Photo by Dllu, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline climbs 400 feet (122 m) up Mount Washington on Pittsburgh’s South Side, traveling a 0.240‑kilometre (793‑foot) route at a 30‑degree grade. Its historic wooden cars, built by J. G. Brill and Company, carry 18 to 25 passengers per compartment while offering panoramic views of the Golden Triangle.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- PA
- Rating
- 4.4 ★ 780 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Duquesne Incline. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Paid lot · street parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Duquesne Incline runs on a single 5 ft (1,524 mm) broad‑gauge track that stretches 793 feet (242 m) from its lower station at the base of Mount Washington on Pittsburgh’s South Side to the upper station atop the hill, rising 400 feet (122 m) at a 30‑degree grade. Its two cars, originally built by J. G. Brill and Company of Philadelphia, each accommodate 18 to 25 passengers and retain their historic wooden interiors after a 1970s restoration. The funicular is operated by the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline under ownership of Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
History
See full history
The Duquesne Incline begins its public‑service life on May 20 1877, when the steam‑powered funicular opens after design by engineer Samuel Diescher. A major steel‑structure renovation follows in 1888, and the original steam drive is replaced with electric traction in 1935. After decades of operation, the incline closes in 1962; a community fundraiser leads to its reopening on July 1 1963 under the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline, which assumes day‑to‑day operation while ownership remains with Pittsburgh Regional Transit. By 1977 the Duquesne Incline, together with the Monongahela Incline, becomes one of only two passenger inclines still running on Pittsburgh’s South Side and is designated a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Around the Depot
The Duquesne Incline in Pennsylvania sits about 20 mi from the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Inc., an easy pairing for a rail-minded visit.
Carnegie Science Center Miniature Railroad & VillageTrain Ride·★ 4.4 (2235)9 min walkView →Mt. Washington BilboardAttraction·★ 2.8 (5)3 min walkDirections →Points of ViewAttraction·★ 4.8 (1099)3 min walkDirections →Emerald View ParkPark·★ 4 (4)5 min walkDirections →Great Allegheny Passage (Western Terminus)Park·★ 4.6 (60)6 min walkDirections →Point State Park FountainAttraction·★ 4.8 (1862)7 min walkDirections →Gazebo ParkPark·★ 5 (1)8 min walkDirections →Point State Park Christmas TreeAttraction·★ 4.7 (3)8 min walkDirections →
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.