Rail Transfer between LAX and Union Station

[Ctim2]

Hello All,

I looking for some help, I'm flying into LAX this week with an endpoint of Anaheim, CA. As my plans allow me some time I was hoping that there was a way to connect directly via rail to Union Station from LAX and then via (I think) Surfliner to Anaheim, is that possible and if so what for the particulars.

Your time and assistance is appreciated.

Regards,

Tim

 

[p&sr]

It can be done. First, you need to catch the free Shuttle Bus from your Arrival Terminal:

"To use this service, travelers should board the LAX Shuttle under the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections blue sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands in front of each terminal." Lower Level is where the Baggage Claim area is.

Look for the "G" shuttle bus, which goes to the Green Line Rail Station... just outside the Airport proper, but way around on the other side of everything.

Then at the Station, buy an all day pass for $5.00 at the Machines. Otherwise, you need to buy a separate ticket each time you transfer (three rides at $1.50 each, and stand in line again each time).

Then catch the Green Line Train eastbound (direction Norwalk), exit at the Rosa Parks/Imperial/Wilmington Transfer Station, and catch the Blue Line Train northbound (direction Los Angeles). At the end of the line, transfer to the Red (or Purple) Line eastbound (direction Union Station).

Once at Union Station you can see about catching a Train to Anaheim... either the Surfliner, or the Metro-Link Commuter Rail.

The other way to get to Union Station is to ride the FlyAway Bus, $7.00, runs every half-hour, catch it at your Arrival Terminal under the Green sign for FlyAway Busses. Catch the one labeled Union Station, as there are several others.

Have a great Trip!

 

[Tracktwentynine]

Just take the Fly Away bus. Taking the shuttle + Green Line + Blue Line + Red/Purple Line = A really, really long time between LAX and Union Station.

The Fly Away bus takes you straight to Union Station with no intermediate stops. It's quick and convenient.

 

[hello]

We used the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station last year ... (http://www.lawa.org/welcome_lax.aspx?id=4696) ... couldn't have been easier!

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be easier for you to just take the Disneyland Express bus that picks up from LAX and goes directly to Anaheim ... (http://graylineanaheim.com/docs/DRE%20Brochure.pdf)... or one of the shuttles outside of Arrivals?

We have also taken ART (Anaheim Resort Transit)( http://www.rideart.org) from Disneyland to the Anaheim Amtrak station .. again very simple. We rode the Surliner in BC to Union Station ... and that was a mistake ... we should have just booked regular coach seats.

 

[johnny.menhennet]

If you must include rail only, then you must. However, take FlyAway... much easier!!!

Be careful to take the right FlyAway though. There is service to Westwood, Union Station, Van Nuys Amtrak station, (possibly one more that I'm forgetting), and very limited service to the Irvine Amtrak station

 

[guest]

We used the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station last year ... (http://www.lawa.org/welcome_lax.aspx?id=4696) ... couldn't have been easier!

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be easier for you to just take the Disneyland Express bus that picks up from LAX and goes directly to Anaheim ... (http://graylineanaheim.com/docs/DRE%20Brochure.pdf)... or one of the shuttles outside of Arrivals?

We have also taken ART (Anaheim Resort Transit)( http://www.rideart.org) from Disneyland to the Anaheim Amtrak station .. again very simple. We rode the Surliner in BC to Union Station ... and that was a mistake ... we should have just booked regular coach seats.

I DEFINITELY wouldn't say "couldn't have been easier" about the Flyaway bus. While it is quick, you pay at the Union Station end, and woe to the traveler who doesn't have cash. They no longer take plastic, a fact that is obscured until you get to the kiosk at LAUS and find a crudely hand-lettered sign (crayon on cardboard never inspires confidence in me). Your luggage will be held hostage until you pay the surly ticket agents your seven dollars.

 

[railbuck]

While it is quick, you pay at the Union Station end, and woe to the traveler who doesn't have cash. They no longer take plastic, a fact that is obscured until you get to the kiosk at LAUS and find a crudely hand-lettered sign (crayon on cardboard never inspires confidence in me). Your luggage will be held hostage until you pay the surly ticket agents your seven dollars.

Interesting; that's the exact opposite of what their web site says:

The FlyAway Network does not accept cash. Tickets may be purchased at the bus with Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit cards.

 

[TCRT]

I did the "all rail" option exactly as described last March, because I had some time to kill in LA and I wanted to try out the LA Metro since I am a transit geek. As I recall it took about two to two and a half hours to complete, and it wasn't terribly difficult to figure out. The only thing that confused me were the turnstiles at each station, which for whatever reason exist in an inactive state (or at least they did in March), i.e. you do nothing to activate them other than simply walking through. I am not sure if Metro has plans to activate some sort of fare collection system other than proof of purchase or if they have already implemented it since my visit.

 

[AlanB]

Metro is working to install a fare control system and in fact just a few days ago started locking those turnstiles at random stations for a few hours to get people used to the idea and to make sure that things are working as intended.

 

[hello]

guest ... I had no idea that they only accept cash now ... thank you for the heads up!

 

[Ctim2]

Thanks to all for your help and advice, I took the fly away bus to Union Station which was quick and easy (due in part to almost no major traffic into LA). I'm sitting in Traxx having lunch waiting on the 2pm Surfliner now. There is one interesting thing about the bus service and that is how there is no info on the credit card va cash issue. Our driver made one announcement about but only after we where on our way. And then you get to witness the "can I give you cash to pay for my ticket scramble at the Union Station end .

But again thanks for your help

Ctim2

 

[Trogdor]

I'm surprised someone from Flyertalk hasn't taken advantage of that situation and set up a "cash for credit" stand right next to the FlyAway stop.

 

[railbuck]

While it is quick, you pay at the Union Station end, and woe to the traveler who doesn't have cash. They no longer take plastic, a fact that is obscured until you get to the kiosk at LAUS and find a crudely hand-lettered sign (crayon on cardboard never inspires confidence in me). Your luggage will be held hostage until you pay the surly ticket agents your seven dollars.

Interesting; that's the exact opposite of what their web site says:

The FlyAway Network does not accept cash. Tickets may be purchased at the bus with Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit cards.

I took the bus on Saturday, and they were accepting credit cards only at Union Station; no cash. Sounds like that was the case for Ctim2 also. I'm guessing what Guest experienced was a temporary inability to accept cards for whatever reason.

I'm surprised someone from Flyertalk hasn't taken advantage of that situation and set up a "cash for credit" stand right next to the FlyAway stop.

:giggle:

 

[FunNut]

Any traveler should be equipped with credit cards AND cash. I cannot fathom traveling anywhere (even across town) without at least $40 in cash and credit cards. I always make sure I have plenty of small bills and a few dollars in quarters when traveling. Be prepared.