FAQS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to ride The Incline?
A: $20.00 roundtrip for adults, $10.00 for children (ages 3-12)
Call 800-825-8366 or email us for special group rates of 20 or more.
Purchase Membership Tickets
Q: When is The Incline open?
A: Daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are Monday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm. The last car leaves 40 minutes before close. Hours are subject to change without notice. NOTE: All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). For specific details please call 423-821-4224 or email us.
Q: Does the Incline have any safety procedures for its guests?
A: Yes, for the safety and security of all our guests, persons, backpacks, and bags of any kind are subject to inspection prior to entry to the Incline Railway.
Q: How do I get to The Incline?
A: The Incline Railway has two stations – one at the top of Lookout Mountain and one at the foot of the mountain in St. Elmo. Click here for address and directions. We allow boarding the cars from either the lower or upper station. Tickets can be purchased at either station or online at ridetheincline.com.
Q: Where do I park?
A: There is an ample parking lot at the St. Elmo station (buses and RVs park free) and street meter parking at the Lookout Mountain station. There is a $3.00 for 3 hours or $5.00 for over 3 hrs parking fee at the lower station. There is metered parking at the top station, which are enforced seven days a week.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets are not allowed on The Incline unless they are registered service animals.
Q: Is The Incline wheelchair accessible?
A: Due to our new car design of The Incline railcar, manual and electric wheelchairs are permitted.
Q: How long does the ride last?
A: A ride on The Incline takes about 10 minutes each direction. Incline trains leave from each station every 20 minutes. In addition to the ride there is an observation deck atop Lookout Mountain, and food service and gift shops available at both stations. It’s best to plan at least an hour for the whole experience.
Q: How fast does the Incline go?
A: The Incline travels just under 10 mph.
Q: How steep is The Incline Railway?
A: Near the top there is a 72.7% grade, making The Incline one of the steepest passenger railways in the world.
Q: Does the Incline ever leave the ground?
A: No. The cars do pass over a bridge, but the cars of The Incline are attached to the track the entire trip up the mountain. The Incline cars are guided up the mountain by heavy duty guide cable, so the ride is completely safe.
Q: Is the railcar enclosed or open?
A: The Incline is enclosed for your safety, but is surrounded by plenty of windows for complete access to amazing views of the Tennessee Valley.
Q: Is The Incline heated and air-conditioned?
A: The Incline railcars are heated but not air-conditioned. Fortunately, windows inside the railcars offer a nice breeze both up and down Lookout Mountain.
Q: Does the Incline go to Rock City and to Ruby Falls?
A: No. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway stations are a few short miles away by car to each of these attractions, just follow the signs.
Q: How many can ride The Incline at one time?
A: The Incline cars are equipped to transport 42 people comfortably.
Q: What is there to do at the top of the Incline?
A: The Lookout Mountain station features the best panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley from its observation deck. There is also a snack bar with dining area and a well stocked gift shop. Also just a short walking distance away are many points of Civil War interest, including the site of the Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum and Point Park. You can also visit the Centennial Photo Exhibit and engine room.
Q: Is there food available to be purchased at the Incline?
A: Yes, The Incline has a snack bar and dining area available at the Lookout Mountain station and homemade ice cream and sundries at the St. Elmo station.
Q: Are gift shops available at The Incline?
A: Yes, both the St. Elmo and Lookout Mountain stations have gift shops.
Q: Are there vacation packages that include Incline tickets?
A: Yes, please visit ChattanoogaPackages.com for complete details.
Q: How long has The Incline been in operation?
A: The Incline has been in operation since November,1895 and is celebrating its 128th anniversary. Visit our Incline history section to read more.