Amtrak Los Angeles Guide: Arrivals, Departures, and Tips

Los Angeles is one of the most iconic places to start or end a rail journey. Beyond the city’s many attractions, the historic Union Station serves as a massive transit hub for five Amtrak routes, multiple commuter lines, and the city’s subway system.

In this guide, learn about the Los Angeles Union Station, explore Amtrak routes that stop there, get tips for arriving and departing by train, and view recommendations on places to stay and things to do (including on short layovers).

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Jump to Section

Station Location & Map

LA Union Station

Los Angeles Union Station is at 800 N Alameda Street, on the edge of downtown L.A. and next to Chinatown (view map). Open since 1939, the station is a beautiful landmark with separate buildings that are connected by a pedestrian tunnel underneath the tracks:

West / Alameda Street (Grand historic lobby near Amtrak services and Metropolitan lounge; more food options here)
East / Vignes Street (rideshare pickup, LAX FlyAway buses, Dodger Stadium Express shuttle)

From both entrances you can reach Amtrak trains, LA Metro subway, and Metrolink commuter trains. View all transportation options at the station to learn more.

Amtrak Routes

The following Amtrak routes stop in Los Angeles. All are long-distance trains with private rooms except for the Pacific Surfliner, which only travels in Southern California and the Central Coast. Click the links for route information and a list of stations.

Coast Starlight (Los Angeles-Seattle)
Pacific Surfliner (California coast)
Southwest Chief (Cross-country to/from Chicago)
Sunset Limited (Cross-country to/from New Orleans)
Texas Eagle (Cross-country through Texas)

Insider Tips: The Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner are the most scenic L.A. routes. The Southwest Chief can get you to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff. Or ride the Sunset Limited to visit Palm Springs.

Arrivals

Use the East exit to quickly connect with rideshare after you arrive.
Bag storage is available near baggage claim in the West building if you have a layover and want to explore. Bounce luggage storage service is another option.
Sleeper car passengers have access to the Metropolitan Lounge after arrival, and you can also leave your bags there. The lounge typically has free coffee, tea, water, sodas, and snacks… and cleaner restrooms compared to the ones in the lobby.
The birthplace of Los Angeles is across the street from Alameda Street exit, so it’s worth walking through the area before you continue your travels.

Departures

Amtrak recommends arriving one hour before departure if you are checking bags. Otherwise, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departs.
For overnight parking, use the Union Station East (1 Gateway Plaza) parking garage (view map). Learn more about parking and allow 30 minutes of extra time to find a spot.
If you are a sleeper car passenger, head to the second floor in the West building after arrival to reach the Metropolitan Lounge. You’ll have comfortable seating, restrooms, snacks, drinks, and WiFi.

Things to Do

Across the street from Union Station is El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, a historic district that preserves the birthplace of Los Angeles. There are Mexican restaurants, museums, a pedestrian street, and a plaza, making it a great place for sightseeing, especially on a short layover.

Top area attractions include the Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Because the city is very spread out, we recommend booking a guided tour to see the top sights without a car.

Where to Stay

View hotels closest to the Los Angeles Union if you need a convenient place to stay (but options are limited) We recommend hotels in downtown L.A. if you want to be near the station, which you can reach via rideshare and the B or D subway lines.

If you’re a first-time visitor to the city, consider staying in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills.