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Angels Flight Railway: A Historic Ride in Downtown LA

Ride the world's shortest railway! Angels Flight in Downtown LA offers a historic and charming funicular experience connecting Bunker Hill and Grand Central Market.

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Angels Flight Railway, known as the world's shortest railway, is a historic funicular in downtown Los Angeles. Operating since 1901, it spans 298 feet, connecting Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Featured in numerous films, it offers a quick and charming ride between the Historic Core and California Plaza.

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

  • Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Purchase a round-trip souvenir ticket for a memorable keepsake.
  • Have cash or a TAP card ready for a smooth and discounted fare.
  • Explore nearby attractions like Grand Central Market, The Broad, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Grand Central Market, cross Hill Street to the Angels Flight lower entrance. The funicular is directly across the street. Purchase a ticket at the lower station and board either Sinai or Olivet for the short ride up Bunker Hill. The walk is short, but steep; the railway saves you the climb.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro B (Red) or D (Purple) Line to Pershing Square Station. Walk north on Hill Street for a few minutes until you reach the lower entrance of Angels Flight, across from Grand Central Market. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near Angels Flight, including lines 14/37, 20, 4, 40, and 70. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A one-way Metro ride costs $1.75, but a TAP card offers discounts.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Request a ride to 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, which is the lower entrance to Angels Flight. From most downtown locations, a ride-share or taxi will be a short trip costing approximately $7-$15, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be prepared for possible traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

Unlock the Best of Angels Flight Railway

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Discover more about Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight Railway, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, is a charming funicular located in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown LA. Known as the "shortest railway in the world," it has been transporting passengers up and down a steep incline since 1901. The railway covers a distance of 298 feet (91 m) with a vertical gain of 96 feet (29 m), connecting Hill Street and Grand Avenue. The funicular operates with two cars, named Sinai and Olivet, which run in opposite directions on a shared cable. These orange and black wooden cars, reminiscent of the early 1900s, have 16 seats each and are slanted to accommodate the steep tracks. As one car ascends, the other descends, providing a counterbalance that makes the system energy efficient. Originally built to connect Hill Street and Olive Street, Angels Flight was dismantled in 1969 due to redevelopment projects. The original cars were stored for 27 years before the railway was rebuilt and reopened in 1996, half a block south of its original location. Over the years, Angels Flight has become a cultural icon, appearing in over 100 movies and TV shows, including the Oscar-winning film "La La Land". Today, Angels Flight continues to operate as a public utility, offering a convenient and historic way to travel between Grand Central Market and the cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill. With its affordable fare and charming vintage ambiance, it remains a beloved attraction for tourists and locals alike.

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