Day Trip to Angels Flight: A Historic Railway in Los Angeles

Angels Flight Railway is a historic funicular railway located in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles, California. The railway connects Hill Street at the bottom (near Grand Central Market) with California Plaza at the top, offering a convenient alternative to climbing the steep stairs of Bunker Hill. Its two distinctive orange-and-black cars, Sinai and Olivet, operate in tandem, counterbalancing each other as they travel on a shared cable system.

The History of the Los Angeles Incline Railway

Angels Flight was first built in 1901 by Colonel J.W. Eddy, a Civil War veteran, engineer, and friend of Abraham Lincoln. It was initially called the Los Angeles Incline Railway. It was designed to ferry passengers between the bustling commercial district below and the residential enclave of Bunker Hill, a fashionable neighborhood of Victorian homes.

The railway was renamed Angels Flight in 1912, inspired by the archway at its Hill Street entrance. The original route ran alongside the Third Street Tunnel, linking Hill Street and Olive Street. It was a vital link for residents and a popular Los Angeles attraction, carrying over 100 million passengers in its first 50 years. In 1969, the original funicular railway was dismantled due to the Bunker Hill Redevelopment Project. The cars, station houses, and other equipment were stored with the possibility that the system would be rebuilt.

After 27 years in storage, Angels Flight reopened in 1996 and relocated half a block south to its current spot between 3rd and 4th Streets. However, a fatal accident in 2001, caused by a design failure in the cable system, shut it down again until 2010. Further safety issues led to another closure in 2013, but after safety upgrades, Angles Flight became operational again in 2017. The new Angels Flight uses 60 percent of the original material from its former glory days, including the railcars, the station house, and the two end station arches.

Take a Ride on Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight operates daily from 6:45 am to 10 pm, including weekends and holidays. A one-way trip costs $1; you can buy a $2 round-trip souvenir ticket. The railway serves a mix of tourists and locals. Each way, the ride takes less than a minute, covering a vertical gain of 96 feet. The Angels Flight Railway consists of two cars, Olivet and Sinai, that work in tandem and are connected to the same cable. It’s a quick, affordable way to experience a piece of L.A. history, offering great views with a unique photo opportunity as the cars pass mid-track.

Getting to Angels Flight

The funicular railway is 30 minutes from anywhere in downtown Los Angeles; travel time from Orange County is about two hours to drive and find parking. Plenty of restaurants are nearby to suit all tastes and budgets. Angels Flight is two stations from Union Station on the Metro Red Line. Parking is plentiful in and around Union Station, and Olvera Street and Los Angeles Chinatown are within walking distance. Exit Pershing Square Station for Angels Flight and Grand Central Market. Angels Flight Railway 351 South Hill Street Los Angeles, California. Angels Flight Website.

Nearby Points of Interest

Grand Central Market Los Angeles

No trip to Angels Flight would be complete without a visit to Grand Central Market, across the street from the shortest railroad in the world. Since its opening in 1917, it has been a cornerstone of the city, evolving from a traditional public market to a food hall with various vendors serving Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and American cuisine.

The Last Bookstore Los Angeles

This one-of-a-kind bookstore features a constantly changing variety of amenities and events, making it an absolute must-see again. It is only a few blocks from Angles Flight Railway. While there’s nothing wrong with downloading the latest title on your chosen device, nothing can replace the feeling of walking into a room full of physical books. The last Bookstore Address is 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, California. Website.

Places to Ride Trains in California