Los Angeles is a city built for cars, but LA Union Station is the literal heart of everything else. It’s beautiful. It’s massive. It’s also incredibly confusing if you’re staring at a GPS while three lanes of traffic try to merge into your passenger door. Honestly, getting directions to LA Union Station isn't just about a blue line on a map; it's about knowing which entrance actually serves your needs, where the "hidden" Uber lounge is, and why you should probably avoid the Alameda Street side during rush hour if you value your sanity.
I’ve spent years navigating this place. Whether you’re catching the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara or just trying to find the FlyAway bus to LAX, the approach matters.
The Best Ways to Get Directions to LA Union Station by Car
If you're driving, your GPS is going to scream at you to head toward 800 North Alameda Street. That's the official address. But here’s the thing: Alameda is a mess. If you are just dropping someone off, you want the East Plaza.
To get there, you’ll want to navigate toward Vignes Street. If you’re coming from the 101 Freeway North, exit at Vignes St. It’s a much smoother transition into the station's underground parking and passenger drop-off zones. Most people don't realize there are two distinct sides to the station. The West Side (Alameda) is the historic, "pretty" part with the leather chairs and the clock tower. The East Side (Vignes) is the modern, functional part where the buses and the Metrolink platforms are more accessible.
Parking is another beast entirely. You have Lot B and Lot D. Lot B is usually the move for short-term stays. If you’re leaving your car for a few days to take the train to San Diego, check the rates at the Gateway Plaza Garage. It’s tucked under the East Portal. It’s usually around $8 to $16 depending on how long you're staying, but check the signs because LA prices change like the weather.
Navigating the Public Transit Web
Maybe you aren't driving. Good for you. You're saving on gas and stress. LA Metro is actually pretty decent at funneling everyone toward Union Station. It's the hub.
The B Line (Red) and D Line (Purple) both terminate here. If you’re coming from Hollywood or Koreatown, you just ride it to the end. Easy. But if you’re coming from the Westside on the E Line (Expo), you’ll need to transfer at 7th Street/Metro Center. This is where people get tripped up. Don’t just follow the crowd; look for the signs pointing toward the "Northbound" platforms for the B/D lines.
And then there's the A Line (Blue). Since the Regional Connector opened, you can ride the A Line directly from Long Beach or Pasadena right into Union Station. It’s a game-changer. No more weird transfers at Little Tokyo.
- Pro Tip: If you're using the Metro, download the Transit app or use Google Maps in "Live View." The underground tunnels at Union Station are long. You’ll walk at least five minutes from the subway platform to the actual train tracks.
The FlyAway Bus: Directions to LA Union Station from LAX
Coming from the airport? The FlyAway is the only way to go. It costs about $9.75. You pick it up at any terminal under the green "FlyAway" signs. It drops you off at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza, which is on the East side of Union Station.
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When you get off that bus, you’ll be facing the huge glass dome of the East Portal. Walk inside, go down the long "Goldman" tunnel, and you’ll find the Amtrak and Metrolink boards. It’s a straight shot. Don't let the scale of the building intimidate you. Just keep walking west if you want the historic lobby, or stay east if you need the light rail.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Entrances
There is a huge difference between the Alameda entrance and the Vignes entrance.
The Alameda side is where the history lives. It’s got the soaring ceilings and those iconic massive clocks. If you’re meeting someone for a "movie moment," meet them here. However, if you have four suitcases and a screaming toddler, the Alameda entrance is a nightmare for loading. There’s almost no curb space.
The Vignes Street side (Gateway Plaza) is built for logistics. It has a massive circular turnaround. It has the underground parking entrance. It’s where the Ride Share (Uber/Lyft) zone is located. Seriously, if you call an Uber to the front of the station on Alameda, they will likely cancel or get stuck in traffic for 20 minutes. Always walk through the tunnel to the Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Bay 9) for rideshare pickups. It saves everyone a massive headache.
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Walking and Biking Directions
Walking to Union Station is... an experience. If you’re coming from Little Tokyo or Chinatown, it’s a short trek. From Chinatown, you just head south on Alameda. It’s about a 10-minute walk. From Little Tokyo, head north on Central Ave or Alameda.
If you're biking, there is a Metro Bike Hub right at the station. It’s secure. You can actually park your bike in a high-density rack system that’s monitored. It’s a lifesaver because bike theft in DTLA is, unfortunately, a real thing. To find it, look near the Alameda entrance, tucked to the left side of the main doors.
A Note on Safety and Timing
Look, it’s a major transit hub in a big city. It stays busy from 5:00 AM until midnight. During the day, it's filled with commuters and tourists. At night, it thins out. If you’re arriving late, stay in the well-lit areas near the security kiosks. There’s usually a heavy presence of Metro Security and LAPD.
Timing is everything. If you are catching an Amtrak that leaves at 10:10 AM, you should be looking for directions to LA Union Station that get you there by 9:30 AM. Why? Because the station is huge. The walk from the parking garage to Track 12 can take 10 minutes alone if you're hauling luggage.
Hidden Gems You’ll Pass Along the Way
While you’re following your directions to LA Union Station, don't just rush through.
If you have 20 minutes to kill, check out the Traxx Bar. It’s right in the middle of the station. It feels like 1940s noir. Or, go out the front doors on the Alameda side, cross the street, and you’re at Olvera Street. You can get some of the best taquitos in the city at Cielito Lindo while you wait for your train.
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Arrival
To make your trip actually work, follow this specific checklist.
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- Identify your "Side": If you're being dropped off or taking an Uber, use the East Plaza/Vignes St entrance. If you want to see the architecture, use the Alameda St entrance.
- Check the Digital Boards Immediately: The second you enter the tunnel, look up. Track assignments change. Just because the 4:00 PM train was on Track 7 yesterday doesn't mean it is today.
- Use the "Transit" App: In Los Angeles, Google Maps is okay, but the Transit app has much better real-time data for the Metro buses and trains that feed into the station.
- Validate Your TAP Card: If you're transferring from a bus to the subway, make sure you tap your card at the turnstiles in the East Portal or the West entrance. The fare inspectors are often waiting at the bottom of the escalators.
- Locate the Customer Relations Office: If you get lost or lose something, it's located near the information booth in the center of the main galleria. They actually have paper maps if your phone dies.
Getting here doesn't have to be a chore. Just remember that the station is basically a long tube connecting two very different neighborhoods. Once you understand that "West = History" and "East = Logistics," everything else clicks into place. Safe travels through the heart of LA.