Los Angeles Union Station will once again welcome rail fans, families and history buffs for a weekend celebrating the region’s rich railroading past, present and future. Train Festival 2025: LA’s Spirit in Motion rolls into the station on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
This free community event by Union Station — with support from Metro, Metrolink and Amtrak — features up-close tours of vintage and modern railroad equipment, model train layouts, interactive information booths, giveaways, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Also: Santa Fe’s steam engine 3751 will return to the festival. Check out the great video above of the steam engine using Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line tracks in the 10 freeway median to reach the festival.
Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just curious about how trains connect Southern California, there’s something for everyone. The festival draws big crowds every year — for good reason. It’s a lot.
Tickets aren’t required — just show up and enjoy the ride.
A hub with a storied past
If you’ve never been to Union Station, the building itself is a good reason to visit.
Opened in 1939, the station is an architectural gem blending Mission Revival and Art Deco styles and is often called the “Last of the Great Railway Stations.” Its soaring waiting room and iconic clock tower offer a glimpse of an era when rail travel shaped the growth of Los Angeles and Southern California.
For several generations of rail travelers, Union Station has been the gateway to Los Angeles. Even now, the station is busy with Amtrak’s inter-city service, Metrolink’s regional rail serving the L.A. metropolis and local transit service by Metro and other agencies.
Railroads: the backbone of a region
Since the arrival of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads in the 19th century railroads have played a vital role in connecting communities, powering our local economy (think of all the freight moved to/from our ports) and sustainable travel. Train Festival 2025 celebrates this heritage while spotlighting the investments shaping the next generation of rail in our region.
Come early and don’t forget your camera! For more info, follow @unionstationla on Instagram and Facebook.
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