Metrolink’s Angels Express Train Makes Getting to the Ballpark a Breeze
Looking to beat ballgame traffic? Metrolink’s Angels Express is back and better than ever! After a five-year hiatus, this convenient and fun piece of public transport is up and running, allowing you to hitch a ride from Downtown LA to Anaheim with ease. Round-trip tickets cost a mere $10, and kids 17 and under ride free. This year, the train runs for all Friday-Sunday home games and select weeknight games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you’re a Los Angeles Angels fan who wants to catch a game this season, the Angels Express ensures that you can let loose and not have to worry about traffic and parking. For the perfect game day, follow this guide full of places to eat and drink before and after the Angels take home the W! Angels Express Train
DTLA
1 p.m.
French Dip at Philippe the Original
Before you hop on the Angels Express at Union Station, fuel up at Philippe the Original with one of their classic French dip sandwiches. Between the freshly baked French rolls and the savory gravy, this beloved sandwich is exactly what you’ll need before heading to Anaheim for the game. Philippe the Original has been an LA staple since 1908, and though their famous French dips are traditionally made with roast beef, they can also be made with roasted pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami or ham. Don’t forget to add some tasty sides like coleslaw, creamy potato salad or pickled eggs.
2:30 p.m.
Drinks at Traxx Bar & Restaurant
Since you don’t have to worry about driving, quench your thirst at Traxx Bar & Restaurant before take-off time. In addition to the delicious bar bites and drinks, the best thing about dining at Traxx Bar & Restaurant is the fact that it’s located at the historic Union Station, allowing you to kick back and relax without rushing. This restaurant is a lively hub for travelers, and their beverage menu features everything from wines and draft beers to specialty cocktails. Before you hop on the Angels Express, knock back a few Modelos or Thai chili margaritas! Angels Express Train
Local Insight: Block out some time to explore Union Station, which opened in 1939 and is now considered “the last of the great railway systems.” Take a stroll and admire the historic architecture, murals and artwork!
4:47 p.m. (Fridays) or 4:27 p.m. (Saturdays)
Hop on the Angels Express
Get ready for game time! Once it’s time to catch your train, head over to your platform and proceed to boarding. Angels Express tickets cost $10 per adult, but up to three kids under the age of 18 are allowed to ride for free with an accompanying adult. You can buy tickets inside Union Station at a Metrolink ticket machine or on the Metrolink mobile app on your phone. The seats are relatively spacious, and the train ride is only around 30 minutes, making it an easy and breezy way to arrive in style while getting hyped with a crew of fellow Angels fans. Be sure to note your departure time and remember that the returning train leaves 30 minutes after the final out or 30 minutes after the fireworks show on Saturdays. For Sunday games, the train leaves LA Union Station at 11:43 a.m.
ANAHEIM
5 p.m.
Pre-Game Eats at Golden Road Brewpub
Depending if you’re catching a Friday or Saturday Angels game, you should arrive in Anaheim around 5 p.m. Since the stadium is only a 15-minute walk from the train station, take some time to enjoy a round of brews at Golden Road Brewpub (located right across from Angel Stadium!). This family-friendly hotspot is perfect for some pre-game banter and features a large outdoor beer garden with picnic tables and yard games. When it comes to getting your buzz on, there are over 30 different beers on tap that range from hop-heavy IPAs to their refreshing signature Mango Cart.
Local Insight: Be sure to ask about their special brews for baseball season! Angels Express Train
6 p.m.
Head Into Angel Stadium + Soak in Stadium Views at Brewery X
Once you’ve scanned your tickets and made it into the stadium, head to Brewery X, which is located at the Right Field Club level. The views are unbeatable, providing patrons with a clear and unobstructed view of the field while they get a buzz off of beer, beer and more beer. The tri-level patio has aerial views from almost every corner, and you can choose to sit at the circle bar or snag a table outside on the patio. If beer isn’t your jam, you can also order one of their hard seltzers. Angels Express Train
7 p.m.
Splurge With Helmet Nachos and Cathy’s Cookies
No visit to Angel Stadium is complete without a hearty order of the Helmet Nachos. Literally served in a batting helmet, this themed snack is full of flavor and nostalgia, topped with goodies like nacho cheese, sour cream and spicy jalapenos. These nachos are available at the first- and third-base food courts and pair perfectly with a craft beer or frozen margarita. Once you’ve cleared the spread, take home the helmet as a souvenir! Other tasty options include the garlic fries, cheesesteak sandwich and classic ballpark hot dogs, which you can find at Classic Hits concession stands throughout the stadium. And if you’re craving something sweet, stop by the Cathy’s Cookies pink truck for their TikTok-famous treats, like a sleeve of cookies or a bucket of cookie dough to-go!
9:30 p.m.
Catch the Fireworks Show
After each Saturday game, Angel Stadium enchants fans with an epic fireworks display! As you cruise back to the ARTIC station, admiring its colorful lights at night, gaze up at the sky for a dazzling pyrotechnics spectacle. The walk to the ARTIC takes about 15 minutes, and the Angels Express leaves 30 minutes after the game. Angels Express Train
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
