How to Go From San Pedro Port to L.A. Amtrak Station

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If your ship docks at the San Pedro Cruise Port, would you know how to get to Los Angeles Union Station for your Amtrak train? I really didn’t know how to do it, but I quickly learned. Here’s how to get from your ship at San Pedro Cruise Port to the Catalina Express terminal where you get an Amtrak motor coach to Union Station.

Understanding Los Angeles’ Two Separate Cruise Ports

There are two ports for Los Angeles. One is the Port of Long Beach. The other is the Port of Los Angeles San Pedro Cruise Port. And it’s also known as the The Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center. Though a major cruise port, the San Pedro location is kind of oddly located.

As I mentioned, Amtrak and San Pedro Cruise Port provide a dedicated motor coach to and from Amtrak Union Station in Los Angeles.

View of Crystal Cruise ship from the San Pedro cruise terminal.

But the motor coach stop isn’t where the cruise ships dock. The place where I caught the bus to Union Station was at the Catalina Express Terminal. That’s where I am standing as I faced Crystal Serenity in the photo above. It’s a bit of a walk or maybe you can call a ride share, though it’s a short distance for them to pick up a fare.

It’s better to wait out in front as you exit the cruise terminal with your luggage. In the middle of the driveway, there’s this sign:

Shuttle bus sign at the San Pedro cruise port terminal exit.

Los Angeles World Cruise Center to San Pedro walking map. — Here’s my map to show you how you have to walk to get between San Pedro Cruise Port (World Cruise Center) and Catalina Express Terminal.

As you can see, Crystal Serenity looks incredibly close to the Catalina Express Terminal. And it would be if you could debark the ship on the side that you see in the photo. But you do not; there’s water and a chain link fence in-between. You exit the ship on the other side.

If you didn’t have luggage, it’s a fairly a short walk (about ¼ mile) to the Catalina Express Terminal to catch the motor coach.

Bad news…not good to do with luggage and it’s further than you’d guess.

How To Get to Catalina Express Terminal

After you’ve claimed your luggage, exit the doors straight in front of you. Carefully cross the car and bus lanes to an island with the Courtesy Shuttle sign for the Cruise Ship Shuttle. It’s a small sign so hopefully the photo above will help.

Depending on the day and time, you may have to wait 20-30 minutes for the shuttle. I suggest that you approach a port security person and ask her/him to contact the shuttle driver to let the driver know that there’s someone waiting to go to Catalina Express Terminal.

Think you would try to walk there? You have to walk out and around, (look again at the map above), cut through the parking lot where your ship is docked, find the way out the gate and into and through the parking lot for Catalina Express parking. The streets are bumpy, there are curbs and it’s easy to get confused with the security gates. Plus, you are cutting through two parking lots. I’d suggest that you wait for the shuttle.

Once on the shuttle, it’s only a 4-5 minute ride to Catalina Terminal. Amtrak’s motor coach would pick you up at the Catalina Express Terminal, right in front of the entrance gate, next to the round cement safety blocks. There’s a small sign, too.

Front entrance gate to the Catalina Express cruise terminal in San Pedro — Entrance to Catalina Express Terminal.

If you have to wait, you can go into the Catalina Express Terminal where you’ll find a snack and coffee shop plus a small bar/lounge.

San Pedro shuttle bus arrives at Catalina Express terminal. — Photo: Sherry Laskin

On time, the Amtrak motor coach pulled in to the Catalina Express Terminal. I was the only passenger on the bus. There is one additional stop along the way where you might add another passenger or two en route to Los Angeles Union Station.

Los Angeles Union Station patio with trees and shrubs. — Photo: Sherry Laskin

In the reverse, when you leave Los Angeles Union Station, you’ll exit through the side doors that lead to the garden area. The bus depot is just beyond the patio area. Look for the bus that’s marked Catalina Express Terminal.

Los Angeles Union Station waiting room with leather seating and tables. — Los Angeles Union Station waiting room. Photo: Sherry Laskin

My train to Chicago was set to depart Los Angeles at 6:40pm. I had already planned on at least a 7 hour wait at the station. Because I had reserved a sleeper, I could wait in the Metropolitan Lounge for the duration.

At 6:15pm the Red Cap came to collect those of us who had requested service to board. Settled into my bedroom, the Southwest Chief left Union Station on time and ready for its two-night journey.