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Angels Flight Railway

4.5 (494 reviews)
Open 6:45 am - 10:00 pm

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Don M.

Jen and I did a walking tour of DTLA and after enjoying a meal at the Grand Central Market and checking out the Bradbury Building, we stumbled onto the Angels Flight Railway. I hesitated when Jen asked if we could ride it, but then my Carpe Diem kicked in and we enjoyed the quick novelty ride. With so many wonderful small niche adventures disappearing, do yourself a favor and try this at least once. I'm glad we did.

Jenn M.

A funicular in downtown Los Angeles? And it's only a dollar to ride? Yes please! This charming and beautiful attraction is worth a trip. Right across the street from Grand Central market you'll find this adorable angels flight funicular. Grab the family and take a ride to the top or a round-trip. Highly recommend!

carrier pigeon ad
Jenny S.

something every LA native should do exactly once...but maybe not more than that. at $1.50 one-way or $3 round-trip, it's a super cheap way to skip some steps (though it's only like three flights of stairs), but it takes a while to get loaded and going (and that's when there's no line). take the stairs down toward grand central and take angels flight back up! once! otherwise, i recommend walking if you can, you're crammed in your seats and will be hearing whatever conversations your neighbors are having:p fun fact, the carrier pigeon service was real and very effective!

Carl N.

Angels Flight Railway is a historic 298 funicular railway of transportation and operating since 1901. It's located in DTLA and has two cars named Sinai and Olivet. The price to take the railway up to Bunkerhill top and the fair is $1.50 one way. It's a good way to skip the bloody steep stairs. I remember the first day it was built to help people get over the steep hill. Seeing it again after 124 yrs was truly amazing and the colors are brighter and bolder than the last time I remembered. Overall, this little AFR is a must visit for tourist. I recommend it.

Ryan S.

Angels Flight Railway is one of those perfectly quirky Los Angeles experiences that feels both nostalgic and completely unique. Riding it honestly feels like stepping into another era, especially knowing how much history is packed into such a short trip. It's charming, a little old fashioned, and very cool to see still operating in the middle of downtown. The fare is only three dollars round trip, or half that if you use a Metro TAP card, which feels like a small reward for being practical. More importantly, it saves you from tackling a long, steep staircase up the hill, which alone makes the ride feel like a smart life choice.

Glen N.

Opening in 1901, it also opened the same year as the legs of the moms of Walt Disney, Clark Gable, Frank Zamboni, and Stella Adler, who were all born the same year, Running 1901-1969, the world's shortest railway (298-315 ft) was initially a necessity for the affluent Victorian homeowners. It was officially named "Angel's Flight" with a sign in 1912, possibly foreshadowing the two deaths to come. One death was when sailor John Gaddy, in 1943, tried walking up the track and was hit and killed by a car on its way down. So, stay of the tracks, kids. Even when the inevitable John Gaddy Tik Tok Challenge appears. LA faced redevelopment in the 1960s, and the operation was dismantled in 1969, a few months before I was born. Maybe I am the reincarnation of Angel's Flight? That would at least explain the track marks on my arm. Angel's Flight reopened in 1996 in this new location, for sake of history, though marketed as a tourist novelty, offering 50 cent rides. He was busy working on his demo tape, so they offered EVERYONE rides. The two funicular cars, named Olivet and Sinai, retain their vintage, early 20th-century Beaux-Arts style, featuring their iconic orange and black paint and polished wooden interiors, creating a contrast of "old LA" against the modern skyscrapers. Angels Flight was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 13, 2000. A gear train disconnected from the service brake and one of the cars (Sinei) fell backwards, crashing into the other car, killing a man in 2001. It reopened in 2010, following rigorous demands from safety agencies, primarily adding a secondary safety cable, balancing load, and a track brake mounted on each car (both missing in the 1996 redesign). They also added a "Do Not Walk on the Tracks, John" sign. Following a derailment, service was suspended again in 2013. Allegedly the brake system was intentionally bypassed with someone with a tree branch. So, if you see Pinocchio board, I'd get off. No lie. By 2015, the director of Disney Hall argued the railway was an important "economic link", so Mayor Garcetti pushed for a full-scale modernization that ensured the railway met the highest accepted industry safety standards. Until next time. In reopened in 2017. By the 2025, the price was $1.50. Thanks, Obama. My recommendation for a great, cheap LA experience. Park near the top of Angel's Flight (Grand between 3rd and 4th) , walk down the adjacent stairwell for views (or photo/video) of the car (with or without your friends or family aboard) to the Grand Central Market for lunch, ride Angel's Flight back up, and then use your free tickets to the Broad Museum a block away. (See separate reviews) Angel's Flight also been in many movies, books, and TV shows, like La La Land, the Saint, Bosch, and the Perry Mason remake. Hopefully it will not appear in Forensic Files.

