Monongahela & Duquesne Inclines, Pittsburgh, PA 2023-2024

If you haven’t ridden historical Pittsburgh funiculars, you haven’t seen the city yet

Best time: all year round

Did you know that the City of Bridges boasts some of the most stunning cityscapes in the USA? The vistas owe to the Burgh's unique location at the confluence of three rivers—the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The most scenic views unfold when you ride the iconic Monongahela Incline, the oldest passenger funicular railway in the US. Or you can choose its younger sibling—the cherry-red Duquesne Incline. Pittsburgh had over 20 inclines throughout history, but only two mentioned above remain operational.

The Monongahela Incline

John J. Endres built the well-known Mon Incline back in 1870 to transport the workers to the "Coal Hill" or Mount Washington as we know it today. Being a popular tourist attraction, the funicular still serves flocks of daily commuters up and down the city's Mt. Washington neighborhood. The hours of operation are 5:30 am to 12:45 am on Monday through Saturday, and 8:45 am to midnight on Sunday and holidays. Avoid rush-hour to benefit from uncrowded incline cars. If you want to take a shot of the cars, they are visible from the South Shore.

Duquesne Incline

The other beautiful ride is available by the Duquesne Incline. It is located less than a mile west of the Monongahela Incline, right at the confluence, and is well seen from The Point. The funicular opened seven years after the Mon Incline and is also one of a few remaining funicular railways in the country. It transports locals and entertains tourists 365 days a year, 5:30 am to 12:30 am on Monday through Saturday, and 7:00 am to 12:30 am on Sunday and holidays. The busiest hours occur on weekends after noon.

The price of seeing the sweeping skyline is $3.50 (Monongahela) and $5 (Duquesne) roundtrip. Kids and seniors have additional discounts. You can buy tickets at both upper and lower stations. Just note that the Duquesne Incline accepts cash only, while at the Mon Incline, you can also pay with a credit card.

Practical info

When was the Monongahela Incline built and who designed it?

The Monongahela Incline is an operational funicular in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, designed by John J. Endres. It was built in 1870 to transport workers living in the city's Mount Washington neighborhood up and down the steep hill. Two cable cars with a capacity of 23 passengers each are still in use today. The Incline runs every day, with schedules ranging from 5:30 am to 12:45 am Monday through Saturday and 8:45 am to midnight on Sundays and holidays. Payment via credit card and cash is accepted.

What is the location of the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines in Pittsburgh, and what can tourists expect?

The Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines are operational in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and both are a must-see attraction for tourists. While the Monongahela Incline travels from Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh to Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington, the Duquesne Incline is located near Station Square at the confluence of the city's three rivers. Riding up and down each incline is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the best views of Pittsburgh's skyline. A reasonable fare is charged for the round trip rides.

How much is the cost of a Duquesne Incline ride and when is it operational?

The iconic Duquesne Incline provides an unforgettable experience to the riders, all for the price of $5 (round trip fare) for adults. The ride offers an outstanding view of the Pittsburgh skyline, and discounts are available for senior citizens and children. The cable car operates every day from 5:30 am on Mondays to 12:30 am on Saturdays and from 7:00 am to 12:30 am on Sundays and holidays. The Duquesne Incline accepts only cash payment and not credit card payment similar to the Monongahela Incline.

What are the hours of operation for the Monongahela Incline in Pittsburgh, and what payment options are available?

The Monongahela Incline is an operational funicular in Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh and runs every day with varying schedules. It operates from 5:30 am to 12:45 am on Mondays through Saturdays and from 8:45 am to midnight on Sundays and holidays. Riding during non-rush hours is recommended to avoid crowd. Credit card and cash payment are both accepted options for the fare payments of Monongahela Incline.

How many inclines are operational in Pittsburgh today and what is their history?

Pittsburgh housed over 20 inclines in the past, but presently, only two remain operational - The Monongahela Incline (1870), and the Duquesne Incline (1877). Both of them have gone through maintenance and upgrades but still preserve their historical significance and charm. Millions of tourists visit each year to experience the unparalleled panoramic view of the city's skyline that these inclines provide.