Monrovia, California, with its charming historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community, is a beloved part of the San Gabriel Valley. Many residents and visitors appreciate its accessibility and quality of life. If you’re looking to embark on a train journey with Amtrak from Monrovia, you might be wondering about the local station.
Let’s clarify first: Monrovia itself does not have a direct Amtrak station. Amtrak, the national passenger rail network, operates out of major hubs. However, connecting to Amtrak from Monrovia is surprisingly easy and convenient, thanks to Southern California’s robust regional transit system.
Your primary gateway to Amtrak from Monrovia will be the iconic Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
Monrovia’s Rail Connection: The Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line)
Monrovia is served by the Metro A Line (light rail), which provides an efficient, traffic-free way to reach Downtown Los Angeles and, crucially, Los Angeles Union Station.
Monrovia’s A Line Station: You can board the Metro A Line at the Monrovia Station, conveniently located at 1202 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016.
Getting to Amtrak from Monrovia:
- Board the Metro A Line at Monrovia Station (towards Downtown LA).
- Ride the A Line directly to L.A. Union Station. The A Line terminates right at Union Station, making for a seamless transfer. The journey is scenic and avoids freeway traffic entirely.
- From Union Station, you can board your Amtrak train.
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS): Your Amtrak Hub
Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the nation and a magnificent architectural landmark. It serves as the primary Amtrak station for Southern California, offering a wide array of routes.
Key Amtrak Routes Available from LA Union Station:
- Pacific Surfliner: North to Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo; South to San Diego (one of the most popular routes, offering stunning coastal views).
- Coast Starlight: North to Seattle, with stops through Oakland, Sacramento, Portland.
- Southwest Chief: East to Chicago, traversing deserts, mountains, and historic routes through Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, and Missouri.
- Sunset Limited: East to New Orleans, passing through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana (the oldest continuously operating named train in the U.S.).
- San Joaquins: North through California’s Central Valley (often involves a Thruway Bus connection from LAUS).
Distances & Travel Times from Monrovia
Here’s a guide to distances and estimated travel times from Monrovia’s city center (or its A Line station) to key destinations, including L.A. Union Station and major airports.
1. To Los Angeles Union Station (Your Amtrak Gateway):
- Distance (Driving): Approximately 20-25 miles
- Driving Time: 30-60 minutes (heavily dependent on traffic, which can be significant during peak hours)
- Metro A Line (Train): Approximately 45-55 minutes on the A Line. This is often the most reliable and stress-free option.
2. To Major Southern California Airports:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~35-40 miles
- Driving Time: 45-90+ minutes (can be much longer with heavy traffic)
- Transit: Metro A Line to Union Station, then the LAX FlyAway bus service, or a combination of Metro rail/bus services. Total time 1.5-2.5 hours.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~20-25 miles
- Driving Time: 30-50 minutes
- Transit: Metro A Line to Union Station, then Metrolink Ventura County Line to Burbank Airport-South. Total time 1-1.5 hours.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT):
- Distance: ~25-30 miles
- Driving Time: 30-50 minutes
- Transit: Limited direct transit options. Usually involves a combination of Foothill Transit bus services and/or ride-share.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA – Orange County):
- Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Driving Time: 50-90+ minutes (can be much longer with heavy traffic)
- Transit: Metro A Line to Union Station, then Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink Orange County Line to Santa Ana (SNA is a short taxi/rideshare from there). Total time 1.5-2.5 hours.
3. To Other Key Southern California Destinations:
- Downtown Los Angeles (General):
- Distance: ~20 miles
- Driving Time: 30-60+ minutes
- Metro A Line: 45-55 minutes
- Pasadena:
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Driving Time: 10-20 minutes
- Metro A Line: 10-15 minutes
- Anaheim (Disneyland Resort):
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Driving Time: 40-70+ minutes
- Transit: Metro A Line to Union Station, then Metrolink Orange County Line or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Anaheim ARTIC Station. Total time 1.5-2 hours.
Tips for Travelers from Monrovia
- Plan Ahead: Always check Amtrak train schedules and Metro A Line schedules well in advance, especially for weekend or holiday travel.
- Allow Buffer Time: Traffic in Southern California is unpredictable. If driving or using ride-share, always allow extra time, particularly when connecting to a timed Amtrak departure. The Metro A Line offers more predictable travel times.
- Consider Your Luggage: If you have multiple large bags, remember you’ll be transferring from light rail to Amtrak. Union Station has luggage carts available.
- Explore Union Station: Arrive early if you can! Union Station is beautiful, with dining options, shops, and comfortable waiting areas.
- Book Your Amtrak Tickets: Purchase your Amtrak tickets directly through the Amtrak website (Amtrak.com), their mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
While Monrovia may not have its own Amtrak station, its excellent connection to Los Angeles Union Station via the Metro A Line makes it a fantastic starting point for exploring the country by rail. So, pack your bags, hop on the A Line, and let your Amtrak adventure begin!
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