Cristina A.

What's not to love It's cheap, it's fast, it's nostalgic! Runs regularly and is right across from grand central market and you can take it up to the museums like the Broad on the next street over it saves you about 100 stairway steps.

Amber M.

I saw several videos on social media recommending that I go to Angels Flight Railway if I ever visited downtown Los Angeles. Well, I was in DTLA for my birthday and I stayed at the Omni Los Angeles. All guests at the hotel are given complimentary tickets to Angels Flight Railway which happens to be adjacent to the hotel via the third floor. Angels Flight is a historic, 298-foot funicular railway in Downtown Los Angeles, often called the "world's shortest railway". Operating since 1901 with two cars--Sinai and Olivet--it connects Hill Street and Grand Avenue, providing a steep, one-minute ride between the Metro station and Bunker Hill. If you're ever in DTLA, I recommend you ride this 1 minute railway. It's only $1.50.

Mayi B.

Angels Flight is such a cool experience in L.A history. The ride is super short, literally about a minute, and I learned it's actually the shortest railway in the world! The carts are comfortable and it's crazy to think this thing has been around since 1901. It's only $1.50 each way, and you can pay by card . The lady selling the tickets was so friendly, told me to keep my tickets as a souvenir. It connects Hill Street and Grand Avenue, right across from Grand Central Market, so it's easy to stop by before or after food. I got some really nice photos from the top, even though it was cloudy, there's still a great view of downtown. And a big plus that is clean and feels safe specially cause downtown area can feel unsafe sometimes. but Definitely worth the stop.

Nori F.

Stop by for a fun (short) ride and enjoy part of LA's history. You can board across the street from Grand Central Market (Hill street). At the top of the hill, you can then walk around to see the Broad Museum, MOCA, and Walt Disney Concert Hall which are all located at the top of the hill, on Grand which is a quick (10 minute) walk. It's been in a lot of films, but more recently in La La Land, which is so fun! Fare is $1.50 and I am not sure if it will change, but best to bring some cash!

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Te-see B.

I can't believe I have never been on the shortest railway until now! 118 years old!!! WOW! It first opened to the public in 1901...For $1.50 you can take a quick ride up or down the hill. We were at The Grand Central Market across the street when my good friend Renee was in town and suggested we take a ride! I have seen it on TV and movies but didn't really know it was open to the public! DUH! I loved every minute of this adventure! It is a tiny train with wooden seats. Very nostalgic! *A MUST if you are in DTLA by Grand Central Market!

Quintin E.

