Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

Eyes on the Street: Angels Flight Running Again

The nearly 300-foot Angels Flight railway resumed operations today in downtown Los Angeles. All photos: Joe Linton/Streetsblog L.A.

This morning, downtown Los Angeles' historic narrow-gauge funicular Angels Flight railway resumed operations. The 33 percent grade 298-foot railway had been closed since a derailment incident in 2013.

Angels Flight originally opened in 1901 in a nearby Bunker Hill location. In its heyday it carried more passengers per mile than any other railway in the world, over 100 million in its first 50 years. The funicular was shut down in 1969, a victim of Bunker Hill redevelopment. In 1996, L.A.'s Community Redevelopment Agency re-opened the line, moving it to its current location between 3rd and 4th Streets. The railway was shut down in 2001 after a brake failure crash killed one passenger. It reopened in March 2010, operating through 2013.

Trips cost $1, or 50 cents for Metro pass holders.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Councilmember José Huizar about to celebrate today's first ride up Angels Flight
Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Councilmember José Huizar about to celebrate today's first ride up Angels Flight.
false
Angels Flight resumed operations today
Angels Flight resumed operations today.
false
Angels Flight extends from Hill Street to California Plaza
Angels Flight extends from Hill Street to California Plaza.
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Legislative Update: It’s Over.

Did your favorite/least favorite bill make it to the finish line?

September 15, 2025

Today’s Headlines

Leg. Session Is Over. Wrap-up later today, but there's some highlights in headlines.

September 15, 2025

How Millions For Transit, Walking, and Biking Could Vanish On Sept. 30

The Trump administration may be deliberately slow-walking contracts for hard-earned transportation dollars.

September 14, 2025

The Week in Short Videos

This week: Transit Aid for the Bay, Cap-and-Trade, New Oil Licenses, and the Housing Near Transit Bill.

September 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

A big legislative update...

September 12, 2025

SB 79 Passes Assembly, Still Needs Senate “Concurrence” Before the Governor’s Desk

It was a bi-partisan vote on both sides, but in the end the legislation passed 41-17.

September 11, 2025
See all posts