Angels Flight Railway — Attraction in Los Angeles

My experience with the female employee with blue eyes working today (8/11/2025) in the ticket office at the top of Angel’s Flight led me to look past the overall 4.5-star rating on their Google page and check if anyone with a 1-star review had a similar experience. Sure enough, I found quite a few reviews - and one of them even from five years ago describing a female attendant’s rude behavior. If it’s the same person (and the description makes it seem likely), that says everything you need to know about this establishment’s long-standing disregard for customer service.

Here’s what happened:
 My family and I accidentally ended up on South Olive Street, which if you go up a few flights of stairs will lead you to the ticket office at the top of the hill. However, Google Maps lists the location at the base, on South Hill Street. We luckily found parking, and since most of my family isn’t good with stairs, I went alone to the top to first check whether we could buy round-trip tickets there instead of the bottom station.

As I arrived, a train had just pulled in and passengers were disembarking. I waited to the side by the railing until most of them cleared out or bought extra tickets. Just as the last few were leaving, another group arrived and stood in front of me. I figured they didn’t see me, and I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I walked around to the right side and waited there. Once the others had finished, I stepped up to the window to ask my question.

The female employee seemed confused and asked who was first, assuming I had cut in line. I explained that I had been waiting and was first in the line. While I understand and appreciate her trying to manage the line fairly, but it seemed like she immediately decided that I cut in line because her attitude quickly turned dismissive and condescending.

When I asked whether I could purchase round-trip tickets from the top, her response was: “All the information you need is posted over there,” followed by a remark that I was “wasting the other customers’ time.” I was stunned by her tone. I tried to explain that I came to ask because Google Maps directed us to the bottom station, to which she replied, “It doesn’t matter what Google Maps says,” and continued to brush me off.

I was bewildered. Not only did I feel disrespected, but she then pressed further about why I approached from the right side. I again explained that I was originally on the left, but the group had blocked me, so I simply walked around them. I even pointed out that if they had security cameras, they could see that I was waiting first all this time. At that point, I was beyond disbelief at her lack of professionalism that I had lost interest in the ride altogether. I told her, “I’m not coming here anymore,” and began to walk away.

If you think this interaction was bad, well, it gets worse. To my shock, she actually stuck her head out the window and called after me: “You know I have the right to refuse service to you, right?” I’m not sure if she was high on a power trip or just wanted to have the last word, but that was highly inappropriate to say to anyone.

I was also a customer and should be treated no less than the other customers. I didn’t confront the group for cutting in front of me because I assumed they didn’t see me, and I know all of us are here to have a good time. Never would I have expected that I would face such confrontation and disrespect from an employee of this...

🚋 Angels Flight Railway – The Shortest (and Most Historic) Ride in LA ⛰️✨ Tucked away in Downtown Los Angeles, Angels Flight Railway is a historic funicular that has been carrying passengers up and down Bunker Hill since 1901. Known as "The World's Shortest Railway," this charming, orange-and-black railway is a must-see for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun, quick ride in the city.

🌟 Why It’s Worth Visiting 🚋 A Living Piece of LA History – Operating for over 120 years, Angels Flight is an iconic part of the city’s past. 🎬 Famous Filming Location – Featured in movies like La La Land, 500 Days of Summer, and The Muppets, making it a cool stop for film buffs. ⛰️ Perfect for Exploring Downtown LA – Links Grand Central Market (at the bottom) to California Plaza (at the top), making it a great shortcut up Bunker Hill. 💰 Super Affordable – One of LA’s cheapest attractions—just $1.00 per ride ($0.50 with a Metro TAP card).

✅ Pro Tips for Visitors ✔ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for fewer crowds and the best photo ops. 📸 ✔ How to Ride: Purchase a ticket at the kiosk or pay with a Metro TAP card for a discount. ✔ Parking: 🚗 Park at nearby lots or take the Metro (Pershing Square Station is a short walk away). ✔ Make a Day of It: After riding Angels Flight, grab lunch at Grand Central Market, visit The Broad Museum, or check out Walt Disney Concert Hall.

🔥 Final Take Angels Flight is a charming, historic landmark that offers a quick and fun way to experience old-school LA. Whether you're a first-time visitor, a film buff, or just exploring Downtown, this tiny railway is a must-visit piece of LA history. A short ride, but a...

Angels Flight Railway is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience! This iconic, historic funicular is not just a ride, it’s a journey through the heart of Los Angeles with incredible views and an undeniable charm that takes you straight into the city's past.

From the moment you step on board, you’re transported to a simpler time. The classic orange-and-white cars give you a glimpse into the early 1900s, while the ride itself provides sweeping views of Downtown LA’s skyline, offering a whole new perspective of the city. It’s like taking a mini adventure right in the middle of one of the busiest places in the world.

The ride is smooth, quick, and fun, making it perfect for both locals and tourists alike. It’s a fantastic way to get from the top of Bunker Hill to the bottom, or vice versa, in a way that’s more memorable than just taking an elevator or walking. For such a short ride, it packs in a ton of history, beauty, and excitement.

The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and the affordable fare makes it accessible for everyone. The vibrant colors and historic significance of Angels Flight Railway make it an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

Whether you're taking a quick ride for fun or using it as a convenient way to get around, Angels Flight Railway is a quintessential LA experience. Don’t miss out on this historical treasure that has been a part of the city for...