Flight to the top and/or back to ground level, Angels Flight aka Angels Flight Railway is nearly a century + a quarter of century old experience service up Los Angeles in Downtown since 1901 in all the best ways. "The best way to travel 298 feet in DTLA!" - Megan R. "Angel's Flight is a funicular railway, meaning its cable-driven connecting to places on an incline. It may look a little intimidating but it's just good, clean fun! It's a short trek, just under 300 feet and a minute but it also costs just $2 for a roundtrip or $1 one way." - Sarah S. "A ride on Angels Flight Railway should be experienced by every Angeleno at least once." - Isobel L. And I couldn't agree with these Yelpers, Elites and All-Star Elite even more! Located near the intersection northeast side of 4th & Hill Street directly on Hill you can ride this iconic attraction daily as early as 6:45 am until as late as 10 at night. The fare is now $1.50 each way in 2025, and for $3.00 you can also nab a cool physical round-trip souvenir printed ticket to keep #makememories #LAkeepsakes Being an L.A. native I used my TAP (LA Metro card) today (only $0.75 one way) as I've collected a few in the past from my days as an elementary school kid and middle schooler on field trips for the LA Unified School District as well as trips with my parents, grandparents, siblings and aunts (can't remember the uncles ever wanting to do this with us lol), not to mention trips with friends as an adult and special people in my heart including some no longer on this plane existence #AngelsOfMine Q Tip for TAP cardholders, you must load Stored Value to ride. From there you can enjoy some iconic views, sights and delights on top or explore Pershing Square, Grand Central Market and many wonders of DTLA. Angels Flight runs about every five minutes or so and won't take off until all seats are filled and all passengers are seated. The employees who make everything run smoothly are great. I typically recommend taking the train over as the Metro B - Red Line has a stop for Pershing Square Station a few feet away on 4th/Hill via it's East Exit/Entrance. You can also find parking for Grand Central Market and neighboring places very close by for a fixed price, availability may vary - more so on weekends. Whether a native, awesome transplant, passer through, frequent visitor or tourist/vacationer, this is one historical landmark any and all would recommend.

Michael T.

The Angels Flight stairway is a neat little piece of history and a good shortcut up the big hill between Hill Street and Olive in downtown LA. Previously it was just a novelty to me however recent I was able to use it to get to the food hall on Hill. I definitely understand why they built it as there is no easy way up or down otherwise. Each way it is $1.50 so it's a good way to take a fun little side trip if you need to. And with a Metro pass its half price at $0.75. The trolleys themselves have that old timey feel you don't see around too much these days. Worth a ride if you have the time or need. Five stars.

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Cool little experience, it leads to the bench in 500 days of summer. Great restaurants nearby, I think you can buy merch online too

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Ask the Community - Angels Flight Railway

Where to park?

I had to street park. I would recommend that over the parking lots where you have to pay a lot more. But either works!

Where can I pay my fare, in person or online?

You pay at site, at the top. So, if boarding at the top you pay before boarding. If boarding at the bottom, you pay at the top after exit.

Is angels flight closer to Pershing Metro or Civic Center Metro? 10-minute walk?

Pershing is one block away, at the corner of 4th and Hill (near lower AF station). That's about two blocks closer than Civic Center.

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Review Highlights - Angels Flight Railway

A historic railway in Downtown Los Angeles an the family enjoyed that we arrived right at Grand Central Market.

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Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

4.2(102 reviews)
7.8 miGriffith Park

Shout out to the staff here for really making this a great experience. They couldn't have been more…read morefriendly! We had a great time at the Live Railroad Museum. We got there right before opening and a little line began to form, but they had two trains running the day we went. We waited maybe 15 minutes in line to ride the train. The ride itself is probably 10 minutes or so and it goes on a nice little loop around the area. You pass little towns and figurines throughout the ride. The nature views and bridges along the way were also really lovely. The staff here is very serious when it comes to safety so be sure to keep those arms and feet inside! The only downside was that the seats in the train are pretty uncomfortable. So it's good the ride isn't too long! There are no seatbelts, but it doesn't go that fast and if you have a little one, you can just sit them in front of you and hold on to them. I didn't feel unsafe at all. Tickets were super affordable. It's a great activity for families! I will definitely be back. It's nice that travel town is right next door and there are plenty of areas to picnic if you bring your own food.

For just $4 per person as the suggested donation to ride the model train at the Los Angeles Live…read moreStreamers Railroad Museum, this train ride along a track that goes through small miniature towns, bridges, and tunnels that offers train passengers an open air experience for all ages! Easily accessible off the 5 freeway, exit from Zoo Drive by the L.A. Zoo. Parking is free and is located next door to Walt Disney's Barn. Donations are greatly appreciated and continues to be a low cost way of enjoying LA especially in the Griffith Park area! Open from 11am - 3pm, well worth the ride!

