Key Highlights
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Discover the main train stops in Los Angeles, with most travel centered around the historic Los Angeles Union Station.
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Learn how to get around Los Angeles County by using services like Los Angeles Metro and other trains for day-to-day travel.
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Union Station is the main place to catch your train. This spot links you to Amtrak, the Pacific Surfliner, and local Metro Rail lines.
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You can also find important train stops outside of downtown, like in Glendale and the San Fernando Valley.
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This guide will give you the best tips to use the train system when you visit Southern California in 2026.
Introduction
Welcome to Los Angeles! Getting around this big city is not as hard as you may think. The train network here is wide and still growing. There is a large central station with lots of history, and many small stops for the people in each area. The rail system is an easy and nice way to see the city.
If you are coming to Los Angeles for the first time, or if you have been before, this guide will help you get to know the LA train station system in 2026. Your trip across one of the largest cities in the United States can be smooth and fun.
Essential Train Stations in Los Angeles for 2026 Travelers
When you travel by rail in Los Angeles, there are a few stations you really need to know. The most important one is Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. There are also other big stops spread around Los Angeles County. They help connect many neighborhoods and parts of the area. These are the places where you can get on the Los Angeles Metro and go anywhere in or around the city.
Knowing about these main locations makes planning your trip a lot easier. You can find a full list of all the Los Angeles Metro Rail stations on the Metro website. The list includes stops on the A, B, C, D, E, and K lines. For now, let’s just talk about the most important train station stops for your 2026 plans.
1. Los Angeles Union Station – The Central Hub and Its Services
Los Angeles Union Station, located at 800 North Alameda Street, is the city’s main passenger rail terminal and a stunning example of Southern California architecture. As the primary Amtrak station in LA, it connects travelers to long-distance routes and the popular Pacific Surfliner. How can you get there? Union Station is a major hub for multiple Metro Rail lines (A, B, D, and E Lines), making it easily accessible from all over the county.
This station offers a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable journey. You can find ticketing offices, checked baggage services, rental car kiosks, and a Metropolitan Lounge for eligible passengers. The station is designed for accessibility, with features like wheelchair lifts and accessible restrooms.
For a quick overview of what’s available, here are some of the key services you can expect at Union Station:
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Service |
Details |
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Ticket Office |
Open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM for all your ticketing needs. |
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Checked Baggage |
Available from 4:15 AM to 10:30 PM for travelers on Amtrak. |
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Passenger Assistance |
Staff is on hand to help with baggage and accessibility from 4:15 AM to 10:30 PM. |
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Metropolitan Lounge |
Open daily for qualifying passengers, offering a quiet space to relax. |
2. Glendale Station – Historic Charm and Modern Connections
Are you looking to visit a train station full of history and also easy to use today? Check out Glendale Station. You will find it just north of downtown Los Angeles. This station is famous for keeping its old charm while meeting the needs of people on the move. It is an important Metrolink station, helping both people who live here and those just visiting travel between LA and northern suburbs.
The station is a main stop on the Ventura County Line. This line goes from Union Station all the way to East Ventura. That makes Glendale Station a great place to start your trip if you want to see towns outside downtown Los Angeles. You do not have to deal with bigger or busier train terminals here.
The building itself shows off classic train station design, giving you a taste of what travel was like years ago. This is more than a place to catch a train. If you are looking for a quiet and nice spot, Glendale Metrolink station is both good to look at and easy for your trip across the Ventura County area.
3. Van Nuys Station – Key Transit Point in the San Fernando Valley
If you are going to the big San Fernando Valley, the Van Nuys station is a must for getting around. This spot is right in the middle of Van Nuys. It connects people in the valley to the rest of southern California. Many people in los angeles use it to move around. It is an important stop for both those who travel to work and those going on longer trips.
You can get on the Metrolink Ventura County Line at Van Nuys. This line will take you straight to Union Station and also out to places in ventura county. The station is also one of the major train stops in los angeles that links you to Amtrak services. The amtrak pacific surfliner trains stop here. With these trains, you can head up the coast to santa barbara, san luis obispo, and down to san diego with no trouble.
With both these train lines, the Van Nuys station is a great spot for travel in the san fernando valley. You can switch between city trains and the pacific surfliner easily. It is nice to know you can get to so many places without having to drive a car.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing how to use the train stations in Los Angeles will help you get the most from your trip in 2026. Glendale Station has old-time charm, while Los Angeles Union Station is busy and connects many routes. Each of these stations has something different to offer. If you know about the features and services at each location, you can travel better and get to where you want to go with less trouble. Picking the right station can help you have a smooth time when you visit the city or travel for work. If you need help with your plans, feel free to ask for a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at the major Los Angeles train stations?
Major stations have a lot to offer, and Los Angeles Union Station is a good example. This top Amtrak station has a ticket office with staff, a nice waiting room, checked baggage, and secure bike parking. These things help you start your trip on the Pacific Surfliner in a way that is both simple and comfortable.
Which train station should I use for travel to and from downtown Los Angeles?
If you plan to travel in or out of downtown Los Angeles, Union Station is your best pick. It is the main spot for passenger rail in the city. You can get on the Los Angeles Metro Rail lines at Union Station and ride straight to many top places in downtown Los Angeles and other parts of the city. The station makes it easy for people to switch between the metro rail and other types of transport.
How do Metrolink and Metro train services differ at Los Angeles stations?
Los Angeles Metro Rail is a local system made up of subways and light rail trains. It’s set up for travel inside Los Angeles County. On the other hand, a Metrolink station is for commuter trains. These trains link Los Angeles to other counties. They mostly run during peak hours. You use Metro to get around the city. You take Metrolink if you want to go farther from Los Angeles into the region.