Best value for the tourist in me (and you)! I highly recommend the Duquesne Incline, especially to new-comers or visitors. It was just the ticket to get my bearings and know where I had been and where I wanted to go next in downtown Pittsburgh. At the time of this post, the fee was a mere $4.50 for an adult for a roundrip ticket aboard the cable car to the top of the Mt. Washington neighborhood. It was another 50 cents for a self-guided tour of the inner workings of the cables that work the cars. The best part? The views! Specatular views of downtown are to be had so click away taking all those photos to post on FaceBook. An added bonus? Get all the free brochures together in the shop at the top and you'll find a jewel of a map of the city from the bicycle rental company. You'll be able to locate items on the map to match what you're looking at. While you're at the top, don't pass the chance to dine at one of the restaurants with a view. Check out my review for the Grandview Saloon nearby which has an outdoor deck. Note also there's a free parking lot for the Incline but also note it contains quite a few steps to the loading deck in case that's of significance to you. read more

Duquesne Incline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

Wow. This 'tourist attraction' hits it all. Cheap ($5 round trip I believe, cash), great views, historical, fun, just awesome! I'm a photographer so I wanted to get up Mt. Washington because this is THE place for skyline views. I ended up going at the perfect time, just when the sun was going down. It was such a wonderful experience. If I lived there, I'd go up there to eat often or just simply sit and write or shoot (my camera). The Duquesne Incline (dew-kayn) is an inclined plane railroad that scales Mt. Washington at a 30 degree angle. Designed by Samuel Diescher, the incline was completed in 1877. Originally steam powered, the Duquesne Incline was built to carry cargo up and down Mt. Washington in the late 19th century. It later carried passengers, particularly Mt. Washington residents who were tired of walking up footpaths to the top. Inclines were then being built all over Mt. Washington. But as more roads were built on "Coal Hill" most of the other inclines were closed. By the end of the 1960s, only the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline remained. When we got to the top, there were pictures all over the wall and postcards/souvenirs for sale. And when you step out and walk along the street, there are several restaurants (had a very nice dinner (Pittsburgh style chicken salad) and drinks at the Grandview Saloon overlooking the beautiful view) and another great lookout area at Point of View Park just a half mile down. THERE ARE NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS. You must order a drink or something to use the ones in the restaurants (or sneak in like we did). Turns out I was in Pittsburgh at a very special time. A friendly, floating, four-story-high Rubber Duck had arrived. The duck has been on display in Amsterdam, Lommel (Belgium), Osaka, Sydney Harbour, Sao Paulo and Hong Kong and arrived in the US for the first time in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 at the Allegheny River. It was an art installment with this point: The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn't discriminate and doesn't have a political connotation. Visitors from across the country and Canada to see the duck, shining like a beacon on Pittsburgh's water. And it generated tens of millions of dollars for the economy. ***Please note that when I visited, my original plan was to start at the Mono incline but it wasn't operating. This was a big deal for many because this is more than just a tourist attraction. It's locals ride to and from work/home. So if this is something you really, really want to see (and you should), leave a little wiggle room in case you show up and it is closed. Fortunately, I went on down to the Duquesne which was operation. read more

See all

First of all, it's a National Historic Landmark!! The Duquesne Incline opened in 1877 and runs along a 794 foot long track, climbing 400 feet in elevation up a 30.5 degree grade. It still runs today carrying up to 18 passengers per car at a speed of 6 mph. The view from the top is tremendously awesome and offers a wonderful birds eye view of Pittsburgh. The tram operators are extremely friendly and offered us a number of great suggestions while visiting Pittsburgh. Interesting stuff to see in a self guided tour and plenty of history to read about. read more

Duquesne Incline - Long exposure photograph from the outdoor viewing area - awesome view of Pittsburgj!!! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We had limited time to spend in Pittsburgh on a beautiful Sunday morning so we decided to visit the incline. It was a smart choice because it was a great view and cheap to do. The reviews say to take exact change, but there was a friendly worker there assisting people with the change machine so it wasn't a big deal if you didn't have exact change. No cards though. Must have cash. There was an observation deck at the top to take pics at and had two of the quarter viewing thingies to get close up on whatever you wanted to see. Souvenirs available at the top. read more

