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Los Angeles Union Station

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Los Angeles Union Station
Company typePublic transportation facility
IndustryTransportation
FoundedMay 1939; 87 years ago (1939-05)
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California
,
United States
Area served
Western United States
ProductsPassenger rail services, commuter rail services, light rail transit, bus transit
OwnerLos Angeles Metro
Websitemetro.net/about/union-station/

Los Angeles Union Station stands as the principal railroad station in Los Angeles, California, and holds the distinction of being the largest passenger rail terminal in the Western United States. It commenced operations in May 1939 under the name Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal, uniting the services previously provided separately by the Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific railroads. This new facility replaced the older La Grande, Central, and Salt Lake stations.

Following approval through a 1926 public vote and constructed throughout the 1930s, Union Station was envisioned on an impressive scale and is regarded as the "Last of the Great Railway Stations" in America. Its architectural design is a fusion of Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne influences. In 1980, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Currently, Union Station accommodates close to 110,000 travelers every day, ranking it as the busiest railroad station in the Western United States, Amtrak's fifth most frequented station, and thirteenth across North America. It serves as either the origin or terminus for four Amtrak long-distance routes: Coast Starlight (to Seattle), Southwest Chief and Texas Eagle (to Chicago), and Sunset Limited (to New Orleans). The state-supported Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides frequent regional connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.

In addition to Amtrak services, Union Station functions as the central hub for the Metrolink commuter rail network and acts as an essential interchange for multiple lines of the Metro Rail light rail and rapid transit systems. Adjacent to it is Patsaouras Transit Plaza, which facilitates numerous bus routes operated by Los Angeles Metro alongside other local transit providers.

History

Since the 1910s, efforts by Los Angeles city officials aimed to consolidate its three separate terminal stations—La Grande Station (Santa Fe), Central Station (Southern Pacific), and Salt Lake Station (Union Pacific)—into a single union station owned by the municipality and accessible to all rail companies. This initiative challenged railroad companies’ control over passenger flows, resulting in lengthy legal conflicts until 1925. After Union Pacific's Salt Lake Station was destroyed by fire in 1924, railroads proposed merging into two terminals connected by elevated electrified tracks at their own cost, a plan that also benefited the Pacific Electric. This proposal promised enhanced safety and lessened street congestion.

The issue sparked public debate culminating in February 1926 with two ballot measures: Proposition 8 advocated for a union station serving all steam railroads, while Proposition 9 addressed its positioning near Los Angeles Plaza. Supporters of elevated tracks—including the Los Angeles Examiner and Greater Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce—emphasized improvements in safety and traffic flow. Opponents like the Los Angeles Times and neighborhood associations raised concerns about potential declines in property values, increased noise, and safety risks. The location discussion also intersected with racial tensions due to its proximity to Chinatown.

Both measures passed: Proposition 8 received 61.3% approval, while Proposition 9 narrowly passed with 51.1%. Influenced by preservation advocate Christine Sterling and Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, construction proceeded across from the Plaza within Chinatown, which was demolished for this project. During construction, archaeological remains from the Tongva village of Yaanga were discovered. The $11 million station (in 1939 dollars) replaced La Grande Station—which had suffered earthquake damage—and Central Station.

Passenger operations included services from Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, as well as local lines such as Pacific Electric Railway and Los Angeles Railway (LARy). The prestigious Super Chief train linked Hollywood with Chicago and destinations beyond. Ridership peaked during World War II but declined afterward with rising popularity of air travel and automobiles.

In 1948, a Santa Fe Super Chief train experienced brake failure leading it to crash into a station wall; fortunately no injuries occurred though the engineer was subsequently dismissed.

Designated as Los Angeles Historic–Cultural Monument No. 101 in 1972 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, Union Station underwent several commuter rail service trials: CalTrain operated briefly from 1982-1983; Amtrak’s Orange County Commuter ran between 1990-1994; before Metrolink began service in 1992 with multiple lines terminating there. Metro’s Red Line subway started serving Union Station in January 1993.

Ownership consolidated under Santa Fe Pacific Realty Co during late 1989 and early 1990. Metrolink expanded its reach through the early 2000s; meanwhile light rail service commenced with Metro’s Gold Line extension to Pasadena in July 2003 followed by further eastward expansion in November 2009.

