r/animeexpo • u/nvalle92492 • 5h ago

Solo day trip from the OC using Metrolink/trains

Hi. I've never gone to AX before and I'd love to use my floating day to go on Friday if I can. However, I want to use the trains to get there from the Little Saigon area. I have never used the trains in SoCal but I have experience riding the trains in NYC/London/Seattle. In those cities, I felt safe but idk how it is here in my home state lol.

Any other AX tips for first-timers are appreciated :) Thanks

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u/herbalbert 4h ago

You’ll take the Metrolink to Union, go downstairs to the metrorail and then take that to the convention center. Lots and lots of people will be on the same route and you can just follow them. Will be super easy and safe in the morning. Night will be a little dicier but again lots of people will be on the same route with you.

Keep in mind that Orange County trains do not run very late! You’ll need to leave the con by about 5 if you wanna get off at Buena Park. I would recommend planning on taking the Amtrak home instead, then getting off at Fullerton or Anaheim. Will be more expensive but it’ll buy you a ton of time, you just need to leave by 9:30 if you do that instead. 

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u/katzohki 4h ago

Last train to OC from union departs at 5:40PM so yeah, Metrolink is not the one if you want to be out late.

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u/nvalle92492 4h ago

Oh I don't intend on staying late. I was thinking of going in the morning and leaving before 5. My plan is to just look around and maybe buy stuff lol

Thanks for the info!!

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u/405freeway 1h ago edited 59m ago

The Metrolink Socal Day Pass will be cheaper than buying individual tickets to get there and back.

The Metrolink Socal Day pass will also automatically be valid on the local Metro A Line that you'll take from Union Station to Pico Station for the con. Just scan the QR code when necessary (at Union Station - not necessary at Pico Station).

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u/cybernetvaultman 1h ago

They can still use the amtrak of they stay later or miss the metrolink. It's a bit more but less than 20

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u/Shadw_Wulf 4h ago

Damn that sucks ... How much would it be using Uber ? Waymo? I think at that point maybe ask people if they have room and get to drive you back 😅

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u/herbalbert 4h ago

of the top of my noggin, $60-$90 😬 would not recommend lol. I’ve never done it because I didn’t want to deal with the transfers but you can also try to get to Long Beach by metrorail which should run later.

In general my advice if you’re from the OC & want to do late night events/try to make a premiere (because plenty of 7pm panels aren’t wrapped until 10pm), don’t do public transportation. 

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u/nvalle92492 4h ago

Thank you!!

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u/azleafcat 4h ago

Metrolink and Amtrak are both fine to ride in terms of onboard safety as both are for commuters. Most Metrolink/Amtrak platforms should be safe.

While the (LA) Metro Rail and Bus isn’t as clean and safe as Metrolink/Amtrak, there are several buses and lines that run between Union Station to the Convention Center area (such as the A line light rail).

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u/nvalle92492 4h ago

Thanks!:]