Did this just for the tourist factor. It's cool to go on at least once in your life, but my experience was pretty much: - Pay IN EXACT CHANGE (a very unhappy attendant - the Duquesne Incline nazi?) - Get on + ride to the top - Get off at the top, take a picture of the Pittsburgh skyline. There was a decent amount of people up there, so it was kind of hard to get a good view. - Look around at the newspaper articles inside the station (tried walking around to see if there was anything else to sight see outside the station at the top...I didn't see much except restaurants). It was pretty cool reading about the history of the incline, though. - Go back down Beware tourist buses stop here also. If you're caught in that, be prepared to wait a looonnng time (the train cars don't hold that many people) and be really crowded when you finally do get to the top station. read more

See all

Too highlights and lowlights 1) cheap! Only $5 per person round trip 2) great views from the top 3) service wasn't very friendly A co-worker and I decided to take a trip on the incline while on a business trip in Pittsburgh. The incline is about a 3 minute drive from downtown so very convenient if you are staying in the area. You have to pay to park, but it's not super pricy - $2 for the first hour and $1 per hour after that. The incline round trip ride is $5 per person round trip and they only take cash!! The service wasn't very friendly and the attendants seemed a little annoyed that the visitors (mostly tourists) didn't know what they were doing. However, the service is totally worth bearing through as the views from the top are incredible! There is plenty of room for photo ops outside, and some historical info about the incline in the entry building at the top. There are a few restaurants nearby at the top as well. We had lunch up there and the views were stunning! Overall, definitely a bucket list item for anyone who lives in or is visiting the Pittsburgh area. read more

Duquesne Incline - View from the bottom! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

Pretty cool experience. It's a nice ride up and down. It doesn't necessarily feel stable and it started storming on our way down so I was a little worried. But the views are gorgeous and worth the $5 round trip. Unfortunately, it felt like the experience was downed by the unnecessarily rude employees. The intercom doesn't work and instead of finding a different way to communicate, the worker was huffing and puffing because we weren't doing what she wanted (which we had no idea what that was since we couldn't hear her!) You need exact change in cash to ride. You provide your ticket at the end to a worker that doesn't tell you what she wants. She just holds her hand in front of you without saying a word. Everyone told us there were places to eat at the top and there was one that was opened. Other than that, it basically dropped you off in a neighborhood. read more

Walkable from downtown, but more complicated to get to than the Monongahela Incline. Here's how you do it: 1. Walk to the Fort Pitt Museum (which is this tiny building in Point State Park) 2. When you look at the main entrance to the museum, there's a ramp to the left side of the building, walk up this ramp, which will lead to a pedestrian walkway on the bridge. 3. Cross the bridge and stay on the path, which will lead you to an overpass. (With a parking lot on the right) 4. Go up and across the overpass, which lead you directly into the station entrance. I think this cable car is better than the Monongahela cable car because the seating is all one level, around the border of the car, whereas the other one is seating bleacher style. If you're riding the cable cars for pictures, I'd recommend the Duquesne Incline. read more

This was so much fun. I still remember it from last year. Its a quick and fun way to get to the top and enjoy the breathtaking Pittsburgh skyline. It even had like a mini museum at the top. read more

Duquesne Incline - The view when you get to the top - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Worth a visit if you've never been! The views are pretty phenomenal and on a clear day, you can see really far. The cable car comes pretty quickly so you never have to wait too long for a car. The cable car was a bit creaky but nothing that sounded concerning. You pay for tickets at the bottom station, and you can buy one way or round trip tickets (hang onto your round trip ticket, you have to return it when you go back). Note you need exact CASH change to buy tickets. They do have a coin exchanger, but no ATM as far as I could tell, so bring cash and be prepared. read more

How can you not love the history of the incline. Easy parking. Beautiful views, up, on top and down. A couple of place to get a bite to eat. Definitely worth a visit if you've never been. read more

