L.A. Union Station

[Trogdor]

LA Union Station is probably the easiest big city station on Amtrak to negotiate. If you've seen many movies or TV shows showing an old big city train station, chances are it was LAX!

Amtrak trains use tracks 9 and up (I believe). When exiting the train, follow the crowd down the stairs or ramp. Once in the tunnel, follow the majority of the crowd. They are headed to the train station. (The other end of the tunnel is the bus terminal.)

At the end of the tunnel is the train station.

One more thing about the Surfliners is that coach is unreserved. If there is leaving soon, and you want to take it and not wait 2-3 hours for the next one, you can. There is no need to change your ticket either!

Depending on how you booked your Amtrak trip, BE CAREFUL about having a Surfliner boarding time on an e-ticket, even if unreserved, and then deciding to take a later Surfliner without calling Amtrak or going to a ticket agent first!
If you simply have an e-ticket for an unreserved seat on a Surfliner say, at 7:30 p.m, but decide instead to take an earlier one, you do not need to call or go to an agent. The bar code area will still read out as valid to the conductor as he/she scans your paper.

BUT if you have an e-ticket for an unreserved seat at 7:30 and go for a later train, such as the 10:10, your ticket will not show as valid to the conductor. According to an agent I talked to yesterday, you must call Amtrak or go to an agent and get a new bar code if you op to take a train later than the one booked when you got the ticket.

Yes, it seems silly that this is now required for unreserved trains, but apparently that is the way the system is now set up. When you book online or at an agent for any unreserved train, you have to pick a specific departure time, even if you aren't sure. And the e-ticket turns to stone if you take a LATER train. (Actually, it goes back in the computer as a voucher sum.)

Now, if you have both a reserved and unreserved e-ticket on the same bar code e.g. SWC to LA, connecting to the Surfliner, you need to call Amtrak or go to the agent if you decide to take either an earlier or later Surfliner. This applies only to reservations with both reserved and unreserved segments.

My understanding is that e-tickets for unreserved trains do not auto-cancel when you no-show. However, the conductor's device will only be pre-loaded with the reservation details for that specific train.

If you take a train other than the one booked, the conductor will need to physically scan your ticket, or enter your reservation number. The lookup-by-name process won't work.

Reserved tickets do auto-cancel.

 

[D.P. Roberts]

Panhandlers aside (I've never had a problem with them), LAUS is my favorite station so far.

There are really three different parts to LAUS. The first is the track area, & the tunnels around them. If you're a trainspotter, or quickly moving from one train to the other, this may be the only place you'll see.

Secondly, there's the main station area. Part of this is a huge, beautiful old mission-styled waiting area. It can be crowded and noisy at times, but it's also bright, sunny, and very historic. This room alone would make the station a winner in my book.

The third area consists of the open courtyards and walkways right next to the main building. This area is absolutely beautiful. If it's warm and sunny (as it often is in Southern California), and you have any time to spend at the station, I highly recommend hanging out here for a while. It's a beautiful outdoor room with plenty of tables & chairs, and lots of trees, flowerbeds, and fountains. In my experience, it's also less crowded than the other areas of the station. Even though I like traveling by Amtrak, there are times during a several-day journey that I just want to get a break from trains & get some fresh air. The courtyard of LAUS is a great place for that.

 

[guest]

LA Union Station is probably the easiest big city station on Amtrak to negotiate. If you've seen many movies or TV shows showing an old big city train station, chances are it was LAX!

Amtrak trains use tracks 9 and up (I believe). When exiting the train, follow the crowd down the stairs or ramp. Once in the tunnel, follow the majority of the crowd. They are headed to the train station. (The other end of the tunnel is the bus terminal.)

At the end of the tunnel is the train station.

One more thing about the Surfliners is that coach is unreserved. If there is leaving soon, and you want to take it and not wait 2-3 hours for the next one, you can. There is no need to change your ticket either!

Depending on how you booked your Amtrak trip, BE CAREFUL about having a Surfliner boarding time on an e-ticket, even if unreserved, and then deciding to take a later Surfliner without calling Amtrak or going to a ticket agent first!
If you simply have an e-ticket for an unreserved seat on a Surfliner say, at 7:30 p.m, but decide instead to take an earlier one, you do not need to call or go to an agent. The bar code area will still read out as valid to the conductor as he/she scans your paper.

