Hannah J.
Google
Not super apparent from outside the train station where AMTRAK is. My tips for Amtrak newbies (i.e., info I wish I knew beforehand):
— I recommend entering from the East entrance, especially if you are getting dropped off
(e.g., ride-share, taxi, friend, etc.;
in Uber or Lyft, it gives you an option to select either East or West entrance to Union Station).
— From that drop-off area, follow the arrows on the wall pointing to the bus/train logos — head into the parking deck, which is street-level-ish. There will likely be attendants (usually wearing safety vest or similar) so you can ask if you need help.
— Look for a sign by the ceiling in the "atrium/center" saying "ALL TRAINS" — that means both LA Metro & Amtrak trains.
There will also be a corridor sign with the specific train services listed. See my photo for example.
Take note of the platform # on your Amtrak ticket...
— Notice there are A & B sides on either side of said corridor
(e.g., Platform 5 will have entrances labeled 5A & 5B, opposite of each other).
— It don't really matter which platform entrance you go to, but **typically** for Southbound, A-side is more accessible to the Business class cars (first few train cars; they will be labeled!), while B-side is more accessible to Coach class cars.
— But NBD if you go to either entrance, just make sure to line up by your respective train car
(i.e., whether that is Business class or Coach class cars).
Have your ticket out for them to scan the QR code.
— Speakers/intercoms SUCK so if you have auditory issues like me, as a heads up, they will mostly say stuff like:
• "have your ticket out"
• "LA Metro cards and tickets are not accepted" (lol)
•"the 4-seaters are for groups & families (so if you're not a group or fam... try not to sit there)"
• "downstairs seating is limited and reserved for those with mobility issues"
• "cars 1 through (whatever #) are for Business class, and (whatever #s) for Coach class" (for me, it was 1-2 for Business & 3-5 for Coach)
— Go to your seat, and keep your ticket ready again (yes, again) for when the conductor/ticket inspector comes around to scan. They give you a physical ticket with your destination printed. Place this in the clear placard directly below the overhead luggage bins by your seat.
— At each stop, another conductor/ticket inspector comes around to check/print tickets for the new passengers, so it is handy to put your printed ticket in said placards & they'll know not to bother you.
Other tips for noobs:
Get there 15-20 min beforehand at a minimum. More obviously if you want to buy tickets/food at the station or use the restroom. You want ample time to navigate to the platform, find seats, place your luggage, etc.
You are expected to place any suitcases in the overhead bins, or the train attendant may fuss at you. Oversized luggage can be placed in its designated area by the restrooms/stairs and/or at each end of the train cars.
Cafe car is usually a coach car, and anyone can visit them. Typically credit/debit cards accepted, but cash can be handy in case their system is down on the rare occasion.