For most travelers headed to the Los Angeles area, the journey ends upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). However, if you are headed to a smaller city or towns in the Southern California region or beyond, the flight to LAX is only part of the journey. Many travelers continue their travels on an Amtrak train up or down the California coast. The Amtrak Station is at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Several travel options are available to get you from LAX to Union Station.

Step 1

Take the FlyAway. LAX operates a nonstop coach bus known as the LAX FlyAway (lawa.org/flyaway) to and from Union Station. Stand under the green sign that reads, "FlyAway, Buses and Long Distance Vans" at the lower level terminal exit right outside the airport. Get on the bus that says "Union Station." The bus comes every hour to every half-hour depending on the time of day and stops at each terminal before taking you to Union Station. You pay when you arrive at Union Station. In 2012, the cost was $7 one way.

Step 2

Take a shuttle. A few shuttle van services are available from LAX that take passengers to hotels, landmarks and residences all over L.A. In 2012, both Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle charged a flat rate of $16 from LAX to Union Station. Catch either shuttle right outside of your terminal exit. If shuttles are not there when you arrive, a shuttle representative will get your information and sign you up for the next one.

Step 3

Take a taxi. Many taxi services are available from LAX to take you to Union Station. Prices vary between the services and by factors such as gas rates and traffic. Expect to spend anywhere from $45 to $70 on this trip.

Step 4

Drive to Union Station. If you are returning to LAX and parked your car at the airport or you choose to get a rental car, the drive to Union Station should take no more than 35 minutes. Follow airport exit signs toward South Sepulveda Boulevard, then take Interstate 105 East for about 6.5 miles. Take exit 7B for Interstate 110 North toward Los Angeles/San Pedro. After about eight miles, merge onto U.S. 101 South for less than a half-mile, then exit onto Broadway Street. Make a left on Broadway, a right on Ord and another right onto Alameda Street. The station will be on the left.

Tip

  • As of 2012, the LAX FlyAway accepts only credit or debit cards.

About the Author

Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.

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