What Is the Los Angeles Union Station?
This is the central transportation hub for the Los Angeles Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak, MEGABUS, Flyaway, and more!
What Makes It Historical?
LA’s Union Station was the result of thirty years of legal battles! What was it all about? Well, there were three railroads serving Los Angeles—Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Union Pacific—and the city wanted them all to hub out of a single station. In 1931, the court sided with the city, and old Chinatown was completely cleared out to make room in 1934! Even more disputes ensued over whether the new station would be a through terminal for trains continuing on, or a stub-end terminal where the rails end in bumpers. Ultimately, it ended up being a little of both!
It was designed by dad-and-son architects, John & Donald B. Parkinson, who blended Art Deco and Mission Revival elements with the Spanish Colonial style of nearby Olvera Street! In short, LA’s Union Station is the only major terminal in America ever built in Spanish Colonial Style! It is also the last, because when the station finally opened on May 7, 1939, rail travel was already on the decline as highways and automobiles spread. It saw a resurgence during World War II, but the opening of LAX in the ’50s brought the major railroads to their knees. Today, though, LA Union Station still a bustling transit hub with city, state, and interstate lines traveling daily!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Los Angeles Conservancy!
- Become a member of the Los Angeles Conservancy!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
800 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The station is open daily from 4:00 AM until 1:00 AM!
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