Historic public funicular

Monongahela Incline

About 0.9 road mi

Pittsburgh’s other surviving public funicular connects Station Square with Grandview Avenue and offers a useful rail-first comparison less than a mile by road from Duquesne’s lower station.

The place

About Monongahela Incline

The Monongahela Incline is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Regional Transit, while the Duquesne is operated by a preservation nonprofit. Opened May 28, 1870, the Mon is the older of the two and remains part of the region’s public-transit network.

Its cars normally operate about every 15 minutes between Station Square and Mount Washington. Current PRT fare products include cash, paper passes from station vending machines, ConnectCard, and Ready2Ride mobile tickets, but payment and validation details differ from Duquesne’s exact-cash process.

The west car’s upper compartment is wheelchair accessible and can carry one bicycle, with riders with disabilities taking priority. Before traveling, check PRT service alerts because maintenance closures can substitute a shuttle bus for the incline.

What stands out

The older surviving incline

Opened in 1870, the Monongahela predates Duquesne and is recognized as an ASME engineering landmark.

A public-transit ride

Current PRT passes, mobile tickets, and connections make this more than a sightseeing-only attraction.

Two-incline comparison

The nearby Duquesne and Monongahela systems preserve different station, car, operating, and payment experiences.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Duquesne Incline trip

The lower station is about 0.9 road miles east of Duquesne’s lower station. Riding both creates a rare two-funicular itinerary, but use separate fares and allow for a West Carson Street transfer, Station Square activity, and possible service alerts.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursMonday–Saturday 5:30 a.m.–12:45 a.m. The dedicated PRT page says Sundays and holidays 8:30 a.m.–midnight; another official guide says 8:45. Use 8:45 as the conservative arrival time and check live service.
  • FrequencyCars normally run about every 15 minutes. Service alerts or maintenance can replace the incline with a shuttle.
  • Current faresA cash single ride or three-hour pass is $2.75; half fare is $1.35 and a day pass is $7. Confirm before travel because transit fares can change.
  • How to payCash is accepted at the upper station. Ticket machines at both stations sell paper passes; ConnectCard and Ready2Ride mobile tickets are also supported. Tap or validate at the upper station only.
  • Accessibility and bikesThe west car’s upper compartment is wheelchair accessible and accepts one bicycle. Wheelchair users have priority over bicycles.
  • Parking and transitStation Square has paid lots and a garage near the lower station. Metered parking is available near the upper station, and Station Square T service is about 300 feet away.

Complete the incline comparison

Add Duquesne Incline Upper Station

See the operating machinery, museum display, and observation deck inside Duquesne’s upper station.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is the Monongahela Incline the same as Duquesne Incline?

No. They are separate funiculars with different stations, operators, fares, and payment processes.

How much is a ride?

PRT currently publishes $2.75 for a cash single ride or three-hour pass and $1.35 for eligible half-fare riders.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes. PRT supports Ready2Ride mobile tickets, paper passes, ConnectCard, and cash. Validation occurs at the upper station.

Is the incline wheelchair accessible?

The west car’s upper compartment is wheelchair accessible. PRT asks bicycle users to yield the limited space to riders with disabilities.

What happens during a closure?

PRT may operate shuttle buses between the upper and lower stations. Check service alerts before building a timed itinerary.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-12. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.