A Ride to Remember: Inside the World’s Shortest Train Ride
When you find yourself in California, make sure to set aside some time to experience the world’s shortest train ride.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Bunker Hill district, the Angels Flight Railway is a delightful experience that spans a mere 298 feet – or just two city blocks – taking passengers on a journey that lasts less than a minute from beginning to end.
The History of Angels Flight
Angels Flight is a unique funicular railway that operates on a steep incline featuring two cars, known as Olivet and Sinai, running in opposite directions along a shared cable.
The railway has a Top Station located at California Plaza, and a Lower Entrance on South Hill Street.
First opened in 1901, Angels Flight has been a prominent landmark in Los Angeles. It initially connected Hill Street at the bottom of Angels Knoll and Olive Street, which now runs beneath California Plaza.
Operating until 1969, the railway was dismantled as the area underwent urban development to make way for new office buildings.
After being rebuilt half a block away in 1996, connecting Hill Street to the new California Plaza, the railway faced a setback in 2001 with a fatal incident leading to its closure.
Following a nine-year hiatus, Angels Flight resumed operation in 2010 but was closed again in 2013 after a derailment, highlighting critical safety concerns that needed immediate attention.
The railway underwent a comprehensive transformation and received modern upgrades, reopening to the public in 2017, solidifying its status as a top tourist attraction in the city.
Angels Flight’s Hollywood Spotlight
While Angels Flight is a popular tourist destination, it has also graced the big and small screens in numerous TV shows and films.
The railway made its screen debut in the 1918 film Good Night, Nurse! and was later featured in 1920’s All Jazzed Up.
Notably, Angels Flight appeared in the 2011 film The Muppets, where Jason Segel’s character sang the Oscar-winning song Man or Muppet.
Despite being closed to the public at the time, Angels Flight operated for a day in 2016 to film a scene starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the Oscar-winning film La La Land.
Visitor Information
Angels Flight is open daily from 6:45 am to 10 pm, including weekends and holidays, offering a nostalgic journey for just $1 each way. Visitors can also choose to purchase a souvenir ticket for $2.
For a brief yet unforgettable experience that encapsulates the essence of Los Angeles’ history, culture, and charm, be sure to take a ride on Angels Flight, where every journey is a story waiting to be told. 🚃🏙️