Is Union Station worth it on a budget?

On a budget, Union Station still earns its price. Free

Is Union Station worth it in a day?

Even on a tight schedule, Union Station earns the hours. Allow 20-40 minutes.

Is Union Station worth it with kids?

With kids, it depends on the day.

Is Union Station worth it as a couple?

As a couple, Union Station works.

Is Union Station worth it for history buffs?

For history & culture, Union Station delivers.

Is Union Station worth it for photographers?

For beauty & photography, Union Station delivers.

VerdictDestinations

Attraction · Los Angeles

Union Station

LA's grand 1939 rail terminal, a landmark of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →

The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for

Travellers on a budget
If you've only got a day
Couples
Solo travellers
Photographers
History & culture buffs

Depends

Families with kids
The genuinely curious

Not for

—

Worth it for travellers on a budget, if you've only got a day and couples.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

Soaring beamed ceilings, tiled floors, leather chairs, and shaded courtyards make it quietly gorgeous.

Not independently verified — estimated

One of America's last great railway terminals, free to walk through and a frequent filming location.

Not independently verified — estimated

It's a 20-minute architectural detour, not a destination in itself.

Not independently verified — estimated

What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

Solo
A rewarding, free 20-minute stop for an architecture lover.
As a couple
A pretty, cinematic pause best paired with Olvera Street across the road.
Multigenerational
Easy and accessible, though there's little to detain young kids.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost

Free

Time

20-40 minutes

Last verified

2026-06-17

Best time: Daytime for the light through the windows; it's a transit hub so always open.
Getting there: It is the central Metro and rail hub — arrive by train or any Metro line.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible as a working station.

Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

Directly across the street — pair them More landmark architecture downtown

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Sources

What we checked

Opened 1939, blending Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Art Deco styles.
A frequent filming location and one of the last great American rail terminals.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →