The Los Angeles Union Station is a historical and contemporary transportation centre that links passengers to trains and buses. It was established in 1939 and is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western part of the United States. Union Station is a blend of Spanish Colonial Art Deco and is a cultural centre of art, events, and community activities. Visitors can explore the historic architecture of the station and use it as a transport gateway, and get to the nearby attractions such as Olvera Street and the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
What Can You See and Do at Union Station?
Here are the five best things to see and do at Union Station, Los Angeles:
- Admire the Architecture: Union Station is the largest passenger railroad station in the western United States, renowned for its Mission Moderne architecture. The station is an original mixture of the Spanish Colonial, the Art Deco, and the Mission Revival styles. It has the magnificent grand waiting room, the historic ticketing hall and the ticket concourse to explore indoors.
- Explore Public Art Installations: Union Station boasts permanent and rotating art exhibits. Union Station has a Passageway Art Gallery that is used to exhibit rotating exhibitions of local and international artists such as William Acedo and Levi Ponce. Another installation is the A-Train above the escalators of the Metro Rail subway by artist Bill Bell, which is a light and sound installation that creates a dynamic experience.
- Relax in the Courtyard Gardens: The calm courtyard gardens of Union Station provide a serene break from the hectic city. The scenic landscaped courtyards can be enjoyed by the visitors with peaceful fountains. Outdoor/ indoor flow: the gardens blend in with the interior waiting space to form an open and calm atmosphere.
- Attend Events and Performances: Union Station is a music station where shows are performed in its old building. It organised special events that attract a big crowd, like the annual lighting up of the tree during the holiday season, which has festive decorations.
- Visit the Traxx Bar and Restaurant: Traxx is an American-style restaurant and bar located at the ground of the Union Station and serves food and beverages to its visitors. Its interior is classic and gives a glamorous look.
How to Get to Union Station?
Here are the four best ways to go to Union Station, Los Angeles:
- By Metro: Union Station is a junction between Metro Railways, so it’s very easy to go to the Union Station by Metro. It costs $1.75 per ride. The TAP card is used to pay fare in Metro, which costs $2.
- By Train (Amtrak & Metrolink): Amtrak is a long-distance passenger rail transportation company in Union Station. Metrolink is a commuter train that operates in Southern California and has a station in Union Station.
- By Bus: Buses are easily available near Union Station. It’s the best option to travel and avoid the hassle of parking.
- By Limo and Car Services: Limo is a luxurious and comfortable way to go to Union Station. You don’t need to wait for a vehicle to travel; just book a ride and go to the destination.
What Are the Entry Fees and Timings of Union Station?
The Union Station has no entry fee. The Union Station is open from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. The ticket window of Metrolink is open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Where to Eat Near Union Station?
Here are the four best eating places near Union Station, Los Angeles:
- Traxx Restaurant & Bar: Traxx Restaurant & Bar is located within Union Station. Traxx offers classic American cuisine, with dishes as Birria Tacos, Steak Sandwich, Spicy Ahi Tuna Bowl, Braised Beef, and Chicken Cutlet Plate.
- Philippe The Original: Philippe The Original is a historic eatery, famous for its “French Dip” sandwiches since 1908. It offers sandwiches with a choice of meat dipped in natural juices on a French roll, along with sides like pickled eggs, macaroni salad, and cole slaw.
- Homegirl Cafe: Homegirl Cafe is Part of a social enterprise. This cafe offers fresh, high-quality food like Chilaquiles. It serves yummy and outstanding breakfast items like avocado toast and huevos rancheros. Its Signature dishes are tacos, salads, and pastries.
- El Pueblo de Los Angeles Restaurants: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Restaurants is a historic plaza that has a collection of shops and restaurants offering authentic Mexican food. Visitors can find classic street food here, like taquitos, various tacos from vendors such as El Cielito, and sweet treats like churros from Mr Churro. Near to Station, Mi Pueblo Salvadoran Restaurant offers authentic Salvadoran pupusas.