In February 2011, Los Angeles Metro acquired Union Station from Prologis and Catellus Development for $75 million with a focus on improving passenger amenities including retail outlets and dining options.

Amtrak inaugurated a Metropolitan Lounge at Union Station in September 2013 providing premium facilities for sleeping car passengers and select loyalty program members.

Metro revealed plans to deploy Bluetooth beacons aimed at delivering smartphone messages to travelers within the station.

On March 15, 2021, amid COVID-19 restrictions, Union Station functioned as an auxiliary venue for the 93rd Academy Awards, although security protocols drew criticism for limiting public accessibility.

On October 19, 2022, Greyhound shifted its main Los Angeles terminal to Union Station’s Patsaouras Transit Plaza.

Architecture

Union Station's design was partly crafted by the father-son architectural duo John and Donald Parkinson, renowned for iconic structures such as Los Angeles City Hall. Their work, supported by architects like Jan van der Linden, merges elements from Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne styles, incorporating features like eight-pointed stars and influences from Dutch Colonial Revival architecture.

The waiting room is bordered by enclosed garden patios that originally led travelers through the southern garden area. Inside, walls are adorned with travertine marble combined with early sound-absorbing tiles. The flooring consists of terra cotta accented with marble inlays, while the expansive waiting room ceiling, though appearing wooden, is actually constructed from steel.

The initial ticket lobby includes high ceilings and a long counter; although it is closed to everyday visitors, it is occasionally available for private events or filming purposes. Public artworks within the station feature an aquarium etched with images representing Tongva people and Latino settlers such as Pío Pico.

Within the grand waiting area, the Art Deco-inspired Traxx restaurant and bar was established in the late 1990s and quickly became a prominent feature. Although it temporarily closed in 2019 amid ownership changes, it has since resumed operations.

To the south lies a station restaurant designed by Southwestern architect Mary Colter, notable for being the final "Harvey House" dining establishment constructed within a passenger terminal. This spacious dining room includes a rounded central counter, streamlined booths, and a floor tiled with cement patterned after Navajo blankets. Colter also created an elegant Streamline Moderne cocktail lounge. The restaurant ceased operations in 1967 and remained largely unused until its October 2018 reopening following renovations as "Imperial Western Beer Co.," a combined restaurant and brewery, alongside "The Streamliner," a craft cocktail bar.

Although impressive in design, Union Station is comparatively modest in size relative to other union stations.

Public art

Initially, Union Station did not feature significant sculptures or artworks; however, the development of Metro rail in the 1990s facilitated funding for prominent public art pieces located within the station’s underground lobbies, entrances, and subway platforms. These include murals, granite seating sculptures, electronic wall-mounted installations, glass mosaics, and a river-themed sculptural piece incorporating found objects from subway excavation alongside an aquarium showcasing native aquatic species. Noteworthy artworks include:

Location

Located in northeastern downtown Los Angeles, Union Station is bounded by Alameda Street, Cesar Chavez Avenue, Vignes Street, and the Hollywood Freeway. It faces the historic areas of L.A., including Olvera Street and El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, with the historic Terminal Annex building situated just across Chavez Avenue. Nearby neighborhoods include Chinatown and the Civic Center.

On the east side of Union Station lies the Patsaouras Transit Plaza, which serves multiple bus lines such as Metro Local, Metro Rapid, Metro Express, downtown DASH shuttles, municipal services, FlyAway express buses to Los Angeles International Airport, as well as Greyhound buses and University of Southern California campus shuttles. This plaza honors Nick Patsaouras, a former RTD board member known for his transit advocacy.

The Gateway Transit Center encompasses Union Station itself, Patsaouras Transit Plaza—both designed by Ehrenkrantz & Eckstut—the western endpoint of the El Monte Busway, and Metro’s administrative headquarters.

As of October 2019, Amtrak and Metrolink operate on 12 of Union Station’s 14 outdoor tracks, offering approximately 94 daily train departures during most weekdays. Services include Amtrak routes such as Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief, and tri-weekly Sunset Limited trains alongside Metrolink lines serving Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Riverside, 91/Perris Valley, and Orange County.