BUT if you have an e-ticket for an unreserved seat at 7:30 and go for a later train, such as the 10:10, your ticket will not show as valid to the conductor. According to an agent I talked to yesterday, you must call Amtrak or go to an agent and get a new bar code if you op to take a train later than the one booked when you got the ticket.

Yes, it seems silly that this is now required for unreserved trains, but apparently that is the way the system is now set up. When you book online or at an agent for any unreserved train, you have to pick a specific departure time, even if you aren't sure. And the e-ticket turns to stone if you take a LATER train. (Actually, it goes back in the computer as a voucher sum.)

Now, if you have both a reserved and unreserved e-ticket on the same bar code e.g. SWC to LA, connecting to the Surfliner, you need to call Amtrak or go to the agent if you decide to take either an earlier or later Surfliner. This applies only to reservations with both reserved and unreserved segments.

My understanding is that e-tickets for unreserved trains do not auto-cancel when you no-show. However, the conductor's device will only be pre-loaded with the reservation details for that specific train.

If you take a train other than the one booked, the conductor will need to physically scan your ticket, or enter your reservation number. The lookup-by-name process won't work.

Reserved tickets do auto-cancel.

An e-ticket for an unreserved train route will not scan or show for a conductor, according to both a conductor and an agent, if you take an unreserved train later than the train time used when buying the ticket. The ticket itself does not cancel; it is still available as an e-voucher and can still be used once you rebook through an agent or the 800 number.

An e-ticket for an unreserved train route will scan OK if you take an unreserved train earlier than the train time used when buying the ticket, according to the same conductor.

An e-ticket that combines both an unreserved train and reserved train e.g. SWC to LAUS, then PS to SAN, must be rebooked if you want to take a different unreserved train from what was booked in the itinerary, according to the agent.

I realize that agents and/or conductors aren't always 100% conversant with the rules. But I think these guidelines would be good to follow to avoid, or at least, minimize frustrations or problems if you want to board an unreserved train different from what is contained on the e-ticket.

 

[the_traveler]

Now, if you have both a reserved and unreserved e-ticket on the same bar code e.g. SWC to LA, connecting to the Surfliner, you need to call Amtrak or go to the agent if you decide to take either an earlier or later Surfliner. This applies only to reservations with both reserved and unreserved segments.

That is not the case. You can transfer to any Surfliner, certainly any one prior to the one you are scheduled to board, at LAUS. I've done this at times with reward tickets.

Not quite true.

If you have an award ticket (or even a paid ticket) for COACH, it is unreserved and can be used in any Surfliner. But if it's for BUSINESS CLASS, it's reserved and can only be used on that specific train!

 

[Trainmans daughter]

I traveled through Los Angeles Union Station several times last year and always noticed a problem with panhandlers. It's sad to see these parasites constantly having their way with easy marks; only occasionally have I seen police tell these folks to beat it.
Tearful young people, nicely dressed seniors, guys claiming to be "active military" all will pester you for oddly precise amounts of money just so they can get home. They're slick, their stories are polished and if one bogus line fails to work, they'll quickly and subtly switch to another. Many of these folks are so skilled at passing themselves off as Amtrak passengers that only after 10 minutes of banter will they ask for money, liquor or offer to sell you a gold necklace.

Spinning a sad, sad tale on the pretense of being allowed to borrow your cellphone to call home is one of their frequent tactics. I've even seen several of these con artists pass the cellphone back to the mark so that "Mom" can thank the traveler for allowing her child to use the phone -- and make a polite, embarrassed request that the mark loan the scammer some money to get home.

My conclusion: Anybody who approaches you with a tale of being in desperate circumstances here is a con artist. If you're convinced they're really in peril, offer to call the cops. Better yet: Ignore them.

OMG! This blows me away. This is my LAUS story---Last summer, my granddaughter and I spent some time at that beautiful station between arriving on the SWC and departing on the CS. We wandered around the station and the surrounding area in complete comfort. Since I have taught classes in Women's Personal Protection and am a certified DOJ and NRA instuctor, I am rarely afraid and always aware of my surroundings.

We ate breakfast at a little table next to the bagle place. While there, a sweet-faced girl approached us. With tears rolliong down her cheeks and between sobs, she asked if she could borrow my cell phone to call home and ask someone to come pick her up. She seemed so pathetic that I wanted to just gather her up in my arms in a big motherly hug. So yes, I gave her my phone. Within a few minutes of her call, some guy came and got her. I thought that was strange, because there was no way he could have responded so quickly to her call. I know LA traffic! Anyway, she left very quickly with him. I was never asked for money.