Duquesne Incline - #burghproud #duquesneincline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Exact change only, if you don't have the right amount of money prepair to leave a juicy tip. It was a nice but short ride, truthfully I was expecting more. You cannot see that well through the windows and due how they pack it the view is nice but not pictureworthy. It is really old school, running since the early 1900's, worth a trip for sure. It gets full, expect to wiat in line but due to two trains running at all times, early morning till past midnight and the ride only going 5 minutes you will not wait long. The best views are from the upper platform, if you want to save your money just go up there and take some pictures, I think it is about $3 per person one way. read more

Duquesne Incline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is one from the archives as our trip up and down the incline was from last July. Obviously after this many reviews I'm not going to say anything that hasn't been said many times prior so I'll keep it short and sweet with a brief bullet pointed PSA: * Yes indeed exact change is where it's at. Bring it or have small bills for their change machine unless you have a golden dollar coin fetish because if it's just you and all you have are $20's you'll be swimming in the them. Also the woman behind the glass had the voice, demeanor and almost look of Roz from Monsters Inc. (I'm watching you for exact change Wazowski!) * The views are stellar and yes if you linger long enough you will be hit up by someone to take their picture with either the station in the background or the Pittsburgh skyline. We had two requests in under ten minutes. * Some Yelpers mentioned that parking could be an issue but for us we showed up around three in the afternoon on a Tuesday and there was no one across the street from the lower station except for two other cars and five tour buses for Boston's show over at Stage AE. If you're in Pittsburgh it's a classic, it's a cliche but it's also worthy of a ride to keep it going the same as always after almost 138 years. read more

See all

As an experience, it's alright. We had the same view from up too without riding the thing. That would have been fine because it's only 5 dollar round trip, but the lady working the booth was so rude. They have to find someone friendlier if they are working with people. read more

This is a great place to get an overview of the city and kind of cool to ride something that's been around longer than I've been alive. The ride itself is nothing special, but the views are nice. Cash only, exact change, the women who work there are a hoot. You can only pay on the down side and there's nothing to do at the top other than look around. Clearly it's a tourist destination and perhaps a decent place for a first date. read more

See all

Totally worth the $5 and yes it is touristy, but still a neat experience. Make sure to have exact change! If it is crowded at the overlook, you can leave the building at the turn right and walk to the top of the hill, it offers another clear view. Although it might be more overgrown with weeds during the warmer months. Easier to find parking at the bottom and that is also where they take the fare. read more

My dumbass accidentally chose the wrong incline, and man did I pay for it. I wanted to go on the Monongahela Incline, but frankly it's to hard to pronounce so I decided on this one instead. I didn't think there'd be too much of a difference, but now I see my massive mistake. The people at this incline are some of the rudest "customer service" people I've ever encountered. As soon as you walk in, the old bag behind the 100 year old counter barks at you immediately that it's exact change only. Okay, I get it, I can read. I haven't even approached to pay yet and you're yelling at me? We're the only people in here! It's 8pm on a Tuesday! As my friend and I were weighing our options for exact change, she kept yelling at us that they don't take credit card. The constant barging into our conversation made me seriously reconsider even patronizing the incline. I didn't ask your opinion on how to spend my money, lady. When we decided what we were going to do, she curtly interrupted us to again 'explain' how to pay. Again, stop creeping! I may not have even necessarily have had an issue with her constant disruption had she been friendlier. We took the trolley up, and the view was as gorgeous as expected. But this incline isn't the one that starts at Station Square and ends in Mt. Washington, so unless you brought your finest duds to dine in one of the fancy schmancy restaurants at the top, you'll be on a tiring little inclined hike to anything casual. The service here is such a poor representation of what Pittsburgh is all about. They should be ashamed that one of the most notable historical attractions in the area is ran by hooligans. I gave two stars, but only because of the view. The experience was most certainly one star. read more

