Did you know that Los Angeles has operated the “world’s shortest railway” for over a century?
The 298-foot Angels Flight Railway is a funicular in Downtown L.A. dating back to 1901, trundling 96 feet up a steep grade between Hill Street and Grant Ave.
Here’s a closer look…
125 years of Angels Flight
Colonel J.W. Eddy opened the “Los Angeles Incline Railway” in 1901 between Hill and Olive Streets. Opening day drew over 2,000 people, and it continued to serve riders for decades until 1969, when the city dismantled it for urban development.
The railway components went into storage for 27 years until the city rebuilt it in 1996 about a half-block away from its original location. The two original rail cars, named Sinai and Olivet after two mountains in the Bible, remain in service to this day.
In a city of legendary landmarks and filming locations, Angels Flight more than earns its spot as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and in the National Register of Historic Places.
You may recognize it from over 100 movies and TV shows, such as La La Land (2016), 500 Days of Summer (2009), Criss Cross (1949), and Kiss Me Deadly (1955).
In total, an estimated 100 million passengers have ridden the Angels Flight.
Taking a ride on the world’s shortest railway
The funicular uses a counterbalancing system to operate, meaning that the weight of the descending car helps to pull the ascending car up the track. This makes it a more energy-efficient transit system, as the engine at the top needs only compensate for the difference in weight of the passengers.
Despite only offering 298 feet of track, Angels Flight saves riders the hassle of climbing a steep set of stairs Downtown. The ride takes just 1 minute, ascending a total of 96 feet from Hill Street to Grand Avenue.
Nearby attractions include Grand Central Market, The Broad, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
📍 Location: Lower entrance is at 351 South Hill Street; upper entrance is at California Plaza, 350 South Grand Ave.
🕜 Hours: Open daily from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
🎟️ Fare: The fare is $1.50 each way. You can also purchase a round-trip souvenir ticket for $3. TAP Card users can pay with stored value and get a $0.75 discount.
🌐 Website: Angels Flight Railway