Have you ever wanted to ride the world’s shortest commercial railway? Or perhaps the remarkable towers caught your eye in their many vintage movie and TV appearances? The historic Angels Flight railway in downtown Los Angeles is a fun way to take a short trip within Downtown and experience the peak of 1901’s public transportation. Oh, and it’s affordable!
Angels Flight opened at the turn of the century and was operational for over 50 years, until it was dismantled and moved one block away. A two-year scheduled reopening turned into over 20 years, until the railway became operational in the 90s. A series of accidents resulted in many openings and closings during the past two decades. It finally reopened, fully restored, with enhanced safety measures, in late 2017. I was following this event on social media and was excited to ride the quirky antique funicular when I visited L.A. earlier this month.
A dollar per ride
I was shocked to find out that a ride is only $1 in each direction. A dollar is a small price to pay for a few minutes of historic fun, and to avoid climbing a lot of stairs. The 298-foot ride is a little rickety, befitting something over 100 years old, but we felt safe. Everyone riding with us had so much fun—the car brimmed with excitement over the shared experience. We all took each others’ photos afterward.
I didn’t realize that this was such a useful link between two parts of downtown Los Angeles. Angels Flight is located two blocks northeast from Pershing square; right across the street from the Grand Central Market, a great place to grab breakfast or dinner. I rode the railway purely for the nostalgia, but at the top I discovered it was a very short walk to the MOCA, the Broad contemporary art museum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall!
Are you heading to L.A. soon? Would you have a dollar to spare for this experience? Tell me about the most unusual form of transportation you’ve ever taken in the comments.
Photos by Staci Jackson and Angela Cerda for The Voyageer.
Absolutely! I’d spend a dollar to shortcut some stairs any day! (This reminds me of a railcar I rode up a steep hill in Wellington, New Zealand many years ago! What a fun memory. I haven’t thought of that in years…)
Very neat, I didn’t know about this. I think it’s a steal for $1! Definitely adding to my list for next time I am in LA. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Staci, I love this post! I am def.adding this to my list! You look great, too! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Absolutely! I’d spend a dollar to shortcut some stairs any day! (This reminds me of a railcar I rode up a steep hill in Wellington, New Zealand many years ago! What a fun memory. I haven’t thought of that in years…)
I’m glad I was able to remind you of such a fun memory!
Very neat, I didn’t know about this. I think it’s a steal for $1! Definitely adding to my list for next time I am in LA. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks for stopping by, Anisa!
I’m so glad this reopened! I’d love to check it out when I return home one day! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
I hope you’re able to visit it when you get back stateside! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing this, Stacy! I am living in Los Angeles but I had no idea we have this Angels Flight here, lol! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I hope you’re able to get downtown and check it out, Anda!
Looks like a lot of fun; something I would want to do next time I visit LA. Thanks fos sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by Emese!
Ha, this looks fun! I didn’t even know it was there. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
You’re welcome! I love quirky stuff like this.