Wanting to do some sightseeing while in Pittsburgh on a business trip I had some free time to visit both inclines. I parked my car in their parking lot and paid $2 for one hour. That's plenty of time to go up and down and go thru the little museum at the top. I then walked over to the ticket office and bought a RT for $5. Their car is different than the Monongahela which is a stacked 3 level car where the best view is on the lowest level. The Duquesne car is a flat one level car where every seat has a good view. The view here is of the point where the two rivers meet to form the Ohio. I personally think think this is a little bit better view but that's my opinion. You can also see downtown from here. When you get to the top they have a small museum that is free to walk around along with a nice viewing platform outside attached to the building. Also for .50 cents you can take a self guided tour underneath the building that shows the inner workings of the incline. I highly recommend doing this. It will take you about 5-10 minutes to look around even though you can stay longer. It is very interesting. At the top there are about 3-4 restaurants very near the top building. From what I could tell they were more high end and expensive restaurants than at the top of the Monongahela had. They all had great views looking out over the rivers. I prefer this inclines ride and view but like what is on top of the other incline better. Also Duquesne is more expensive. If you can do both. read more

See all

This is a MUST for residents and tourists. A red cable car ascend the incline of Pittsburgh's Mount Washington. It is the perfect way to get a skyline, panoramic view of Pittsburgh at day or night. I recommend going at night because the night view of Pittsburgh is priceless. One way trip cost $2.50, round trip cost $5, so the trip is definitely worth it. There is a mini museum once you get to the top of the incline. The downside is the you do need exact change; no credit cards are accepted. read more

See all

Bring cash and coins. Change is necessary, the incline only takes cash. Goes down and up. Sunset is the best time because you can see the reflection on PPG Place and overall it's a beautiful area for sunset. read more

I'm not one for touristy things but this is *the best* view of the city and well worth the few dollars to ride. We were there during a busy time and there was a line, but it wasn't too bad to wait. The paying process was a little funky - I recommend prepaying and using the electronic ticketing system. They only accept exact change in cash. It's a slow ascent up the hill in the old fashioned wooden cart. This one has great views from any seat so bring your camera! Once you get to the top, there's an overlook for prime city viewing and photo opportunities. Seriously breathtaking to see it in person! We took a walk down the street for more overlooks and house peeping - very cool architecture and nice homes along the overlook. Make sure to put this on your Pittsburgh bucket list. Worth it, I promise! read more

Come for the views, stay to get your ass chewed out by the old battle axe at the ticket counter. Not all bad since you won't understand what she is saying. Don't forget, exact change and no direct eye contact! read more

Duquesne Incline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Doesn't look like much when you walk past. This was a cool experience to be able to ride on a historical piece of equipment. Make sure you have exact change because if you don't your change becomes a "donation". This is a cash only attraction and if you need an ATM it's in the corner. There isn't a bathroom but at the top of the incline you can use the bathroom at the tavern across the street. Everyone should experience the incline at-least once. read more

Duquesne Incline - Pittsburgh Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

It's an incline but if you never been on it then I suggest you get your butt on it. Suggest to start at the bottom at Carson street and watch the city appear as you move away from the building. As you reach the building at the top you can walk around in side and see pictures dating from way back. Walk outside on the over looking cement deck to see the beautiful city of PGH (412) and the sports stadiums on the north shore. Hurry don't miss out. read more

This is pretty cool....the trolley up the incline has been operational since the early 1900s. Pro: boosts fabulous views Cons: only a spot a potty no public rest room There is no resting at this stop! $5.00 gets you 2 hours in the parking lot and the trolley ride is 2.50 a head so check out the neighborhood at the top .... maybe have lunch, use a public rest room. Ha! Worth the trip up....check out my phots. read more

See all

I was very excited to try the incline, and for the most part it did not disappoint. Walk from downtown was not a problem at all, maybe 20 minutes from Point State Park, and then another 10 minutes standing in a wait line at the bottom of the mountain. You need exact change to ride up the mountain and the lady behind the counter was extremely curt and unhelpful. I asked her a simple question and she didn't even answer - just stared at me until I put money into a bin. Strange. The view at the top was worth the walk and the wait. A+ view, best way to see the city for sure. We had to wait a little longer than normal to descend the mountain, I guess due to COVID restrictions, which was strange because while large groups were allowed to ascend, only small groups were allowed to descend. Almost a necessity to do at least once, but I can't see myself coming back. It would be nice to be able to pay with a card, or at least have some signage informing of the exact change rule before you approach the front desk, and the staff was downright horrendous, but at least the view was nice. read more

