Best way to get from L.A. Amtrak station to San Pedro pier area?

We're looking at booking a cruise on the NCL Star. From reading these boards, I think it must dock at the San Pedro pier. We would come in on Amtrak the day before the cruise, and probably stay at the Crown Plaza or Doubletree (again, advice from this board). Is there a shuttle from the Amtrak station, or would we take a taxi? How far is it, and how much should we expect to pay? Thanks in advance.

We're looking at booking a cruise on the NCL Star. From reading these boards, I think it must dock at the San Pedro pier. We would come in on Amtrak the day before the cruise, and probably stay at the Crown Plaza or Doubletree (again, advice from this board). Is there a shuttle from the Amtrak station, or would we take a taxi? How far is it, and how much should we expect to pay? Thanks in advance.

Los Angeles Union Station is on the north side of downtown Los Angeles and is approximately 25 miles from San Pedro.

Since you are coming in the day before, you have the option of getting ticketed on Amtrak straight through to San Pedro, via Amtrak's dedicated Thruway bus service. The additional cost is nominal (a few dollars more). You're destination must be changed to San Pedro, and you have to be through-ticketed. Amtrak is barred from selling bus tickets independently of rail travel in California. The two "stations" (just bus stops) for San Pedro are SPD, the "catalina terminal" bus stopwhich is essentially on the street right in front of the cruise port, and SPO, downtown San Pedro at 9th and Gaffey. Don't know which is closer to the hotel.

Amtrak Thruway buses are dedicated Amtrak buses, and tour-bus style buses, not city buses, with luggage holds underneath.

The downside is if you are coming in from the east on the Southwest Chief or the Sunset Limited, those trains arrive in the morning, and the first Thruway bus to San Pedro doesn't leave until 2:50 pm. There are a total of 4 buses, leaving at 2:50 pm, 4:30pm, 7:55pm and 10:10pm. The latest will connect with the inbound Coast Starlight, if you are coming from the north. The connections are guaranteed, and if a train misses a bus connection, Amtrak will get you to your destination, either holding the bus or paying for a cab.

Other options are shuttle services like Supershutle or Karmel.

A taxi from LAX airport is around $60. From Union Station it would be about the same.

you can catch the 445 bus which is an express-bus that uses the freeway. It will drop you off at the Harbor-Beacon stop which is right across from the Cruise entrance.

If you are staying at the Crown Plaza you can walk along the boardwalk on Harbor or take the red car to 6th street and you are there. If you are staying at the DT you can take the train to 22nd street but it is a much farther walk to the hotel. You could always call either hotel and have them pick you up at the fountain in front of the cruise terminals.

The downside is if you are coming in from the east on the Southwest Chief or the Sunset Limited, those trains arrive in the morning, and the first Thruway bus to San Pedro doesn't leave until 2:50 pm.

...in which case you have a good excuse to walk over to Phillipe's and have a French Dip for lunch before catching the bus!!!

...in which case you have a good excuse to walk over to Phillipe's and have a French Dip for lunch before catching the bus!!!

Amen. I never go through LA Union Station without going up to Phillipe's. BTW, the Amtrak Baggage Room will parcel check your hand luggage for the day for $3/bag. If you have checked luggage, they hold it for free for up to 2 days. So you don't have to drag everything up to Phillipe's...

Thanks so much for the info...now, how do we find Phillipe's?

Hello,

Phillipe's is an excellent choice. It is a place like no other. If it is crowded on the main floor go upstairs where there are tables and it is a lot quieter. This place has all kinds of food and cheap but very good coffee. You sit at long tables after getting your food. A travell experience to be sure.

There are several other choices though, because you are within two blocks of Mexican and Chinese restaurants, especially some of the best dip sum to be found in Los Angeles.

From the train station exit the main door and you will be facing west. walk out to Alameda Street and turn right, walk about two short blocks and you will see Phillipe's sign. The place is on the west side of Alameda Street. If you want Chinese or Mexican, walk toward Olivera Street (Mexican) or up to Broadway for Chinese).

the thru ticket right to San Pedro is good advice. I was going to suggest that another option would be to take the flyaway bus to LAX, then shuttle to pier the next day.