After reading Mr. Hanlon's post, my granddaughter and I knew we had been aproached by a scammer. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am for not recognizing the scam. We think that maybe the police were in the area and the guy who showed up to get her was just anxious to get her out of the station.

 

[TrainLoverJoy]

Here's a link to a pdf of a brochure about LAUS, it's pretty good http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Stations/LA_Union_Station_Brochure.pdf. LAUS is truly a grand old station that still works. And Scott's absolutely right, don't encourage the panhandlers.

This link is exactly what i was looking for, thanks. Another question.....does the Chief pull in or back in? Also, will there be any need for me to go to the lower level tunnel (other than to explore) when making the connection to the Surfliner? I'm a little confused about upper and lower tunnels.....

 

[MrFSS]

Here's a link to a pdf of a brochure about LAUS, it's pretty good http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Stations/LA_Union_Station_Brochure.pdf. LAUS is truly a grand old station that still works. And Scott's absolutely right, don't encourage the panhandlers.

This link is exactly what i was looking for, thanks. Another question.....does the Chief pull in or back in? Also, will there be any need for me to go to the lower level tunnel (other than to explore) when making the connection to the Surfliner? I'm a little confused about upper and lower tunnels.....

You asked that same question yesterday and I answered it. See several posts above, please.

 

[guest in the west]

I traveled through Los Angeles Union Station several times last year and always noticed a problem with panhandlers. It's sad to see these parasites constantly having their way with easy marks; only occasionally have I seen police tell these folks to beat it.
Tearful young people, nicely dressed seniors, guys claiming to be "active military" all will pester you for oddly precise amounts of money just so they can get home. They're slick, their stories are polished and if one bogus line fails to work, they'll quickly and subtly switch to another. Many of these folks are so skilled at passing themselves off as Amtrak passengers that only after 10 minutes of banter will they ask for money, liquor or offer to sell you a gold necklace.

Spinning a sad, sad tale on the pretense of being allowed to borrow your cellphone to call home is one of their frequent tactics. I've even seen several of these con artists pass the cellphone back to the mark so that "Mom" can thank the traveler for allowing her child to use the phone -- and make a polite, embarrassed request that the mark loan the scammer some money to get home.

My conclusion: Anybody who approaches you with a tale of being in desperate circumstances here is a con artist. If you're convinced they're really in peril, offer to call the cops. Better yet: Ignore them.

OMG! This blows me away. This is my LAUS story---Last summer, my granddaughter and I spent some time at that beautiful station between arriving on the SWC and departing on the CS. We wandered around the station and the surrounding area in complete comfort. Since I have taught classes in Women's Personal Protection and am a certified DOJ and NRA instuctor, I am rarely afraid and always aware of my surroundings.

We ate breakfast at a little table next to the bagle place. While there, a sweet-faced girl approached us. With tears rolliong down her cheeks and between sobs, she asked if she could borrow my cell phone to call home and ask someone to come pick her up. She seemed so pathetic that I wanted to just gather her up in my arms in a big motherly hug. So yes, I gave her my phone. Within a few minutes of her call, some guy came and got her. I thought that was strange, because there was no way he could have responded so quickly to her call. I know LA traffic! Anyway, she left very quickly with him. I was never asked for money.

After reading Mr. Hanlon's post, my granddaughter and I knew we had been aproached by a scammer. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am for not recognizing the scam. We think that maybe the police were in the area and the guy who showed up to get her was just anxious to get her out of the station.

Or just maybe the girl was on the level, since you were never asked for money. I've had that happen to me twice at LAUS, and both times the calls were legitimate. These days, there are hardly any public phones, and the few that you might be able to find usually don't work. I have passed through LAUS probably 100 times in the past several years, and I don't recall any bank of phones anymore. They used to be where the Traxx Bar is now located.

I realize there are tons of scammers worldwide these days. But there are still the legitimate people without cell phones and other tech goodies who sometimes just need a little help--not money.

 

[calwatch]

For future reference there is still one pay phone left in the hallway on the east side (MTA side) of the station, in the corridor between the East Portal area and the parking structure.

 

[leemell]

Here's a link to a pdf of a brochure about LAUS, it's pretty good http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Stations/LA_Union_Station_Brochure.pdf. LAUS is truly a grand old station that still works. And Scott's absolutely right, don't encourage the panhandlers.

