Why visit
Angels Flight packs a lot of charm into a very short ride, offering a tangible link to early-20th-century Los Angeles and a delightful photo opportunity in the heart of downtown. For the price of pocket change it lets you skip a steep climb between Grand Central Market and Bunker Hill, all aboard a genuine piece of the city's history.
Angels Flight is one of the most charming and unexpected experiences in downtown Los Angeles: a tiny, bright-orange funicular railway that ferries passengers up and down the steep slope of Bunker Hill in less than a minute. Its two counterbalanced wooden cars, named Sinai and Olivet, pass each other on the incline, while a small Beaux-Arts station arch marks the lower entrance. The whole thing is equal parts transit, history, and pure novelty.
For visitors, the railway is a fun, low-cost way to connect the historic core and Grand Central Market area below with the Bunker Hill cultural district above, near California Plaza. The ride itself is brief, but the views, the vintage cars, and the sense of stepping into old Los Angeles make it memorable. It is a frequent stop for sightseers, film crews, and downtown explorers stitching together a walking route.
History
Angels Flight first opened in 1901 to help residents climb the steep Bunker Hill neighborhood, earning fame as 'the shortest railway in the world.' The funicular was dismantled in 1969 during downtown redevelopment and later rebuilt and reopened a half-block from its original site, and after periods of closure it has been restored to carry passengers once again with its historic cars Sinai and Olivet.
Insider Tips
- ✦Ride up to reach The Broad, MOCA, and Walt Disney Concert Hall on Bunker Hill.
- ✦Combine it with Grand Central Market and the Bradbury Building for a compact downtown loop.
- ✦Keep your camera ready for the cars passing midway.
Photo Tips
- 📸Photograph the orange cars passing each other midway up the incline.
- 📸Frame the lower station's Beaux-Arts arch with the cars behind it.
- 📸Shoot from the top of Bunker Hill looking down the tracks for a dramatic perspective.
Before You Go
- ✓Bring small change or a card for the modest fare.
- ✓Check that the railway is running, as it occasionally pauses for maintenance.
- ✓Pair the ride with Grand Central Market at the base of the hill.
Visiting with family
The quick, novelty ride is a hit with kids and an easy break from walking the steep downtown blocks. Hold little ones' hands on the stepped cars and platforms.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Angels Flight Railway FAQ
What is Angels Flight Railway?
It is a historic funicular railway in downtown LA, billed as 'the shortest railway in the world,' that carries passengers up and down Bunker Hill in its vintage cars Sinai and Olivet.
How much does Angels Flight cost?
It is a small fare, historically around a dollar each way, with discounted options sometimes offered. Pricing can change, so confirm current fares before visiting.
When was Angels Flight built?
It first opened in 1901, was dismantled in 1969, and was later rebuilt and reopened nearby. After several closures it has been restored to operate again.
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