Union Station
Historic transportation hubs celebrated for their grand architecture, offering diverse experiences from underground networks to special events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Union Station
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic transportation hubs celebrated for their grand architecture, offering diverse experiences from underground networks to special events.
"Union Stations are widely praised for their stunning architecture and historical significance."
🎯 Navigate the PATH with ease
Use maps or apps to find your way through Toronto's underground PATH system from Union Station. :world_map:
⚾ Free ride to Dodger Stadium
Take the Dodger Stadium Express bus from LA Union Station for a free ride to the game with your ticket. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Grandeur
Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, majestic arches, and sweeping corridors that make Union Station a grand gateway.
The PATH Underground Network
Explore Toronto's PATH, a vast underground city connecting Union Station to shops and attractions like the Eaton Centre.
Dodger Stadium Express
For baseball fans, the Dodger Stadium Express bus from LA Union Station offers a convenient and free ride to the game.
St. Louis Union Station Carnival
Discover new carnival-themed rides and enjoy the illuminated beauty of St. Louis Union Station at night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the PATH System
Boarding Procedures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate the PATH with ease
Use maps or apps to find your way through Toronto's underground PATH system from Union Station.
⚾ Free ride to Dodger Stadium
Take the Dodger Stadium Express bus from LA Union Station for a free ride to the game with your ticket. :bus:
🎟️ Check boarding times
Be aware of boarding announcements at stations like Chicago Union to avoid missing your train. :information_desk:
✨ Enjoy free samples
Look out for free samples and events happening at Toronto Union Station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate the PATH with ease
Use maps or apps to find your way through Toronto's underground PATH system from Union Station.
⚾ Free ride to Dodger Stadium
Take the Dodger Stadium Express bus from LA Union Station for a free ride to the game with your ticket. :bus:
🎟️ Check boarding times
Be aware of boarding announcements at stations like Chicago Union to avoid missing your train. :information_desk:
✨ Enjoy free samples
Look out for free samples and events happening at Toronto Union Station.
🏛️ Admire historic architecture
Take time to appreciate the grand Beaux-Arts design of Union Station, especially in DC.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Union Stations are widely praised for their stunning architecture and historical significance, often serving as more than just transit points. Visitors appreciate the convenience of integrated transportation options and the unique experiences offered, from underground networks to special events. However, some stations could benefit from modernization, and certain areas might feel less maintained or a bit dicey.
"Beautiful old Train Depot. My Amtrak train was on time, bathrooms were in working order though old and in need of work.
The gift shop and snack shop were great. Had an awesome hot ham and cheese sandwich and a pleasant time watching g people come and go as I waited for my train to arrive."
Angela Lard
"A beautiful station. Take time to walk over to the river when the cherry blossoms are blooming! 🍒 🌸
When I missed my connection to LA, because of a late train, the friendly staff got me set up for two evenings in Portland. This included meal vouchers at the Royal Crown Plaza Hotel. What a great experience. I hadn't even thought I'd get some time in Portland. Bring the kids..."
Miles Winslow
"Small organized train station in downtown Portland. Taking the train from Portland to Seattle for 4 of us, check in was easy and the staff was organized as the long line boarded the train.
There is a restroom and baggage area for checking large luggage."
Jamie Wojciechowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can use the PATH, an underground pedestrian walkway, to get from Union Station to the Eaton Centre. Follow signs for the PATH and look for routes towards the Royal Bank Plaza and Toronto Dominion Centre.
Yes, the Dodger Stadium Express bus departs from Union Station West on Alameda Street. It's free with a game day ticket and service begins 90 minutes before the game.
Union Station serves as a major transportation hub, offering connections via Amtrak, Metrolink, Metro Rail, and buses. Some locations also have direct connections to city transit like the TTC in Toronto. +1
Union Station in Washington D.C. is accessible via Metro (Red Line), bus routes, and is a major Amtrak hub. It's a grand gateway to the capital.
Many Union Stations are directly served by local transit. For example, LA Union Station has Metro Rail and Metrolink connections, and Toronto Union Station is a hub for the TTC and GO Transit. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Union Station itself is generally free to enter and explore, serving as a public space. However, you will need tickets for any train travel or specific ticketed events held within the station.