This link is exactly what i was looking for, thanks. Another question.....does the Chief pull in or back in? Also, will there be any need for me to go to the lower level tunnel (other than to explore) when making the connection to the Surfliner? I'm a little confused about upper and lower tunnels.....

There is only one tunnel and it goes to the Amtrak and Surfliner and Metrolink and Metro Gold trains. The lower area is the LAUS station for the Metro Red and Purple subway lines.

 

[zephyr17]

Here's a link to a pdf of a brochure about LAUS, it's pretty good http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Stations/LA_Union_Station_Brochure.pdf. LAUS is truly a grand old station that still works. And Scott's absolutely right, don't encourage the panhandlers.

This link is exactly what i was looking for, thanks. Another question.....does the Chief pull in or back in? Also, will there be any need for me to go to the lower level tunnel (other than to explore) when making the connection to the Surfliner? I'm a little confused about upper and lower tunnels.....

There is only one tunnel, and it's hard to miss. Unless they spot the Surfliner on the track on the other side of the platform, you would ordinarily use the tunnel. You could walk down to extreme southern end of the platform and walk to the other platform around the end, though.

The arriving Chief normally pulls in, doesn't back in. They back it out to take it to the coach yard for servicing. The departing Chief just the opposite, they back it in so it can depart pulling forward.

 

[njulian]

Thanks for that brochure..very helpful. My biggest gripe about Union Station is sound is very distorted in there so hard for me to hear where to go. They don't put the track numbers up in a timely fashion..even for LD, and I'm always in a bit of a panic about not knowing where to go. Coming IN on a LD and then going to Surfliner worked great as we were late and I was racing to get to a Surfliner before it left as were others..they had a helpful employee at the bottom of the stairs directing people to proper tracks so that was great. But really..I can't make out any announcements in that cavern.

 

[thully]

If you're just connecting from the SWC to the Surfliner directly, you can get off in Fullerton instead of LAUS - which means you can make the connection earlier and in a smaller station. I did this in January when I went on the Chief and it worked fine (with e-tickets) - got an earlier train, and made it in a couple hours earlier than I would have otherwise. Note that this wont work if you have a business class Surfliner ticket - in that case, you have to take the train your ticket says. Also, any checked luggage would go to LAX and be transferred there, so you'll have to pick it up at SAN (or wherever you're going) later. However, in my case I made a stop on the way home so it worked fine...

 

[leemell]

Thanks for that brochure..very helpful. My biggest gripe about Union Station is sound is very distorted in there so hard for me to hear where to go. They don't put the track numbers up in a timely fashion..even for LD, and I'm always in a bit of a panic about not knowing where to go. Coming IN on a LD and then going to Surfliner worked great as we were late and I was racing to get to a Surfliner before it left as were others..they had a helpful employee at the bottom of the stairs directing people to proper tracks so that was great. But really..I can't make out any announcements in that cavern.

They don't put the track numbers up very far in advance as someone already said, because they can't be sure until only a few minutes before it arrives.

 

[the_traveler]

Amtrak trains are always on the higher numbered tracks. (I believe tracks 8-12, although I could be wring about the track numbers.) Metrolink uses the lowered numbered tracks.

A very easy way to know the track before they post it is to walk down the tunnel, and (at least for the LD trains) there will usually be signs (I have yet to see it when there were none) that say "Coast Starlight, sleepers ->, coach <-"...! :excl: They may even have signs for the Surfliners - I'm not sure.

 

[leemell]

Not absolutely every time, just enough so you can't be certain.

 

[guest in the west]

For future reference there is still one pay phone left in the hallway on the east side (MTA side) of the station, in the corridor between the East Portal area and the parking structure.

sounds super easy to find ^_^

 

[Paulus]

Thanks for that brochure..very helpful. My biggest gripe about Union Station is sound is very distorted in there so hard for me to hear where to go. They don't put the track numbers up in a timely fashion..even for LD, and I'm always in a bit of a panic about not knowing where to go. Coming IN on a LD and then going to Surfliner worked great as we were late and I was racing to get to a Surfliner before it left as were others..they had a helpful employee at the bottom of the stairs directing people to proper tracks so that was great. But really..I can't make out any announcements in that cavern.

They don't put the track numbers up very far in advance as someone already said, because they can't be sure until only a few minutes before it arrives.

