Duquesne Incline
Ride a historic incline railway for breathtaking panoramic views of Pittsburgh's iconic skyline and rivers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Duquesne Incline
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic incline railway for breathtaking panoramic views of Pittsburgh's iconic skyline and rivers.
"One of the must do attractions in Pittsburgh with amazing views from the top."
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneywithwings: Tickets are $5 roundtrip for adults, cash only! ATM available at top but has fees.
Paid Parking Available
:red_car: Lot at lower station, approx. $10/24hrs. Worth it for convenience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Upper Station Observation Deck
Breathtaking vistas of Pittsburgh's skyline, rivers, and bridges. A truly iconic sight!
+1
Historic Incline Ride
Carriage
Experience a charming 2-3 minute journey on a vintage cable car, a piece of Pittsburgh history.
Working Museum
Upper Station
Discover the fascinating mechanics and history of the incline in this small, informative exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King for Tickets
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneywithwings: Tickets are $5 roundtrip for adults, cash only! ATM available at top but has fees.
Paid Parking Available
:red_car: Lot at lower station, approx. $10/24hrs. Worth it for convenience.
Best Views at Dusk/Night
:city_sunrise: Catch the city lights! Less crowded near dusk.
No Restrooms Onsite
:toilet: Plan ahead! No restrooms at bottom or top stations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneywithwings: Tickets are $5 roundtrip for adults, cash only! ATM available at top but has fees.
Paid Parking Available
:red_car: Lot at lower station, approx. $10/24hrs. Worth it for convenience.
Best Views at Dusk/Night
:city_sunrise: Catch the city lights! Less crowded near dusk.
No Restrooms Onsite
:toilet: Plan ahead! No restrooms at bottom or top stations.
Family-Friendly Ride
:child: Kids under 5 ride free! Great for train-obsessed little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Duquesne Incline as a must-do Pittsburgh attraction, highlighting its breathtaking skyline views and historic charm. The affordable price and unique ride experience are major draws. However, the lack of restrooms and the cash-only ticket policy are recurring points of inconvenience for some. +1
"One of the must do attractions in Pittsburgh. Paid parking is available at the lower station. You need to pay cash for tickets. 5$ per adult. Kids below 5 rides free. The carriage travel was quick and took us to the upper station. View is amazing from the top. There is a small working museum on how the incline works if you are interested. Overall took us less than 1hr"
vimal hbk
"This sorta feels like one of those things you need to do when you go to Pittsburgh. Parking is in the huge dirt surface lot on the street below. It’s $10 for 24 hours there didn’t seem to be another option.
The incline itself is $5 per person, cash only. If you don’t have cash they’ll give you an IOU. There’s an ATM at the top, you can give them your money when you come back down.
There’s lift is a little rickety but you get great views on the 2-3 minute ride up. At the top there’s a small gift shop but you’re probably coming for the views. They’re worth the price of admission alone.
We went near dusk so there wasn’t a line or many people waiting to take pics. There’s probably other stuff to do up there but it was cold and windy, so we snapped pics and left.
Parking price aside, totally worth it."
Jay
"A must-see attraction in Pittsburgh. You can take the mountain train to the highest point. When you walk out of the station, you can overlook the downtown Pittsburgh from the observation deck. It is very beautiful. You must also visit the working museum at the top of the mountain station. The ticket is cheap but only cash is accepted. There is a parking lot opposite the station at the bottom of the mountain where you can park."
Chun-Cheng Chang (張鈞程)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Duquesne Incline is located at 1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA. You can drive and park in the paid lot at the lower station, or use public transportation.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the lower station, typically around $10 for 24 hours.
Yes, the Duquesne Incline is part of Pittsburgh's public transportation system and can be accessed via bus routes.
For families, driving and parking at the lower station is often convenient. The ride itself is a hit with children, especially those who love trains.
The ride itself is quick, taking only about 2-3 minutes to reach the upper station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are $5 for a roundtrip or $2.50 one-way. Children aged 6-11 are $1.25 one-way or $2.50 roundtrip. Children under 5 ride free.
No, tickets are purchased on-site at the lower station. It's recommended to have cash, as cards are not accepted.
The Duquesne Incline is open daily from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, operating 365 days a year.
No, the Duquesne Incline only accepts cash or Port Authority tickets. There is an ATM at the top, but it has a withdrawal fee.
Children under 5 ride for free. Otherwise, the prices are quite affordable for the experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of Pittsburgh. There's also a small working museum detailing the incline's history and mechanics. +1
While the ride itself is accessible, the observation deck and museum area may have some limitations. It's best to inquire directly for specific accessibility needs.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms available at either the bottom or top stations of the Duquesne Incline, which can be inconvenient.
Most visitors spend less than an hour, including the ride up and down, enjoying the views and a quick look at the museum.
Many visitors recommend visiting near dusk to capture the city lights as they turn on, or during the golden hour for beautiful lighting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly at the incline stations, the surrounding Mount Washington neighborhood and downtown Pittsburgh offer numerous dining options.
There are no food or beverage services available at the Duquesne Incline itself. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, the Mount Washington area and downtown Pittsburgh have many family-friendly restaurants. Visitors often ask for recommendations for places with good views or kid-friendly menus.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation deck at the upper station offers the most iconic and expansive views of the Pittsburgh skyline, perfect for photography.
Many photographers prefer the 'golden hour' just before sunset for warm light, or after dark to capture the city's vibrant lights.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the carriage during the ride, offering unique perspectives of the ascent and the city.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require special arrangements.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline. For evening shots, a tripod can be helpful for stability and longer exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring cash for tickets, as credit cards are not accepted. Be prepared for the lack of restrooms at the stations, so plan accordingly before you go. Parking is available but paid. The views are a guaranteed hit with all ages, offering a memorable experience of Pittsburgh.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it one of the most affordable yet impactful attractions in Pittsburgh. Tips for saving money: Ensure you bring cash to avoid ATM fees at the top. While parking is paid, consider public transport options if available and convenient for your itinerary. The experience itself is the main draw, and it delivers immense value for the price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The observation deck provides a sweeping panorama perfect for capturing the city's unique landscape, especially during the golden hour or at night when the city lights illuminate the scene. Photography tips: Consider visiting during off-peak hours to have more space for your shots. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views. While the ride is short, the views from the carriage offer unique perspectives. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone, and be prepared for the visual feast that awaits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Ride Through Pittsburgh History
+1At the upper station, you'll find a working museum that delves into the fascinating engineering and history behind the incline. This small but informative exhibit showcases original machinery and historical photographs, providing context for the incredible feat of engineering that allowed Pittsburgh to thrive on its hilly terrain. It’s a great way to understand the significance of the incline beyond just the stunning views.
Many visitors find the experience deeply nostalgic and a unique way to appreciate Pittsburgh's unique geography and its industrial roots. It’s a reminder of how innovation shaped the city and continues to be a beloved landmark.
Capturing the Iconic Pittsburgh Skyline
For photographers, timing is key. Visiting near dusk allows you to capture both the fading daylight and the emerging city lights, creating a dynamic and memorable shot. While the ride itself is short, the views from the top are worth lingering for. Many visitors recommend bringing a camera or smartphone ready to capture the breathtaking scenery.
While the main viewpoint is the observation deck, don't forget to look for unique angles from the carriage itself during the ascent or descent. The combination of historic architecture and the modern cityscape makes for compelling photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit