Planning a trip to the vibrant Westwood neighborhood or the prestigious UCLA campus, and wondering about Amtrak options? You’re in the right place! While navigating train travel to this specific Los Angeles area can seem a little confusing at first, this guide will clear up any questions and provide you with all the essential information you need.
Let’s address the most common point of confusion right upfront:
Is There an Amtrak Station Directly in Westwood or at UCLA (Code ‘UCL’)?
No, there is no direct Amtrak station physically located within Westwood or on the UCLA campus itself.
The code “UCL” you might sometimes see on travel aggregators or older resources typically refers to a bus connection point to/from the main Amtrak hub in Los Angeles, not a train station where you can board or alight an Amtrak train.
Your true gateway to Westwood and UCLA via Amtrak is the magnificent Los Angeles Union Station (LAX).
Your Gateway: Los Angeles Union Station (LAX)
Los Angeles Union Station isn’t just a train station; it’s a historic landmark and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. It’s a major multimodal transportation hub, connecting Amtrak, Metrolink commuter rail, and the extensive Metro Rail subway and light rail system, along with numerous bus lines.
From Union Station, you’ll complete the final leg of your journey to Westwood/UCLA via public transit, ride-share, or taxi.
Getting to Westwood/UCLA from Union Station
Once you arrive at LA Union Station, you have several convenient options to reach Westwood and the UCLA campus, which is approximately 15-20 miles west of Union Station, depending on your exact destination.
- Public Transit (Metro Rail + Bus): This is the most budget-friendly option and avoids traffic, though it involves transfers.
- From Union Station, take the Metro B (Red) Line subway two stops to 7th Street/Metro Center.
- Transfer to the Metro D (Purple) Line subway (heading west towards Wilshire/Western) to the Wilshire/Vermont or Wilshire/Western station.
- From there, you can catch an eastbound Metro Local bus (e.g., Line 20 or 720) or a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (e.g., Rapid 10) that will take you directly into Westwood Village and along the southern edge of the UCLA campus.
- Estimated Travel Time: 60-90 minutes, depending on connections and traffic.
- Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) or Taxi: For convenience and a direct route, a ride-share service or taxi is your best bet.
- Follow signs at Union Station for ride-share pick-up zones.
- Estimated Travel Time: 30-60 minutes, highly dependent on Los Angeles’ infamous traffic. Expect longer times during peak hours.
- Estimated Cost: $30-$60, depending on the service level and demand.
Key Amtrak Routes Serving Los Angeles Union Station (LAX)
Los Angeles Union Station is a major hub, served by several vital Amtrak lines connecting Southern California and the wider U.S.:
- Pacific Surfliner: This is the most popular route for travelers within Southern California, offering frequent service and stunning coastal views from San Luis Obispo, through Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, all the way to San Diego.
- Coast Starlight: A scenic long-distance route connecting Los Angeles to Seattle, with stops in major cities like Oakland (San Francisco Bay Area) and Portland.
- Southwest Chief: Travels from Los Angeles to Chicago, passing through the American Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas).
- Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle: These routes connect Los Angeles eastward to New Orleans (Sunset Limited) or Chicago (Texas Eagle), via Texas and other southern states.
Distances & Estimated Travel Times to Key Cities (from Los Angeles Union Station)
Here are approximate Amtrak travel times and distances for popular routes to/from Los Angeles Union Station:
- To San Diego (Santa Fe Depot):
- Distance: ~125 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes (via Pacific Surfliner)
- To Santa Barbara (State Street Station):
- Distance: ~100 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes (via Pacific Surfliner)
- To Anaheim (ARTIC Station – for Disneyland):
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes – 1 hour (via Pacific Surfliner)
- To San Luis Obispo (SLO Station):
- Distance: ~225 miles
- Travel Time: ~5 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 45 minutes (via Pacific Surfliner)
- To Oakland (Jack London Square – for San Francisco):
- Distance: ~370 miles
- Travel Time: ~10 hours – 10 hours 45 minutes (via Coast Starlight)
Distances to Key Airports (from Westwood/UCLA)
While you’ll arrive at Union Station via Amtrak, here are the approximate distances from Westwood/UCLA to the major regional airports, in case you’re flying in or out:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Distance: ~12-15 miles
- Travel Time: 30-60 minutes (variable, depending on traffic). Directly accessible via the LAX FlyAway bus from Westwood, or ride-share.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~15-20 miles
- Travel Time: 30-50 minutes (variable, depending on traffic). Accessible via ride-share or public transit (Metro B Line + bus).
- Long Beach Airport (LGB):
- Distance: ~30-35 miles
- Travel Time: 45-75 minutes (variable, depending on traffic). Ride-share or public transit options available.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Travel Time: 60-90 minutes (variable, depending on traffic). Ride-share is best.
Why Choose Amtrak to Los Angeles?
Despite the need for a final connection to Westwood/UCLA, choosing Amtrak for your journey to Los Angeles offers several advantages:
- Avoid LA Traffic: Sit back and relax while otherswhite-knuckle it on the freeways.
- Scenic Views: Especially on the Pacific Surfliner, enjoy stunning coastal scenery.
- Comfort & Space: More legroom, comfortable seats, and the ability to move around compared to flying or driving.
- Amenities: Cafe cars, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and observation cars on long-distance trains.
- Eco-Friendly: A greener way to travel compared to individual car trips.
Tips for Your Journey
- Book in Advance: Especially for the Pacific Surfliner and long-distance trains, booking early can secure better fares and your preferred seating.
- Check Schedules: Always verify Amtrak train schedules and Metro/bus schedules closer to your travel date.
- Allow Extra Time: Los Angeles traffic is a real factor. Always build in buffer time, especially during peak hours, for your connection from Union Station to Westwood.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage allowances, but ensure you can manage your bags during transfers.
- Stay Informed: Download the Amtrak app for real-time updates on your train’s status.
While there’s no direct Amtrak “UCL” stop in Westwood, navigating your way to this vibrant part of Los Angeles via Union Station is straightforward and offers a relaxed start to your visit. Enjoy the journey to UCLA and the beautiful Westwood Village!
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