Great place to take out of town guests. Fantastic view of the city any time of year. Stop to read the history displays on the walls too. At the top, you can buy postcards, ornaments and a few other Pittsburgh themed items. Exact money only for a ticket! read more

Duquesne Incline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

Every city has your touristy "must do" and Duquesne fits into that list. It's a definite throwback to a time of short brick buildings that makes the Pittsburgh skyline, industrial zones dominating the landscape, and a quaint little slow ride bringing you up high on top the ridges to get a better view of Pittsburgh. For $5 round trip, you can experience the slow incline to the top station and you'll see some great views of Pittsburgh skyline, the 3 rivers, the 12+ bridges, their stadiums (NFL & Baseball), museums, and Point State Park. The ride is this very old and still fairly well maintained wooden "train" and you really feel the history when you're in it. The views are quite impressive and it's really windy up there ... don't wear your hat loosely or your gonna lose it. Quick tip ... they only take exact cash amount and they do have a machine that does break down $20 but you're going to get a lot of coins and ones! 2nd quick tip ... the parking below the bottom station says you can pay for an hour but once you try to use change or your credit card, the minimum is 2 hours. And really ... you might be here for only 25 minutes at most. read more

See all

While this quote completely does not apply to my experience, I would like to change the expression "The best view comes after the hardest climb" to "Amazing views are still worthwhile even if you didn't exercise much to get there"... alright, alright, a little clunky, I know. I'll keep working on it. So check it out peeps! This fantastic and inexpensive ($5.00 round trip or $2.50 each way - PS bring cash and exact change if you can) incline makes your life a cake walk while you are magically transported to the top of Mount Washington where you get to feast your eyes upon the beautiful buildings and bridges of Pittsburgh! There sure is a sea of yellow steel to take a gander at! For real, the view is truly amazing and if you're there with someone special, just wait to be dazzled the way I felt. I was not only teleported up a large hill; this incline gave me the ability to feel such a cute girly romantic tickle, and isn't that what we all really want? Once you're on top, take a walk around the Mount Washington neighborhood before you head down. There are even a few more views down the street that you won't want to miss! If you're feeling really sophisticated, check out the restaurant next door with gigantic glass windows to take in the view while you sip a hand crafted cocktail! Some say it's best to make a reservation however the bar had open seating for us! At the incline they also have a little gift shop area where you can buy certain trinkets - oh my gosh they have that machine where you pay .51 cents to turn a penny into an image - I am seriously such a sucker for that thing!!! So bring some quarters and pennies and have a blast, you guys! If you're looking to spend a little more on something substantial, don't worry, they have all kinds of other memorabilia goodies including ornaments!!! Highly recommend this experience to any and every Yelper I know! read more

One of the oldest incline in Pittsburgh history! Interior: Late 18th century wood carved designs- classical french style. Originally built for coal mining but ended up today as a tourist attraction. Very beautiful interior. The ride is steady and yet fun. View: Talk about breath taking! It's a beautiful view of Pittsburgh. Can you imagine how the past use to look? From at top, the view is just as great. You end up in a neighborhood but the attraction has as mini museum and souvenir shop. Cost: Round trip is $5 total. Have cash ready. Expect to pay per hr for parking. As an attraction, it's fun. Recommend going early or later at night. Expect a group of tourist during midday. read more

Duquesne Incline - The view at top. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

The Duquesne Incline sits atop Mt. Washington and travels a short distance down the mountain. You can park up top or at the bottom of the Incline. I suggest you park at the bottom as there is more space. Once you are at the top the views of Downtown Pittsburgh are stunning. It is such a pretty City. The original cars are used and there is a small self-guided tour museum you can take with all the machinery and photos of Pittsburgh from years past. It is a unique thing to see and do. You will not many inclines in operation in the U.S. so when in Pittsburgh, take a ride on the Incline. It is fun. read more