Yes, Union Stations often host events. For example, Toronto Union Station has had free sample days, and LA Union Station has hosted train festivals. Check local listings for current events.
Operating hours can vary by location and specific businesses within the station. Train services typically run early morning to late night, while shops and restaurants have their own hours.
Yes, most Union Stations are equipped with ticket counters and machines for purchasing train tickets for services like Amtrak or Metra.
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter and explore the public areas of Union Station. It's a functional transportation hub and often a tourist attraction in itself.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Union Stations offer a variety of experiences, from admiring architecture and exploring underground networks like Toronto's PATH, to dining, shopping, and attending special events. Some stations, like St. Louis, even have carnival rides.
Most major Union Stations have a selection of dining options, ranging from quick-service cafes and food courts to sit-down restaurants.
Union Stations are generally safe public spaces, but like any busy transit hub, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Some TikToks mention security presence.
Some Union Stations offer baggage check services for larger luggage, particularly for Amtrak services. It's best to confirm with the specific station.
You can find a variety of shops, including gift shops, convenience stores, and sometimes retail chains like Uniqlo or Hudson's Bay, depending on the station's location and size. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture, sweeping corridors, and unique features like the St. Louis carnival rides or the PATH system offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in public areas of Union Station for personal use. Be mindful of any restrictions in private retail spaces or during special events.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always check with station management if you plan extensive shoots.
The combination of historic Beaux-Arts architecture, natural light, and bustling activity makes Union Station a visually appealing subject for photographers.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. Evenings can be dramatic with interior lighting, especially at stations with unique features like St. Louis.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting Toronto, the PATH system, while underground, can feel like an adventure for kids, connecting them to shops and sights without the hassle of street traffic.
Just be sure to keep an eye on little ones in busy areas and consider the potential for getting turned around in large stations. 🚶 Budget Travelers
In Los Angeles, the Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station is a free ride to the game with a ticket purchase, saving on transportation costs. For those in Toronto, utilizing the PATH system from Union Station is free and avoids the need for other transportation to nearby attractions like the Eaton Centre.
+1 Keep an eye out for any free events or sample days hosted at stations, which can offer a low-cost way to experience the local flavor. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The St. Louis Union Station's carnival rides at night offer a unique, vibrant subject. For urban photographers, Toronto's PATH system presents a fascinating network of underground corridors and lighting.
Even smaller stations like Portland's offer elegant lines and historical charm. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The PATH: Toronto's Underground City
+2Navigating the PATH can feel like exploring a city within a city. While it offers convenience and protection from the elements, it can also be a labyrinth for newcomers. Many travelers recommend using maps or apps to plan their route, especially when trying to reach specific destinations like the Eaton Centre from Union Station. The key is to follow the directional signage carefully, looking for landmarks like the Royal Bank Plaza or Toronto Dominion Centre.
Beyond just transportation, the PATH offers a unique urban experience with shops, food courts, and services. It’s a testament to urban planning and a vital part of Toronto’s infrastructure, making Union Station an even more critical nexus for commuters and visitors alike.
Union Station's Architectural Significance
These historic stations often feature intricate detailing, soaring ceilings, and grand waiting areas that evoke a sense of history and importance. Portland's Union Station, while smaller, is noted for its elegant design that complements the city's skyline. Even stations that may feel dated internally, like Portland's, are recognized for their architectural beauty and potential for revitalization, drawing comparisons to successful renovations in cities like Denver.
Visitors are encouraged to take time to appreciate these architectural marvels. Whether it's the grandeur of DC's Union Station or the historical charm of Portland's, these buildings offer a glimpse into the past and a visually stunning experience that enhances the travel journey.
Special Events and Experiences at Union Station
These events add an extra layer of engagement for travelers and locals alike, turning a transit stop into a destination. Other Union Stations have hosted larger-scale events. The Union Station Train Festival in Los Angeles, for example, has featured tours of historic trains, model train displays, and cultural showcases, highlighting the station's heritage and its connection to rail travel.
St. Louis Union Station has even introduced carnival-themed rides, offering a unique entertainment experience, especially at night. Attending an event at Union Station can provide a memorable experience beyond typical travel. It's worth checking the schedules for any Union Station you plan to visit, as these special occasions can offer unique photo opportunities, entertainment, and a chance to see the station in a different light.
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