Disneyland to Downtown LA

[UK Paul]

Hi there - I have a holiday booked in CA in early august staying predominantly at Disneyland Hotel. I have a car for 7 or 8 days but also have a week without a car.
I am thinking of a day in Downtown LA - is it doable to go on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Anaheim to Union Station and return for the day or should I save for a day with the car. I am up for travelling by train - just want to know how easy it is, are reservations definitely needed etc?
Thanks for any help.

 

[scooter15]

I'll answer it because I'm familiar with the trains from Orange County to Downtown LA. The problem is that not many people are willing to travel by train to go sightseeing to Downtown LA. Many will tell you to drive your car. I say do it by train. There are several trains that service Anaheim to Downtown LA Union Station...the Metrolink and Amtrak. If you are doing this on a weekend then Amtrak is the only service available. Metrolink is a commuter train that only runs during rush hour in the AM and PM. If you are going up to Downtown LA during a weekday, I suggest using this because its cheaper. Tickets are sold at a kiosk for Metrolink payable by credit card or cash. Amtrak trickets are available at a counter (at Anaheim) or internet. If you use Metrolink, the train ticket is good for a one way trip on the subway (red line). Its really easy to find or just follow where everyone is going. If you have a round trip Metrolink, I believe it is good for a round trip on the Red Line.

There's not much to see or do in Downtown LA. Where you want to go is Hollywood. You'd take the Red Line to the Hollywood Highland exit but make sure to take the North Hollywood train because there are two red line trains with two different final destinations. As for returning back to Anaheim, you should have no problem because Amtrak runs late. If you miss the last Metrolink (if you take it), you can also purchase an Amtrak ticket. You can also do Downtown or Hollywood in a day if you go early.

 

[UK Paul]

Many thanks for this - i think i will do the train option

 

[fairycat]

The one thing I can say that is worth doing in Downtown LA that is right across from Union Station is Olvera street. Otherwise check out Hollywood the train takes you right to Hollywood and Highland and there is a lot to see there.

 

[DizTheWiz]

I would recommend taking amtrack to union station and then getting an MTA day pass for the redline that goes to Hollywood as fairycat said above