Getting Around Golden Triangle Pittsburgh

The heart of Pittsburgh, PA, the Golden Triangle, is a dense urban environment served by many transportation options. While many people arrive by car, they find it easiest to navigate the area by foot or public transportation. There are numerous transportation options in the Golden Triangle, an area that is home to major corporate headquarters and numerous smaller businesses. Bounded by the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, the Triangle is served by ten of the bridges that have earned Pittsburgh the moniker, City of Bridges. While not all of them are pedestrian friendly, many enjoy crossing the Andy Warhol Bridge to visit the Andy Warhol Museum.

The Golden Triangle is served by a light rail subway system known locally as the “T.” The T begins at ground level at Station Square. From there it runs on elevated tracks to the First Avenue Station. After that, trains continue their route underground until the line terminates at Gateway Center, at Liberty Avenue and Stanwix Street.

The Triangle is also served by what are locally known as “inclines.” These funicular rail cars run at steep angles from street level. The Monongahela Incline is the oldest operating funicular line operating in the United States. It’s Golden Triangle station is across the street from the Station Square T station, providing an easy transfer from the subway to take this relaxing trip up the side of Mount Washington at a thirty-five degree angle. The Duquesne Incline runs up Mount Washington at a thirty degree angle. This line was built in 1877 and the cars now in operation have been restored to their original luster. An observation deck atop the line offers stunning views of the Golden Triangle.

The Golden Triangle has an area of a little over half a square mile. It is, as its name suggests, triangularly shaped. The neighborhood is crisscrossed by two street grids that mirror the shores of the rivers at either side. The street grid forms many interesting intersections that can be confusing so visitors are warned to keep their bearings by remembering which river is on which side while walking about.