hollywood via the B Line, and offers a free Dodger Stadium Express bus from Union Station on game days, making sightseeing easy.
What amenities are available for travelers at Union Station?
Union Station offers a full suite of amenities for travelers. You can find food and shopping, comfortable waiting areas, and baggage service. For eligible passengers, there’s a Metropolitan Lounge. The station also provides an on-site parking lot, rental cars, and a Metro Bike Share dock for local travel.