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Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum - Hours of operation as of 7-7-24

Hours of operation as of 7-7-24

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

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Travel Town Railroad

Travel Town Railroad

4.6(15 reviews)
7.8 miGriffith Park

This is such a cute spot for a low cost birthday party! While we were only attendees recently at my…read moreson's classmate's party, I can't imagine booking one of the picnic areas for a party to be any more expensive than it is at a regular park ... but normal parks don't have a huge number of full sized trains laying around, a train museum, and a rideable train (only $2-3 per ticket) that goes around the whole place! If your kid is a train lover, this is a great FREE place to visit. I still can't believe it was free lol. There's a play place for kids inside the museum, but you have to provide your own train toy for the tracks there. There's a gift shop near the museum where you can buy those. We bought our son one of those that you pull backwards, then it goes fast in forward motion on its own. Totally worth the $12 price tag because he hasn't put it down since, and even sleeps with it lol. You can't get into any of the trains, BUT there is a black one under the awning where many of them are that you CAN go up into. The kids were obsessed. There's plenty of space on the property to setup a picnic for the day that doesn't involve having to rent one of the covered spots. We were there for 3-4 hours walking around the grounds with the kids - a huge group of 3-7 year olds - and none of them got bored.

My family and I have been coming to Travel Town for many years…read more After entering travel town and walking past the many old steam engines that display there is a ticket booth and entrance to the miniature railroad. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children, the same as the Griffith railroad on the other side of park. The ride is a brisk 12 minutes or so and takes you around travel town with two laps across that time. The whole breadth of travel town is available to be seen, including the many steam engines, miniatures, gift shop, and more. The train you ride itself is comfortable, covered, clean and well maintained. They make an excellent ride for a family. Our kids loved it! As with Travel town's sister railroad on the other side of the park, I recommend sitting near the back of the train to avoid the exhaust smell. The staff are very friendly and clearly love their jobs - I don't blame them! The rest of travel town is otherwise quite limited. Aside from a large number of locomotives, and nice areas for picnic, the museum and other sites are fairly limited. You come to travel town to see the big locomotives and ride the miniature train - that's about it. A playground would go a long way! Thankfully, admission is free and parking is plentiful. You need not budget more than two hours for your visit unless you are a true train aficionado. Nonetheless, Travel Town is an excellent, worthwhile stop for families and especially those with children 8 and under.

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Travel Town Railroad
Travel Town Railroad
Travel Town Railroad

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Discovery Cube Los Angeles - The race way

Discovery Cube Los Angeles

3.6(417 reviews)
17.3 mi

We came to this location for the Mickey Mouse Exhibition. It was much farther than we had…read moreanticipated, and the location is much smaller than the one in Santa Ana. They also have similar activities like the other location, some different, but overall, great for kids! They offer many interactive activities for kids. (Bring your wipes and hand sanitizers!) They have plenty of parking, a small library, and a park right next to the location. Before even entering the Cube itself, kids will be distracted by the carousel just by the main entrance. There is a small food court, a gift shop, and 2 floors of exhibitions. They have plenty of restrooms around the area, which was nice for changing diapers or for toddlers needing a restroom break. There are plenty of staff and volunteers around the exhibits who can guide you or answer any questions. All the staff we encountered during our visit were friendly. They also have an outdoor area for picnics.

Playful and educational environment The Mickey Mouse…read moreclubhouse exhibit was very much enjoyed by kids and they have an unlimited carousel rides for $6 non members which is pretty cool We noticed the dinosaur fossil display near the exit and would love to see more interactive or hands on dinosaur exhibits designed specifically for toddlers in the future Bring your own hand sanitizers and wipes because given the interactive nature of museums I noticed that many hand sanitizer stations throughout the building were empty. Ensuring these would be consistently refilled would be a great improvement especially in a children's environment

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Discovery Cube Los Angeles - Parent and children creating a holiday gingerbread house

Parent and children creating a holiday gingerbread house

Discovery Cube Los Angeles - Festival of STEM

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Discovery Cube Los Angeles - Kid interacting with the exhibit

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Kid interacting with the exhibit

Angels Flight Railway - trains - Updated May 2026

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