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Me again. Tell me about the parking at LAX. We will be gone for 12 days and I see that one can park for $6 a day. It looks like the structure is at the back end of the station. How far is it to the area for check in? Is there any transport for my husband with the respiratory problem and my friend with the bad knee? A taxi from our home would cost more than the parking fee and, since the trains arrive 6-10 hours late, we would have the convenience of having our car ready to take us home upon our return. Any words of wisdom on this subject would be welcome.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Vicki--
Although I've never parked at LAUPT AKA "LAX" I've taken the "LAX Flyaway Bus" and I would imagine it would be about the same distance. You would have to walk the length of the tunnel that connects the MTA Building to Union Station (Past all the tracks) to get to the check in area. There are electric carts around but I'm not sure how you would get one from that end. Perhaps it would be worth it for you to take a trip down to Union Station (use the Green Line from Redondo to the Blue to the Red) and get a feel for things. Maybe have lunch at Olvera Street or at my favorite, Philippe's. Anybody else have good ideas?
Best,
Frank in cloudy but soon to be sunny SBA
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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We probably will drop by or try to call for that info. My husband and I use the Metrorail for all the Clipper games at Staples Center. I even thought of taking it to Union Station for our trip but it would be rush hour, two transfers, baggage, etc.. Looks like parking there will be best. Perhaps one can summon the electric cart drivers to the MTA building. They were very helpful at the other end for the distance from the lobby to the train. We did a test train trip two years ago, LA to SB. Coast Starlight up and, as it was running late, we were put on another train coming home (would that be the Surfliner?). That little trip made me more eager to take the longer trip we have coming up.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Vicki--
I did notice that the entrance to the MTA Building from the Bus Plaza mimics the front entrance to Union Station and even says "Union Station" so there may be someone inside who could summon a cart for you. At the very least, one of you could go walking looking for a cart.
I agree that using Metrorail is not a great idea at rush hour especially with luggage. You might consider the "LAX Flyaway Bus" though. It goes non-stop from LAX (the airport) to the Bus Plaza at Union Station every half hour. The fare is, I believe $3.00 ow. I used it once the other direction and it was great. The schedule is every half hour most of the day and every hour during the late night/early morning.
You probably were put on a Surfliner coming home from SBA. It's good to hear that this has whetted your appetite for more rail travel. Don't forget to get all of you signed up for "Guest Rewards".
Best,
Frank in Sunny SBA
1702 Member # 4508
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I'd suggest using the Alameda Street entrance to the station & drop your husband & friend off at the front of the station where red cap service can easily be obtained. When you exit onto Alameda St., turn right, then right again at the next intersection (Cesar Chavez Ave., formerly Macy St.), then right on Vignes & you're at the entrance to the Gateway Transit Center long term parking. From the long term parking garage, it can be a fairly long walk to the station & red cap service is confined to the station & the station platforms.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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Thanks Frank and also to 1702 (what on earth does that stand for?). Of course, drop off the walking wounded and proceed to parking. The simple solution. And we have signed up for the Rewards Program. Using the Flyaway means having to park at the airport end. With this group I think a car at Union Station is the best plan. My friend and I will be downtown next Saturday. We will scope it out and probably lunch at Philippe's which I have never been to.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Vicki--
Doing the drop-off out front was going to be my next suggestion but 1702 beat me to it! Enjoy your visit downtown. I'm not sure if the DASH buses run on the weekend or not but they are a great, cheap way to get around downtown. I've been eating the lamb French Dip (the only one still carved in front of you) at Philippe's since I was twelve years old. The cole slaw is good, too, but watch out for the mustard!! HOT!!
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