Union Station

Los Angeles, California Travel Guide

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Union Station

Overview: One of the most memorable historic and functional buildings in Los Angeles is Union Station. Union Station, the subway, light railway and AmTrak hub, is located in Downtown Los Angeles just north of the 101 Freeway on Alameda St and E Cesar E Chavez Ave. Its location ideal to visit Olvera Street and Chinatown, both of which are only a block away (Olvera Street and Old Plaza is just across the street).

A rare but one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles, Union Station’s birthday is 1939 and it is known as the last of the great railway stations in the nation. From the outset, Union Station’s distinctive tower and clock draw attention. It’s tall arch design at the entrance segways into high ceilings in the main terminal in which crossbeams and rafters hold wrought iron, art deco lights, hanging over the large, voluminous concourse. The concourse is the main waiting area where you’ll find very comfortable seats, cafe and food stand and even elegant bar and dining room areas. Another waiting room extends from the main concourse to the left from tne entrance.

Make your way past the waiting area and over the art deco designs on the floor to the ticketing and train area. There are self-ticketing kiosks just beyond the ticket sign to the right and a large electronic schedule of the trains. In the center is an information booth as well as security guards. The lower part of the walls inside this area are made of marble and reveal art deco designs at the public best. Just beyond are bathrooms and the long hallway which leads to the various train platforms of Union Station. The hallway has signs and advertisements and all the tunnels leading to the train platforms are wheelchair accessible.

Walk around the clean and beautiful grounds on the south side of Union Station and relax in the patio if you have time. Consider Union Station as a departure or arrival terminal as an alternative to flying as well if you are visiting Los Angeles or want to make a trek up north or down south. The railway system in the United States is quickly gaining popularity again due in part to cheaper fares, greener efforts, safety and lastly, something of a more romantic travel option. Well worth your time, see for yourself, Union Station’s grandness.

Location: 800 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Site: www.metro.net or www.amtrak.com
Ph: (213) 683-6875

Hours: 24 hours a day

Parking: Parking at Union Station is expensive. It can cost you up for $14. An alternative parking lot is across the street on Cesar Chavez at the Post office Annex. $7 for all day on weekends and $5 on weekdays or the bus terminal, Patsaouras Transit Plaza, for $6/day.

Other Info: The bus terminal, Patsaouras Transit Plaza, just east of Union Station off of Vignes Street where all of Los Angeles bus systems service as well as airport services.

Cost: See the Los Angeles Transportation Guide

Accessibility: Union Station and all of Los Angeles’ metro stations are wheelchair accessible, complete with ramps and very small gaps between the platforms and subways/trains.

Getting There: www.metro.net, www.ladottranist.com