Active historic rail terminal

Los Angeles Union Station

About 1.2 miles from the lower station

A working 1939 rail and transit hub that combines Amtrak, Metrolink, Metro, buses, landmark Mission Moderne architecture, public art, amenities, and scheduled tours.

The place

About Los Angeles Union Station

Los Angeles Union Station is an active transportation terminal first and a historic destination second. Amtrak, Metrolink, Metro Rail, Metro Bus, municipal buses, the LAX FlyAway, and other services use different parts of the campus. The station’s official transportation page directs travelers to each carrier for current schedules and fares; there is no single Union Station ride ticket or universal timetable.

The terminal was commissioned in 1933 as a joint project of Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe to consolidate Los Angeles railroad terminals. John and Donald Parkinson designed its blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco architecture, now commonly called Mission Moderne. Completed for a reported $11 million, it opened in 1939 with a three-day celebration attended by about half a million people.

The public building is currently open daily from 4 a.m.–1 a.m. Station opening does not mean every waiting area, carrier counter, restaurant, platform, gallery, shop, tour, or service is available for that whole window. Public lockers are not available; temporary luggage storage is through Amtrak Baggage Services. Free Metro Art and Architecture tours run on released dates and require the current signup path; they can include areas not ordinarily open.

Courtesy Mobility Services currently operate daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m. from the East Portal and West Entry Vestibule; immediate assistance is available at 213-599-2762, while one-on-one appointments use 626-800-4175. Amtrak Red Cap assistance has separate hours and asks for 30 minutes’ notice. Metro describes its rail network as accessible, but elevator outages, construction, carrier procedures, boarding aids, and platform access remain trip-specific.

What stands out

A living rail terminal

The destination still does its original job, connecting intercity, regional, subway, light-rail, bus, and airport services.

Mission Moderne architecture

Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco influences meet in the Parkinsons’ landmark design.

Free docent tours

Released Metro Art tours add public art, architecture, and access to selected spaces not usually open.

A national travel gateway

The station can be the starting point for Angels Flight and Downtown rather than an extra driving stop.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Angels Flight Railway trip

Union Station is roughly 1.2 miles from Angels Flight’s lower station. It ranks as the strongest train-first local companion and a logical car-light arrival point, but its scale, active service, and architecture deserve at least 60–90 minutes beyond any train connection.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Public hoursUnion Station is currently open daily 4 a.m.–1 a.m.; individual carriers, counters, food, shops, tours, and amenities use separate hours.
  • Rail servicesAmtrak, Metrolink, and Metro Rail serve the campus, with additional regional, municipal, airport, and intercity buses.
  • Architecture visitPublic circulation areas show the 1939 Mission Moderne station; behind-the-scenes rooms require a released tour or event.
  • ToursFree Metro Art and Architecture tours use a current signup link and selected dates; rail-safety orientation tours are for eligible groups by advance request.
  • AccessibilityCourtesy Mobility Services: 213-599-2762 daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Amtrak Red Cap and each carrier have separate assistance procedures.
  • ParkingUnion Station East garage is open 24 hours and currently posts $8 maximum per 24 hours; West lots cost more and prohibit overnight parking.
  • LuggageThere are no public lockers. Temporary storage is available through Amtrak Baggage Services under Amtrak’s current rules.
  • Connection timeNever treat an architecture stop as connection time. Protect the carrier’s required boarding margin, platform walk, fare validation, and possible construction detour.

Lower-station food anchor

Add Grand Central Market

Continue into the historic commercial core with a public market directly across from Angels Flight.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Union Station a museum?

No. It is an active multi-operator transportation terminal with historic architecture, public art, amenities, and selected tours.

When is the station open?

The building currently publishes public hours of 4 a.m.–1 a.m. daily, but individual services use their own schedules.

Can I tour the station for free?

Metro Art and Architecture tours are free on released dates through the current signup path. Ordinary public areas can also be viewed without joining a tour.

Is mobility help available?

Courtesy Mobility Services currently operate 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily at 213-599-2762; carriers such as Amtrak maintain separate boarding assistance.

Can I store luggage?

There are no public lockers. Temporary storage is available through Amtrak Baggage Services under its current rules.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.