Penn Incline

Penn Incline is a cable-drawn funicular that runs between the Strip District below and the Hill District above, bridging Pittsburgh's dramatic elevation change. The line operates two counterbalanced cars that travel in opposite directions on a single steep track.

Service began in 1884 as part of Pittsburgh's expanding network of cable railways connecting hilltop residential areas with the industrial valleys below. It served as a crucial link for workers commuting between their homes and manufacturing facilities.

The funicular represents Pittsburgh's industrial heritage, serving as a transportation system for workers who lived in hilltop communities above the manufacturing areas.

The ride takes just a few minutes and provides clear views of both neighborhoods during the crossing. Visitors can easily walk up to the station and board without needing special preparation or advance planning.

The two cars are engineered to balance each other, so as one travels upward, its weight pulls the other downward automatically. This clever design meant the incline could operate efficiently with minimal external power.