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Angels Flight Railway: A Historic Ride

Experience a nostalgic ride on the world's shortest railway, a historic Los Angeles landmark offering stunning views and a charming glimpse into the city's past, operating since 1901.

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Angels Flight Railway, a historical landmark in downtown Los Angeles, is a charming funicular offering a brief but memorable ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. This self-proclaimed "shortest railway in the world" has been transporting passengers up and down its steep incline since 1901, providing a unique and nostalgic experience. The meticulously restored railway cars, named Sinai and Olivet, evoke a bygone era, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. A ride on Angels Flight provides not only a convenient way to bypass the steep stairs but also a delightful journey into Los Angeles's rich history and cinematic past, having been featured in numerous films, most notably "La La Land".

A brief summary to Angels Flight Railway

  • Monday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6:45 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6:45 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase a round-trip ticket for $2 to receive a souvenir ticket reminiscent of the 1920s.
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Take advantage of the Metro TAP card discount to save 50 cents on a one-way ride.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Pershing Square Station (Metro B or D Line), walk north on Hill Street for approximately 5 minutes. Angels Flight lower station will be on your left, across from Grand Central Market. A one-way Metro fare is $1.75. Alternatively, several bus lines (e.g., 4, 20, 40, 70) stop near the Hill/3rd and Hill/4th intersection, a short walk to the railway.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a ride to 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This will drop you off directly at the lower station of Angels Flight, across from Grand Central Market. Expect to pay between $7 and $15 for a ride from most downtown locations.

  • Walking

    From Grand Central Market, cross Hill Street to reach the lower station of Angels Flight. From The Broad museum, walk south on Grand Avenue, then turn left onto 4th Street and left again onto Hill Street. The lower station will be on your left. Note that the walk up the hill is steep.

  • Driving

    Limited street parking is available near Angels Flight. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including Wells Fargo Center (333 S Grand Ave) and 335 Olive Street. Parking fees typically range from $8 to $15 per hour. Be aware that parking can be challenging to find during peak hours.

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Discover more about Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight Railway, a beloved Los Angeles landmark, offers a nostalgic journey into the city's past. This funicular, often called the "shortest railway in the world," has been transporting passengers up and down Bunker Hill since 1901, providing a unique and charming experience. The railway's history is as captivating as the ride itself, marked by periods of operation, closures, and relocations, yet always retaining its historical essence. Originally built a half-block away from its current location, Angels Flight was conceived as the "Los Angeles Incline Railway" by J.W. Eddy, a lawyer, engineer, and friend of President Abraham Lincoln. The railway's purpose was to connect Hill Street and Olive Street, allowing pedestrians to avoid the arduous climb up Bunker Hill. The two original cars, named Sinai and Olivet, were pulled up the steep incline by metal cables powered by engines at the upper station, while the downhill car descended by gravity. This ingenious design quickly made Angels Flight a popular mode of transportation and a tourist attraction. The railway's early years saw it become an integral part of the downtown landscape, carrying over a hundred million passengers in its first fifty years. In 1912, the Funding Company of California purchased the railway and officially named it Angels Flight. The iconic archway at the Hill Street entrance welcomed passengers, becoming a symbol of the city's burgeoning transportation system. Throughout the mid-20th century, Angels Flight continued to operate, serving both locals and tourists who sought a convenient and picturesque way to navigate Bunker Hill. However, the railway's original location was dismantled in 1969 due to the Bunker Hill Redevelopment Project. The cars and station elements were placed in storage for 27 years, awaiting a new chapter in their history. In 1996, Angels Flight was rebuilt and reopened just a half-block south of its original site, in front of the Grand Central Market. This relocation marked a new beginning for the railway, allowing it to continue its legacy as a historical landmark and a functional mode of transportation. Since its reopening, Angels Flight has faced several closures due to safety concerns and necessary repairs. Despite these challenges, community members and local organizations have consistently rallied to preserve and reactivate the railway, recognizing its importance to the city's cultural heritage. The most recent reopening occurred in August 2017, following extensive safety enhancements and renovations. Today, Angels Flight continues to operate, offering rides daily from 6:45 am to 10 pm. The experience of riding Angels Flight is a step back in time. The meticulously restored railway cars, painted in their original orange and black colors, evoke the charm of the early 20th century. The interiors feature wooden accents and slanted seats, designed to accommodate the steep incline. As the cars ascend or descend the 298-foot track, passengers are treated to panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, including the Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and the surrounding cityscape. Angels Flight has also made numerous appearances in popular culture, further solidifying its status as a Los Angeles icon. It has been featured in countless films, television shows, and books, including classics such as "M," "The Muppets," and "Perry Mason." Most notably, Angels Flight played a prominent role in the 2016 Oscar-winning film "La La Land," bringing renewed attention to the railway and its historical significance. The railway was closed at the time and not supposed to be used for any filming. But in true LA-style, the secret filming brought some Hollywood fame to the railway and helped its reopening the following year. Today, Angels Flight connects the Historic Core and Broadway commercial district with the hilltop Bunker Hill California Plaza urban park and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). A ride on Angels Flight is more than just a means of transportation; it's an opportunity to experience a piece of Los Angeles history and appreciate the city's enduring landmarks.

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