🚇 How to Get to Metro from Union Station [2025–2026 Guide]
From Union Station, reach the Metro in minutes by walking, light rail, or bus. Learn travel times, costs, and the fastest routes in this 2025–2026 step-by-step guide.
Visiting Denver, Chicago, Toronto, or D.C.? Union Station in each city connects directly or indirectly to the Metro system, making it easy to travel around. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get from Union Station to the Metro, covering walking, light rail, and bus options, with updated costs and travel times for 2025–2026.
🚶 Walking to the Metro from Union Station
In most cities, the Metro is within walking distance of Union Station. For example:
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Washington, D.C. – The Union Station Metro (Red Line) is directly inside the station, so there’s no need to leave the building. Travel time: 2–5 minutes. Cost: regular Metro fares apply ($2–6 depending on distance).
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Toronto – From Union Station, you can walk underground to Union Subway Station (Line 1) via the PATH system in just 2–3 minutes. Cost: $3.35 CAD per ride.
Walking is free, fast, and the best option if you’re traveling light.
🚉 Light Rail or Train Transfers to the Metro
In cities like Denver and Los Angeles, Union Station connects to Metro lines via light rail:
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Denver – From Union Station, take the RTD W, E, or C Line to connect with various Denver Metro stops. Cost: $3–5.25, travel time 5–15 minutes.
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Los Angeles – Union Station connects directly to the Metro Red, Purple, and Gold Lines, so you can hop on from inside the station. Cost: $1.75 per ride with TAP card.
This option is best if you’re heading outside the downtown core.
🚌 Bus Options to Reach the Metro
If the Metro line you need isn’t directly connected, buses provide an affordable alternative:
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In Chicago, Union Station connects to the CTA Blue and Red Lines via short CTA bus rides (10–15 minutes). Cost: $2.50 per bus ride.
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In Toronto, surface buses also connect Union Station to subway extensions across the city.
Buses are slower than trains but useful for reaching specific Metro hubs.
🚖 Taxi, Uber, or Lyft from Union Station to Metro
If you’re in a rush or carrying luggage, a rideshare is the easiest option. From Union Station, a short 5–10 minute Uber/Lyft ride can take you directly to the nearest Metro entrance if you don’t want to walk or transfer. Costs range between $8–15, depending on the city and traffic.
📊 Travel Summary Table
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walking | 2–10 mins | Free | Quick and budget-friendly access |
| 🚉 Light Rail / Train | 5–15 mins | $1.75–5.25 | Fast, reliable Metro transfers |
| 🚌 Bus Connection | 10–15 mins | $2–3 | Direct links to non-core lines |
| 🚖 Taxi / Uber / Lyft | 5–10 mins | $8–15 | Convenience, luggage, groups |
🙋 FAQs on Getting to Metro from Union Station
Q1. Is the Metro inside Union Station?
Yes, in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, the Metro connects directly inside Union Station. In Toronto, you can reach Union Subway Station in under 5 minutes.
Q2. How much does it cost to take the Metro from Union Station?
Costs vary by city, but most Metro fares range between $1.75–$3.50 USD (or $3.35 CAD in Toronto).
Q3. How long does it take to get from Union Station to the Metro?
Depending on the city, it can take 2–15 minutes by walking, light rail, or bus.
Q4. Can I take a bus from Union Station to the Metro?
Yes, buses in cities like Chicago and Toronto connect Union Station to Metro hubs within 10–15 minutes.
Q5. What’s the fastest way to get from Union Station to the Metro?
Walking or taking a direct Metro entrance inside Union Station (where available) is the quickest way, usually under 5 minutes.
✅ That’s your 2025–2026 guide on getting to the Metro from Union Station. Whether you walk, hop on light rail, or take a quick bus, you’ll be connected to the city’s Metro system in minutes.