So, you’re standing in the middle of the Great Hall at Union Station. It’s gorgeous. The leather chairs look like they’ve seen a thousand movie sets, and the light hitting those Art Deco tiles is basically a vibe. But you aren't here for the architecture. You're here because the Dodgers are playing, the sun is setting, and you need to figure out how to get from LA Union Station to Dodger Stadium before the first pitch.
Honestly? LA traffic is a nightmare. It’s the kind of soul-crushing gridlock that makes you question every life choice you’ve ever made. If you try to Uber or Lyft from the station during a weeknight game, you’re going to sit on Cesar Chavez Avenue watching the meter climb while your favorite pitcher finishes his warm-ups. Don't do that. There is a better way, and most of it is actually free if you played your cards right with your game ticket.
The Magic of the Dodger Stadium Express
This is the open secret. It’s the bus. But not just any bus—it’s the Dodger Stadium Express.
Metro runs this shuttle specifically to keep people from losing their cool in the parking lot lines. If you have a ticket to the game, the ride is free. Completely. You just show the driver your digital ticket on your phone and hop on. If you don't have a ticket yet (maybe you're hitting the box office?), it’ll cost you a regular Metro fare, but usually, everyone on that bus is decked out in blue and white and ready to go.
Where do you find it? Head toward the Patsaouras Transit Plaza.
That’s on the east side of the station, near the Gateway Plaza. Don't go out the front doors toward Alameda Street. Instead, follow the signs for the "Vignes Street" exit or the bus plaza. You'll see a long line of fans. Follow the jerseys. The buses start running 90 minutes before the game starts, and they keep going until the second inning.
Why You Shouldn't Just Walk
Can you walk? I mean, yeah. You could. It’s about 1.5 miles. On paper, that sounds like a breezy 30-minute stroll.
In reality, it’s a hike. You’re going uphill. Specifically, you’re tackling the incline of Chavez Ravine. If it’s a July day game and the Santa Ana winds are kicking up, you will arrive at the stadium drenched in sweat, smelling like a gym locker, and probably missing half of the first inning because you underestimated the grade of the hill.
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The route takes you through some cool parts of Chinatown, and if you have time to kill, grabbing a dip sandwich at Philippe The Original is basically a local law. It’s right across from the station. Eat there. Get the double dip. Then, take the bus. Your legs will thank you when you’re standing for the seventh-inning stretch.
Dealing With the Post-Game Chaos
Getting to the stadium is the easy part. Getting back from LA Union Station to Dodger Stadium—or rather, the reverse—is where people usually get confused.
The buses are lined up behind Center Field (near the Gold Glove bar area). They leave frequently, but the line gets long fast. Here is the trick: if the game is a blowout and you don't care about the final three outs, leave early. If you stay for a walk-off win, expect to wait 20 to 30 minutes just to get on a bus.
The bus has its own dedicated lane on Sunset Boulevard for much of the trip. This is huge. While everyone in their private cars is stuck in the parking lot purgatory, the Express bus is cruising past them. It’s a smug feeling. Embrace it.
Alternative Routes for the Bold
Maybe you missed the shuttle. Or maybe you just hate buses.
You can take the Metro A Line (Blue) or L Line (Gold) to the Chinatown Station. From there, it’s a shorter walk, about three-quarters of a mile. It’s still uphill, but it’s manageable.
Some people try to take a rideshare. If you do, have them drop you off at the gate, not inside the stadium. The ride-share lot is a logistical puzzle designed by someone who clearly dislikes humanity. You’re better off being dropped at the intersection of Sunset and Elysian Park Ave and walking the rest of the way. It’ll save you 20 minutes of sitting in a car that isn't moving.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You
- Frequency: The shuttle runs every 10 minutes before the game.
- Return Trip: Buses run for 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after post-game events (like Friday Night Fireworks).
- Security: You can’t bring open alcohol on the bus. Save the beer for the stadium, even if it costs $18.
- Accessibility: The buses are low-floor and have ramps for wheelchairs.
What About the South Bay?
Just a quick heads-up for those coming from further away: there is also a Dodger Stadium Express that leaves from Harbor Gateway Transit Center. It’s not just Union Station. If you’re coming from Torrance or Gardena, don't drive to DTLA. Use the South Bay shuttle. It uses the ExpressLanes on the 110, and it is a literal lifesaver.
Navigating Union Station Itself
If you’re coming in via Metrolink or Amtrak, you’re already in the right place. Union Station is the hub. Just remember that Metrolink schedules are notoriously thin late at night.
If the game goes into extra innings, you might miss the last train back to Orange County or Riverside. Check the schedule before you commit. There is nothing worse than seeing a 12th-inning home run and then realizing you’re stranded in Downtown LA with a $100 Uber ride home.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
To make this work seamlessly, follow this sequence. First, download the Transit app or use Google Maps to track the real-time location of the Dodger Stadium Express buses. It takes the guesswork out of waiting. Second, ensure your game ticket is loaded in your digital wallet before you enter the station—cell service can get spotty when thousands of people are trying to ping the same tower. Third, if you are arriving via the Metro rail, keep your TAP card handy; while the shuttle is free with a game ticket, the train ride to Union Station is not. Finally, give yourself at least an hour of lead time from the moment you arrive at Union Station. Between the walk to the transit plaza and the bus ride itself, time disappears quickly in the gravity well of Dodger Stadium. Plan for the delay, buy a bag of peanuts from a vendor on the street, and enjoy the ride up the ravine.