Duquesne Incline – Scott's Blog

The Duquesne Incline is one of two remaining funiculars that ascend Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Opening in 1877, it originally carried cargo up the hill but quickly expanded to passengers whom preferred paying to ride than walking up the steep footpaths.

The commercial owners unexpectedly closed the incline due to declining traffic and needed major repairs; Local residents took action, raised funds, made repairs, and re-opened within nine months. Today, the incline is run by a non-profit organization and is one of Pittsburgh’s top tourist attractions. In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (reference #75001609) and in 1977 designated a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks (reference #27) by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Logistics

Getting There

When starting from the bottom, I recommend riding the bus from downtown Pittsburgh: it’s only one stop, you cross the Fort Pitt Bridge and you’re there. Our hotel was not in downtown, so I took light rail to the Liberty station and transferred to the bus at Stanwix + Penn FS, which seemed faster/easier than just riding the bus.

I have no recommendations when starting from the top, because likely you have a car or are staying with friends/family nearby. I believe buses are available at the top, but did not have the need to figure it out.

Cost To Ride

Tickets cost $2.50 per trip, $5.00 round-trip, cash only, paid at the bottom.

Alternatively, purchase a Pittsburgh Regional Transit day pass for $7.00 using the Ready2Ride mobile app, which covers all Pittsburgh mass transit (bus, light rail, etc.) and the incline. When you arrive, skip the line for paying cash, enter the station and scan your daily pass. Done.

Inclining and Declining

You might thing Ah, it’s just a ride up and down the hill, what’s the big deal. Yes, it’s a big deal, it’s very cool, open your eyes and take it all in.

The Carriage

The incline has two original – but refurbished – carriages, carrying a maximum of 18-25 people per trip. Passengers sit on wooden benches next to large windows that give 360° views. The ceiling is decorated, pressed tin with its original light – kerosene, I assume. As the trip is fairly short, passenger comfort is not a major concern: in early July, the carriage was definitely warmer than air temperature and I bet it’s borderline unbearable during extreme heat or cold.

Most passengers want to face towards the river and see the Pittsburgh skyline. If you are on the other side, just stand up, look over the sitting passengers, and take your pictures. No one will mind.

You’ll notice the passengers are higher than expected above the rails. Somewhere I read that underneath the floor is space to transport people’s luggage, though that isn’t done any more.

The Ride

The ride itself is short and sweet: 794 feet @ 6 miles per hour, approximately 90 seconds long, achieving a 400 feet elevation on a 30.5% grade. The views looking up are of the track and the passing car; the views down are towards downtown Pittsburgh.

At The Summit

You’re at the top, now what? Even if you don’t have time to explore the neighborhood at the top, there are a number of restaurants and coffee shops within easy walking distant, plus someone mentioned another viewing area to the north. Other than the Steel Mill Saloon where I had a tasy burger, I can’t tell you anything else about the summit neighborhood.

That said, the incline has more to offer than just the ride.

Observation Deck

The upper station has an exterior observation deck to the side of the station, to your right as you exit the car after riding to the top. The deck is reached by either taking an immediate right after leaving the car or by exiting through the station’s main entrance and taking two rights.

The views of downtown Pittsburgh and beyond are spectacular, especially seeing all the bridges at once: legend has it that Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice or any other city, but seeing so many at once is impressive. As this was my first visit to Pittsburgh, it’s difficult to say unequivocally that these are the best views of the city but it’s difficult to image anything better. The views alone are worth the price of admission, but wait, there’s more!

Self-Guided Tour

Walk back into the upper station from the observation platform using the side door and look for a fairly innocuous sign stating Self-Guided Tour. It’s not obvious, almost seems forbidden, but after a few turns and flights of stairs you’re in the mechanical room. Trips aren’t frequent and you’ll get to see the mechanism in action.

What may be surprising is that the mechanics that power the incline are 1930s vintage: sure, they’ve been fixed and renovated over the years, but basically unchanged since the transition from steam power to electric power. I particularly enjoyed #23B, which I watched as it traveled from one end of its box to another and slowed down by tripping a switch at a certain point.

Gift Shop

As with any self-respecting non-profit, there’s a gift shop selling books, coffee mugs, magnets, t-shirts, etc. Unlike the ride itself, credit cards are accepted when spending at least $10.00. We got a book, whoo hoo!

Final Thoughts

I actually grew near the Fenelon Place funicular in Dubuque, Iowa, the world’s steepest and shortest railroad. So I’ve done a funicular before, Fenelon has a viewing platform, that seemed cool.

Duquesne Incline is more historic, has more character, and with views to match. Perhaps a little more logistically-challenging than you might hope for in a tourist destination – you’re welcome to walk if you’re so inclined (no pun intended) – but well worth the time and effort. If you’re a history buff, you’ll also enjoy looking at the pictures and other memorabilia plastered in the walls.