We came during the Labor Day weekend and it was very busy, probably because everyone wanted to take pictures of the sunset. The line was out to the street but that did not detour us! It was about a 30 minute wait which wasn't too bad when you are in good company, it goes by quickly. It is $2.50 each way and you can either pay for one way or for roundtrip. The incline takes you up where you will get a view of Pittsburgh! The skyline was absolutely beautiful at night! There are many great night shots that you can take! If you ever visit Pittsburgh, you need to do this because it is such a breathtaking sight. read more

See all

Recommend this for an amazing view. $5 round trip per adult. Very shirt ride but the view of the rivers and stadium are amazing. A few restaurants within walking distance and residential neighborhoods at the top. Ample paid parking at the bottom and a little souvenir and convenience store in the station at top. read more

See all

Yes. So much yes. This is definitely a spot to check out if you are in town, or even if you are a local and haven't been! It's a simple attraction that doesn't take a whole lot of time and gives you a GREAT view of the city. *Bring Cash. The ticket booth is a cash only system...and for some reason they only accept exact change (Despite how there was someone working at the counter. Odd...but ok)* There is a parking lot on West Station Square Drive. I'd keep an eye out for that street on the map. If you have your gps to Carson Street (the main address), your likely to miss the turn. The parking meter accepts cash and credit cards. The trolley car itself goes very slow and stays level the entire time. Those w motion sickness or people uncomfortable with roller coasters should not be worried. It's a fun experience and great for kids! read more

See all

We are in the 21st century yet there is no way to pay for your ticket to go on the incline using your credit or debit card. The only accepted forms of payment are cash or bus card. There isn't even an ATM to draw cash at the ticket booth. On top of that, we paid $5 for parking! Outrageous. While the view is great and it is one of the few quintessential Pittsburgh things to do, the customer service could be way better and the ticketing system desperately needs an update. In today's modern era, who carries cash anyway? read more

What a unique attraction! Highly recommend trip here. Wonderful for all ages. Historic, fun and the view from the top is spectacular. Good gift shop. Take the 50 cent tour of the gear house! Make sure you get a pressed penny, too. Ice cream and water for sale. Such fun! read more

See all

Its one of the recommended things to do at Pittsburgh if you are visiting for the first time. I guess I had too much expectations after reading through all the reviews. If you are going to visit this place you should go at nights. However this also means you really need to time your buses and cant afford to miss them. The stop is really secluded. I went with my friends around 10-11 and we had to wait a looong time to get our bus. As you go to the top and from the top you get to see the pretty skyline. I admit its indeed a beautiful downtown Pittsburgh skyline but its not a place where you can spend more than half hour. Especially if you happen to make it during winter night. The cable car ride makes the journey to the top interesting. Its very old but I like the ride. Im always curious how it moves as it feels like the cable car is balancing only from one side. IMO, its a one time visit place. read more

All I know is I can't wait to rewatch Flashdance! This is the ride Alex took up the hill to visit Hannah. Fits 18 people at a time, and if you're lucky and time it right, you can quickly get aboard. We lucked out because a giant tour bus was arriving as we made our exit on the return trip. There is a handy parking lot at the bottom and be advised there are plenty of steps to get up there! read more

Such a great way to see all of Pittsburgh and the $10 donation (cash only) is makes it a cheap event fir read more

Duquesne Incline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I'm from Cincinnati which is known as the city of seven hills. As a bit of a history buff, I became fascinated by the remains of our long gone incline railways as a child. Needless to say, I was elated upon discovering Pittsburgh had two still in use. I had to ride both. I chose to ride "The Duke" uphill to Grandview Ave and walk about a mile to ride the Monongahela down. What a view! Just the right blend of old , but kept up exactly as I would want. Not too overly done and polished, but somehow perfect. It's $2.50 each way and pay the extra 50 cents to tour the machine room if you appreciate engineering and mechanics at all. The mile at the top might be slightly challenging for some less able, but it's a breathtaking view. My only regret is not having gone back to see the Duke at night. It will be my priority next visit. read more

See all