How to Get to UCLA from Union Station [2025-2026 Guide]

Posted on by John Mathew

How to Get to UCLA from Union Station [2025–2026 Guide]

From Union Station Los Angeles, reach UCLA in 35–50 minutes. Options: Metro E Line ($1.75, 40 mins), Metro Rapid Bus ($1.75, 50 mins), taxi/Uber ($25–40, 25–35 mins).

If you’re heading to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from Union Station Los Angeles, you’ll find several convenient ways to make the trip. Since Union Station is the city’s main transit hub, you can choose between the Metro Rail (E Line), Metro buses, or a rideshare/taxi depending on your budget, time, and comfort level.

Here’s your detailed guide to getting from Union Station to UCLA in 2025–2026.

🚇 Option 1: Metro Rail (Most Reliable for Traffic)

The Metro Rail E Line (Expo Line) is one of the best ways to reach UCLA from Union Station since it avoids LA traffic.

  1. From Union Station, board the Metro B (Red) or D (Purple) Line subway westbound.

  2. Transfer at 7th Street/Metro Center to the Metro E Line (Expo Line) toward Santa Monica.

  3. Ride to Expo/Sepulveda Station.

  4. From there, take a short Big Blue Bus Route 17 or Culver City Bus 6 to UCLA’s campus in Westwood.

  • Time: About 40–50 minutes

  • Cost: $1.75 Metro fare + $1.25 connecting bus fare = $3.00 total

  • Best for: Travelers who want to avoid traffic and prefer a budget-friendly, predictable route.

🚌 Option 2: Metro Rapid Bus (Cheapest One-Seat Ride)

If you don’t want to transfer between train and bus, the Metro Rapid 720 bus is a direct ride from downtown to Westwood.

  • Catch the Metro Rapid 720 bus on Wilshire Boulevard, accessible by a short Metro ride or local bus from Union Station.

  • The bus runs frequently and goes directly along Wilshire Blvd, dropping you near UCLA.

  • Time: Around 50–60 minutes (depending on traffic)

  • Cost: $1.75 flat fare with TAP card

  • Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind sitting through LA traffic.

🚖 Option 3: Taxi or Rideshare (Fastest but Costlier)

If convenience and speed matter most, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from Union Station to UCLA is the fastest door-to-door option.

  • The drive takes the I-10 freeway westbound and exits at Westwood.

  • In light traffic, it can take 25–30 minutes, but during rush hour expect 45–60 minutes.

  • Drop-off is usually at UCLA’s main entrance on Westwood Plaza.

  • Time: 25–35 minutes (light traffic)

  • Cost: $25–40 USD depending on traffic and surge pricing

  • Best for: Visitors with luggage, those traveling in groups, or anyone short on time.

🚲 Option 4: Cycling or E-Scooter (Short Distance Trips)

For eco-conscious travelers or those nearby, cycling or renting an e-scooter can be an adventurous way to get to UCLA.

  • You can rent Metro Bike Share, Bird, or Lime scooters from stations around Union Station and downtown.

  • The route is about 13 miles to Westwood—manageable if you’re up for the ride, but longer than transit options.

  • Time: ~1 hour by bike

  • Cost: $5–10 depending on rental service

  • Best for: Students or locals who enjoy biking and want a flexible option.

✅ Travel Summary Table

Option Route Time Cost Best For
🚇 Metro Rail + Bus Union → 7th/Metro → Expo/Sepulveda → Bus to UCLA 40–50 mins $3.00 Reliable, avoids traffic
🚌 Metro Rapid 720 Direct on Wilshire Blvd 50–60 mins $1.75 Budget, one-seat ride
🚖 Taxi / Uber / Lyft Via I-10 freeway 25–35 mins $25–40 Fastest, convenient
🚲 Bike / E-Scooter Downtown → Westwood ~60 mins $5–10 Eco-friendly, flexible

❓ FAQs: How to Get to UCLA from Union Station

1. What is the cheapest way to get to UCLA from Union Station?
The Metro Rapid 720 bus costs only $1.75 and goes directly to Westwood.

2. What is the fastest way to get from Union Station to UCLA?
A taxi, Uber, or Lyft is fastest, taking 25–35 minutes in light traffic.

3. How long does it take to get to UCLA by Metro train?
Using the Metro E Line (Expo Line) plus a connecting bus, the trip takes 40–50 minutes.

4. Is there a direct train from Union Station to UCLA?
No, but you can take the E Line and then transfer to a short bus ride.

5. How much is the Metro fare from Union Station to UCLA in 2025–2026?

  • Metro Rail: $1.75

  • Connecting bus: $1.25

  • Total: $3.00

6. Does the Metro Rapid 720 go straight to UCLA?
Yes, the 720 bus runs along Wilshire Blvd and stops near the campus in Westwood.

7. Is UCLA accessible by bike or scooter from downtown?
Yes, though it’s about 13 miles. Many students use bike share or e-scooters for flexibility.

8. Are all routes accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, both Metro Rail and Metro buses are fully ADA accessible, and rideshares/taxis also accommodate.

✅ With this guide, you now know exactly how to get to UCLA from Union Station in 2025–2026, whether you want the budget-friendly Metro, the convenience of a bus, or the speed of a taxi.

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