Not really true, it's a culture attitude among Amtrak operations and station staff. Note that not only does Metrolink announce what tracks they will be on hours ahead of time, but that Amtrak won't do that even when the train has been sitting at the platform for several hours or overnight.

 

[Dan O]

I have been through LAX maybe 10X in the past 3 years. I feel very safe there. I haven't been there past 10 PM and wouldn't wander around outside at night there but the station seemed very safe to me. I haven't been approached by panhandlers but they don't bother me if there aren't too many. Regarding cell phone scam--I just don't loan my cell phone to anyone. It just seems to easy to run off with. Plus, what would keep them from calling overseas? I think it's a beautiful station and pretty safe one too.

Dan

 

[p&sr]

That was confusing....there was no "pathway" to the station from the tracks so I couldn't figure out how to get into the building. But the video showed me (I don't think anyone mentioned this specifically) that there are stairs down to the tunnel on the islands between the tracks.

And ramps, too! Both north and south of the Tunnel, so you're sure to find one near you. Just follow the crowd!

 

[leemell]

That was confusing....there was no "pathway" to the station from the tracks so I couldn't figure out how to get into the building. But the video showed me (I don't think anyone mentioned this specifically) that there are stairs down to the tunnel on the islands between the tracks.

And ramps, too! Both north and south of the Tunnel, so you're sure to find one near you. Just follow the crowd!

Sorry, I didn't say that. Been there far too many times to ask that.

 

[D.P. Roberts]

Thanks for that brochure..very helpful. My biggest gripe about Union Station is sound is very distorted in there so hard for me to hear where to go. They don't put the track numbers up in a timely fashion..even for LD, and I'm always in a bit of a panic about not knowing where to go. Coming IN on a LD and then going to Surfliner worked great as we were late and I was racing to get to a Surfliner before it left as were others..they had a helpful employee at the bottom of the stairs directing people to proper tracks so that was great. But really..I can't make out any announcements in that cavern.

They don't put the track numbers up very far in advance as someone already said, because they can't be sure until only a few minutes before it arrives.

Not really true, it's a culture attitude among Amtrak operations and station staff. Note that not only does Metrolink announce what tracks they will be on hours ahead of time, but that Amtrak won't do that even when the train has been sitting at the platform for several hours or overnight.

I've often found that the announced / posted track numbers are incorrect. The people at the bottom of the stairs have been much better informed. I DEFINITELY wouldn't get on a train at LAUS without knowing FOR SURE that it's the right train!

 

[leemell]

Thanks for that brochure..very helpful. My biggest gripe about Union Station is sound is very distorted in there so hard for me to hear where to go. They don't put the track numbers up in a timely fashion..even for LD, and I'm always in a bit of a panic about not knowing where to go. Coming IN on a LD and then going to Surfliner worked great as we were late and I was racing to get to a Surfliner before it left as were others..they had a helpful employee at the bottom of the stairs directing people to proper tracks so that was great. But really..I can't make out any announcements in that cavern.

They don't put the track numbers up very far in advance as someone already said, because they can't be sure until only a few minutes before it arrives.

Not really true, it's a culture attitude among Amtrak operations and station staff. Note that not only does Metrolink announce what tracks they will be on hours ahead of time, but that Amtrak won't do that even when the train has been sitting at the platform for several hours or overnight.

I've often found that the announced / posted track numbers are incorrect. The people at the bottom of the stairs have been much better informed. I DEFINITELY wouldn't get on a train at LAUS without knowing FOR SURE that it's the right train!

That is always true. We found Chicago confusing at times and in the Braunschweig Germany station we almost left on the wrong train and had to hastily get off.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

If you are into railroad history and operations, as you arrive or depart LAUS keep an eye out for the famous Mission Tower located just west of the Los Angeles River. At one time this was the control point or interlock for just about everything coming and going from the station but now with computerized control and remote dispatch the Tower is no longer used. Everything up to the River is now controlled by Metrolink providing for unified dispatch.

 

[leemell]

If you are into railroad history and operations, as you arrive or depart LAUS keep an eye out for the famous Mission Tower located just west of the Los Angeles River. At one time this was the control point or interlock for just about everything coming and going from the station but now with computerized control and remote dispatch the Tower is no longer used. Everything up to the River is now controlled by Metrolink providing for unified dispatch.

The tower is still there right? Is it on the right side of the trains going north?