Amtrak long-distance routes

Union Station functions as the western endpoint for four of Amtrak's long-haul trains:

Amtrak California regional routes

Amtrak California provides frequent regional train services across the state:

Metrolink

Serving as a key hub, Union Station is part of six out of eight Metrolink lines:

Metro Rail

Three lines of the Metro Rail network serve Union Station, with approximately 300 train departures every weekday. The B and D lines are heavy rail services that share an underground platform, while the A Line uses outdoor tracks numbered one and two.

Metro Rail B and D lines

The Metro Rail subway lines, B and D, terminate at Union Station, utilizing two shared tracks situated beneath the station. Access points to this platform are located within the main concourse near Alameda Street and also close to the Patsaouras Transit Plaza.

Metro Rail A Line

The Metro Rail A Line, a light rail route running between Azusa and Long Beach, operates on Tracks 1 and 2 among Union Station’s total of 14 outdoor tracks. Passengers can reach this platform via stairs or elevators from the main tunnel. From its inauguration in 2003 until 2009, Union Station served as its southern terminus. The platform features an art piece titled Images of Commonality/Nature and Movement by artist Beth Thielen.

The previously operational L Line, which closed on June 16, 2023, used to serve this area. Following its discontinuation and the introduction of the Regional Connector, the A Line now covers tracks north of the Little Tokyo/Arts District, including Union Station.

Metro J Line

The J Line of the Metro Busway connects El Monte station, Downtown Los Angeles, and Harbor Gateway Transit Center, with certain trips extending to San Pedro by utilizing the El Monte Busway and Harbor Transitway. It also serves the Patsaouras Transit Plaza along its route.

Amtrak Thruway

Under the Amtrak Thruway program, Amtrak California runs several motorcoach routes departing from Union Station’s dedicated bus bays on the north side. These services provide connections to San Joaquins trains through route 1, linking to the Bakersfield Amtrak Station, as direct rail travel is not available on the Tehachapi Loop. Overnight routes cover corridors served by the Pacific Surfliner (including Santa Barbara, San Diego, and stops in between) and the San Joaquin line (reaching Fresno and other select stations):

  • Route 1: Bakersfield – Los Angeles – Santa Ana – San Diego
Flixbus

While Flixbus does not board at Union Station itself, it provides intercity transportation throughout the Western United States from a nearby lot located at Cesar Chavez Avenue and Vignes Street.

Greyhound

Since October 19, 2022, Greyhound Lines has operated its principal terminal for Los Angeles passengers at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza, having relocated from its former site in the Arts District at 7th and Alameda.

Metro and municipal buses

The following bus services operate through the Patsaouras Transit Plaza:

At Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza, situated within the median of the El Monte Busway adjacent to US-101, these bus lines operate:

At the bus stop located at Cesar Chavez Avenue & Vignes Street (northeast corner), these services are available:

  • Los Angeles Metro Bus: , ,
  • LADOT DASH: Lincoln Heights/Chinatown

At the stop on Alameda Street & Los Angeles Street (western entrance), passengers can access:

The west side bus stop near the taxi stand and Mozaic Apartments is served by:

* Denotes commuter routes that run exclusively during weekday peak hours.

Link Union Station

Union Station's current stub-end track configuration restricts its operational capacity, as trains can only access the station from the northern side. This layout necessitates slow reversals and nearly 180-degree turns for southbound trains. Although the station has 14 boarding tracks, only 5 are available for multiple train movements, creating a bottleneck. While Metrolink removed some tracks to enhance speed, this adjustment inadvertently introduced a choke-point that causes delays, with departure trains given priority.

To resolve these issues, Metro introduced the Link Union Station (Link US, previously known as the Southern California Regional Interconnector) initiative. This project plans to extend tracks 3 through 10 into run-through tracks that will cross over the El Monte Busway and US Route 101 via an elevated "S-curve," linking with existing rail lines along the Los Angeles River. Additional track construction will establish a "loop" system, enabling all trains to utilize run-through tracks.

