An active passenger-rail gateway to Los Angeles, centered on a well-preserved historic Southern Pacific depot.
Overview
Glendale occupies an important position on the historic Southern Pacific corridor immediately north of Los Angeles. The Glendale Transportation Center, officially the Larry Zarian Transportation Center, combines a historic Southern Pacific depot with modern Amtrak, Metrolink, bus, bicycle, parking, and pedestrian facilities.
During the Southern Pacific era, Glendale was a popular boarding point for Los Angeles-area residents traveling north who preferred not to journey into downtown Los Angeles. The same practical role continues today for passengers using Glendale as a convenient alternative to Los Angeles Union Station.
Quick Facts
| Location | Glendale, California |
| Facility | Glendale Transportation Center / Larry Zarian Transportation Center |
| Amtrak Code | GDL |
| Historic Railroad | Southern Pacific Railroad |
| Passenger Services | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner; Metrolink Ventura County Line; Metrolink Antelope Valley Line |
| Historic Depot Constructed | 1923 |
| Architects | Maurice Couchot; Kenneth A. MacDonald Jr. |
| Architectural Styles | Spanish Colonial Revival; California Churrigueresque |
| Historic Designation | National Register of Historic Places (May 2, 1997; No. 97000376) |
Historical Background
Glendale’s First Railroad Depot
Glendale’s original Southern Pacific depot dated to 1883. As the community grew, the early station was replaced by a larger and more architecturally ambitious building.
Construction of the Present Depot
Southern Pacific constructed the present depot in 1923. Architects Maurice Couchot and Kenneth A. MacDonald Jr. combined Spanish Colonial Revival design with California Churrigueresque decoration, creating both a transportation facility and civic landmark.
Glendale as a Passenger Gateway
During the Southern Pacific era, Glendale was popular among Los Angeles-area travelers heading north who wanted to avoid traveling into downtown Los Angeles before beginning their trip. The station offered convenient access to trains serving Ventura County, the Central Coast, Northern California, and other points beyond Los Angeles.
That role remains relevant today. Glendale continues to provide Amtrak and Metrolink riders with a practical boarding alternative to Los Angeles Union Station.
Southern Pacific Passenger Service
The depot served Southern Pacific trains operating toward Burbank, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, the Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley, and Sacramento.
The Amtrak Era and Coast Starlight Stop
Amtrak continued serving Glendale after 1971. The Coast Starlight formerly made a scheduled stop at the station, while Pacific Surfliner service continues today.
In April 2005, during the station’s redevelopment, Amtrak moved the stop to Van Nuys, citing its higher ridership and baggage service. After the restoration was completed, the stop was not returned to Glendale. The Coast Starlight still passes through the Glendale corridor without making a scheduled stop.
Preservation and Restoration
The City of Glendale purchased the depot from Southern Pacific and developed the surrounding transportation center. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 1997 (No. 97000376), and restoration work preserved its historic character while supporting active transportation use.
Architecture
- Stucco exterior walls
- Red barrel-tile roofing
- Deep-set arched windows
- Decorative iron grilles
- Ornate entryways and carved doors
- Twisted half-columns
- Curved ornamental balconies
- Terra-cotta flooring
- Decoratively painted interior beams
- Southern Pacific insignia and metalwork
Passenger Rail Operations Today
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner connects Glendale with Los Angeles Union Station, Orange and San Diego counties, Burbank, Simi Valley, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
Metrolink Ventura County Line
The Ventura County Line links Glendale with Burbank, Chatsworth, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura-East, and Los Angeles Union Station.
Metrolink Antelope Valley Line
The Antelope Valley Line connects Glendale with Burbank, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Los Angeles Union Station.
A Gateway to Los Angeles
Glendale functions as a transition point between the dense urban railroad environment of central Los Angeles and routes toward the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, the Antelope Valley, the Central Coast, and Northern California.
Freight and Non-Stop Operations
- Union Pacific freight movements
- Coast Starlight pass-through movements
- Metrolink equipment movements
- Maintenance-of-way equipment
- Inspection and special trains
- Signals and junction infrastructure
Glendale Transportation Center
- Amtrak and Metrolink
- Glendale Beeline and Los Angeles Metro buses
- Intercity buses
- Bicycle facilities
- Parking
- Pedestrian access
Railfan and Photography Information
Passenger Operations
- Pacific Surfliner
- Ventura County Line
- Antelope Valley Line
- Train meets
- Locomotive and cab-car operations
- Coast Starlight pass-through movements
- Day and night activity
Historic Architecture
- Main and trackside façades
- Decorative ironwork
- Southern Pacific emblem
- Arched windows
- Balconies and columns
- Roof and pergola details
- Waiting-room features
- Historic-modern contrasts
Safety and Courtesy
- Remain in public station areas
- Stay behind platform markings
- Use designated crossings
- Keep equipment clear of passengers
- Never enter tracks or rights-of-way
- Avoid blocking doors and boarding points
- Respect all transportation-center users
Why Glendale Matters
Glendale combines Southern Pacific passenger history, preserved architecture, Amtrak intercity service, two Metrolink routes, multimodal transportation, and a continuing role as a convenient north-side boarding point for the Los Angeles area.
Related Railroads
- Amtrak
- Coast Starlight
- Metrolink Antelope Valley Line
- Metrolink Ventura County Line
- Pacific Surfliner
- Southern Pacific Railroad
- Union Pacific Railroad
Related Locations
- Burbank
- Chatsworth
- Lancaster
- Los Angeles Union Station
- Oxnard & Ventura
- Palmdale
- Santa Susana Pass
- Simi Valley
- Van Nuys
Related Museums
- Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum
- Southern California Railway Museum
- Travel Town Museum
Gallery
Photo gallery coming soon.
- Historic depot exterior and interior
- Southern Pacific history
- Pacific Surfliner
- Ventura County Line
- Antelope Valley Line
- Coast Starlight pass-through movements
- Southern Pacific ornament and ironwork
- Platforms and track layout
- Night photography
- Historic maps and timetables
- Then-and-now comparisons
Western Rail Archive Notes
Glendale should become one of WRA’s principal Los Angeles-area location pages. Its historic depot, ongoing role as an alternative to downtown Los Angeles, active passenger service, and former Coast Starlight stop offer a strong combination of architectural and operational history.
Archive Status
| Page Status | Category | Region | Gallery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundational Article | Locations | Los Angeles Area | In Development |