First time visiting the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of the Duquesne Incline
The story of the Duquesne Incline stretches back to 1877 when it opened on May 20 to transport commuters up Mount Washington in Pittsburgh.
Today it remains one of America’s few historic funicular railways still operating. Passengers ride in original wooden cable cars up the steep hillside where a panoramic observation deck offers what many consider one of the world’s best skyline views — in fact, it was ranked among the top 10 city-scapes by USA Today.
The lower station houses the starting point at 1197 West Carson Street, while the upper station at 1220 Grandview Avenue includes a working museum of incline machinery. Visiting the Duquesne Incline is not just about the view — it’s a ride through engineering history and local heritage.
Opening hours of the Duquesne Incline
- Every day of the year: 6 : 30 am – 12 : 30 am
Note: The incline runs year-round, offering morning to late-night access.
Ticket prices at the Duquesne Incline
- Adults (ages 12-64): $2.50 each way or $5 round trip
- Children (ages 6-11): $1.25 each way or $2.50 round trip
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Seniors 65+ (with qualifying PA card): Free
- Cash only: Exact fare required; no advance tickets or card payments.
How to get to the Duquesne Incline & parking
Location of the Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is located at 1197 West Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 for the lower station; the upper station is at 1220 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211.
Parking & transport
- Paid parking is available near the lower station lot.
- Metered street parking also exists around the South Shore area, though steps and hill-walks may be required.
- The incline is also part of Pittsburgh’s public transit network; bus routes drop near the station.
Accessibility & visitor tips for the Duquesne Incline
- The upper station observation deck is wheelchair-accessible; the cable cars can accommodate wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide.
- No restrooms are available at the stations — plan accordingly.
- Bring exact change — cash only fare collection; there is a change machine but no card acceptance.
- Ride during off-peak times (early morning or after 8pm) to avoid queues. Weekend afternoons can be busy.
- Weather can be cool and windy at the upper station — dress accordingly.
What you’ll experience at the Duquesne Incline
The ride up to Mount Washington is brief but memorable — you’ll ascend in a vintage cable car offering dramatic views as you rise above downtown Pittsburgh and the three rivers. On arrival at the upper station you’ll find a viewing deck with expansive city panoramas, bridge and river perspectives, and a small museum of the incline’s machinery and history.
Whether you’re capturing photos of the skyline at sunset or simply enjoying the sense of history in motion, the Duquesne Incline combines a scenic thrill with cultural significance — a ride worth adding to any Pittsburgh itinerary.
The Duquesne Incline: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the ticket prices? | Adults $5 round trip; children ages 6-11 $2.50 round trip; children 5 and under free; cash only. |
| What are the opening hours? | Every day 6:30 am to 12:30 am. |
| Where is it located? | 1197 West Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (lower station); upper at 1220 Grandview Ave, PA 15211. |
| Is parking available? | Yes — paid lot near lower station; kite walking and some steps involved. |
| Is the attraction accessible? | Yes — upper deck is wheelchair accessible; cable cars accommodate wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide. |
Nearby attractions
- Point State Park — Scenic riverside park located near the mouth of Pittsburgh’s three rivers.
- Station Square — Historic entertainment complex and transit hub just across the Monongahela River.
- Mount Washington Viewpoints — Additional scenic overlooks and walking paths around the hillside above the incline.
- Fort Pitt Museum — Historic fort site and museum tracing Pittsburgh’s early colonial and frontier era.
- Monongahela Incline — Another historic funicular nearby, offering different views up the hill and access to Grandview Avenue.
Other Pittsburgh attractions worth considering include the Cathedral of Learning, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Andy Warhol Museum.
You can explore Pittsburgh with a hop-on, hop-off bus pass. Pittsburgh experiences include bike tours full of stories, guided whiskey-themed walks and craft beer sampling on a multi-brewery tour.
For Pittsburgh hotels with great reviews, try the Italian villa-style Priory Hotel or the often good value Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown.
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