Preliminary engineering was authorized by Metro in July 2012, followed by approval of a $31 million contract in April 2014. The total estimated cost of the project is $350 million. During construction, track 13 underwent rehabilitation while tracks 14 and 15 were rebuilt to offset temporary platform closures; this phase was finalized in October 2012. Once completed, the combination of run-through tracks along with tracks 13 and 14 will boost track capacity by approximately 40%.

On July 27, 2019, Metro approved the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), which removed the originally planned loop tracks and replaced an elevated concourse with a larger central hallway to reduce expenses and enhance passenger transfers. A funding strategy was ratified on April 21, 2020, aiming for Phase A completion by 2028.

Construction commenced in 2021, leading to partial platform shutdowns. As of October 2023, Metro anticipates that the first phase will be operational by 2028.

Previous Run-Through Tracks Proposal

Earlier, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposed a run-through track plan at Union Station featuring four tracks but without incorporating a station "loop," which would have limited usage to southbound trains only.

The FRA released the final environmental impact report for this "Los Angeles Union Station Run-Through Tracks Project" in November 2005.

California High-Speed Rail

Union Station is poised to serve as a major hub for the forthcoming California High-Speed Rail network, facilitating travel between Union Station and San Francisco’s Salesforce Transit Center in about two hours and forty minutes.

Metro’s Master Plan explored various options for integrating high-speed rail platforms within Union Station, including elevated and subterranean structures near Alameda and Vignes Streets. All proposed designs include a new concourse area along with three platforms accommodating six tracks.

The Link US project has refined these concepts: according to the Final Environmental Report (2019), high-speed rail trains will approach from the north on tracks 3 through 6, utilize reconstructed platforms 2 and 3, then depart southward via a newly constructed viaduct over the El Monte Busway and Santa Ana Freeway before reconnecting with the existing corridor along the Los Angeles River. This configuration dedicates four tracks and two platforms exclusively to high-speed rail services while converting six tracks for through service shared by Metrolink and Amtrak. Tracks numbered 13 through 15 will remain stub-ended on the southern side of the station.

Construction on these run-through tracks is projected to start between 2023 and 2025, with completion expected between 2028 and 2033.

Southeast Gateway Line

In 2022, Metro identified Union Station as the northern endpoint for the upcoming Southeast Gateway Line. This new light rail service is planned to utilize platforms located either at the Forecourt or behind the Metropolitan Water District Building, with a projected launch date around 2043.

Dodger Stadium gondola

The Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit Project envisions an aerial gondola system connecting Union Station directly to Dodger Stadium, aiming to improve transportation options for attendees of stadium events.

Brightline West

Brightline West intends to commence construction by late 2023 on a high-speed rail corridor linking Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, with operations expected to begin between mid and late 2027. This line will integrate with Union Station through Metrolink services, featuring synchronized schedules to ensure smooth passenger transfers.

Dreamstar Lines

Dreamstar Lines plans to introduce an overnight sleeper train service between Union Station and San Francisco 4th and King Street station by 2025, providing a luxury sleeping car experience along the Los Angeles–San Francisco route.

In popular culture

Union Station served as the setting for the 1950 motion picture Union Station, starring William Holden and Nancy Olson. Since then, it has frequently been featured in various films as a filming location, often portraying different fictional settings, including:

Television series such as Adam-12, 24, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Euphoria have also filmed scenes at Union Station. In the realm of video games, it appears as the late 1940s station in L.A. Noire and as a fictionalized Unity Station in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Union Station was featured in episode 222 of the television show Visiting... with Huell Howser.

Numerous music videos have utilized Union Station’s distinctive architecture, including Lifehouse’s "You and Me", Backstreet Boys’ "Chances", Fiona Apple’s "Paper Bag," Train’s "Drops of Jupiter," directed by Nigel Dick, and John Mayer’s "Last Train Home," directed by Cameron Duddy. Additionally, much of Slipknot’s "Vermilion" music video was shot inside the station.

See also

Further reading

  • Bradley, Bill. The Last of the Great Stations: 40 Years of the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal (1979), ISBN 091637436X
  • Musicant, Marlyn, editor, with contributions from William Deverell and Matthew W. Roth. Los Angeles Union Station (Getty, 2014), extensively illustrated


External links

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