Transportation

Once you’re in downtown Pittsburgh, you’ll probably find you don’t need a car, because many attractions are within walking distance of each other or just a short cab ride away. The compact size of the Golden Triangle invites walking and sightseeing. Use a map to negotiate the sometimes confusing downtown streets, and don’t hesitate to ask Pittsburghers for directions. The public transportation system is efficient and safe, and subways within the Golden Triangle are always free.

Buses in the Golden Triangle are free until 7 pm daily (US$0.75 after 7 pm). The daily schedule for buses and subways is 5 am-1 am. Whether driving or walking, you’re bound to cross some bridges (there are 1,700 bridges in Allegheny County), so enjoy the lovely vistas of three rivers—even if you get caught in rush hour.

ARRIVING BY AIR

Pittsburgh International Airport is 19 mi/31 km west of downtown, approximately a 25-minute drive (as much as 50 minutes during rush hour). The airport is one of the largest in the U.S. and boasts its own shopping mall, moving sidewalks and internal train system, which transports passengers around the airport facilities. Phone 412-472-3525. All ground transportation originates from the Landside Terminal, lower level, adjacent to the baggage claim.

Hotel Courtesy Vans—Many hotels, particularly those near the airport, offer free courtesy transportation to and from the airport. You’ll need to call—the vans pick up upon request only. Use the direct-dial courtesy phones on phone boards adjacent to the baggage claim.

Commercial Shuttles—Airlines Transportation operates buses to downtown and other areas on a regular basis. Reservations required when traveling to the airport. Downtown: Buses to and from major downtown hotels run approximately every half hour weekdays, every hour weekends 7 am-11:40 pm and cost US$12 one way, US$20 round trip. Oakland: 9 am-10 pm weekdays, US$12.50 one way, US$21 round trip. Monroeville area: 9 am-10 pm weekdays, no service Saturday, limited service Sunday; US$20 one way and US$36 round trip. For schedule details and tickets, check with the Airlines Transportation desk, phone 412-472-3180, adjacent to the baggage claim at the airport, or with your hotel’s concierge or front desk.

Limousines—Pittsburgh Airbus provides limo service to and from outlying areas of Pittsburgh and other regional communities daily until 11 pm. Reservations are required, and they must be made one day in advance, before 3 pm. When you make your reservation, the service will advise you of the fare, which averages US$20 one way and depends on your pickup location. Phone 800-216-6144.

Taxis—Yellow Cab operates the taxi stand at the Landside Terminal, lower level, adjacent to the baggage claim. Approximate cost to downtown is US$30 metered fare (up to four can share a cab). Phone 412-665-8100.

Rental Car s—These companies have offices at the airport: AAA Rental Cars, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sears, Thrifty.

ARRIVING BY CAR

The major highway from the north or the south is I-79, which runs just west of the city. It sends the spurs I-279 North (Parkway North) and I-279 South (Parkway West) directly to downtown. I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) cuts east to west just outside of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh exits are Nos. 3 through 6). I-376 (Parkway East) runs from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to downtown from the east.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Amtrak service from Chicago and New York. Call to ascertain arrival and departure times—they change frequently. The train station, Pennsylvania Station, is downtown at Liberty Avenue and Grant Street, across the street from the Greyhound Station—take a moment to notice the historic architecture. For Amtrak service, phone 800-872-7245.

ARRIVING BY BUS

Greyhound Lines is open 24 hours every day. Most major credit cards. Downtown at 11th and Liberty Avenue. Phone 800-231-2222.

GETTING AROUND

Cars—Driving downtown can be confusing, street parking is problematic and parking in a garage or lot can be costly. Public transportation is a better choice, with walking the best option of all, if you’re staying in a downtown hotel.

Public transportation—Buses, the T (subway) and the inclines are all run by the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT). Pick up tickets, maps and information at PAT’s Downtown Service Center, Monday and Thursday 7:30 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Friday 7:30 am-5 pm, 534 Smithfield St., phone 412-442-2000 or TDD 412-231-7007. Many downtown corners have information kiosks, as do the three subway stations.

All subways within the Golden Triangle downtown are always free, and buses in the Golden Triangle are free until 7 pm every day. Outside of downtown, fares vary depending on distance (Zone 1, which covers the city of Pittsburgh and close-in suburbs, costs US$1.25 one way. Exact change is required. Daily, weekend, weekly and monthly passes are available.

Buses—Almost all bus routes originate downtown and radiate outward. If you want to visit the Carnegie Museum, Heinz Chapel and other Oakland sites, you can catch the No. 61 A, B, or C bus at stops along 5th Avenue. Phone 412-442-2000.

Subway—The T light-rail system connects downtown with Station Square and radiates out to the South Hills suburbs. (It does not go to the airport.) Exact change is required. Travel between the three downtown stations (Steel Plaza, Wood Street and Gateway) is free; there’s a US$0.75 charge for the T trip across the river from Steel Plaza station to Station Square, and beyond that cost varies by zone. Zone 1, which encompasses the city of Pittsburgh and close-in suburbs, costs US$1.25 one way; Zone 2, which reaches suburbs within an approximate 10-mile radius, costs US$1.60 one way. There’s a US$0.25-$0.50 surcharge on cash fares during peak rush hours (6-9 am inbound and 4-6 pm outbound).

Inclines—Although this mode of transportation n was installed as the most practical way for commuters to get up and down Mt. Washington, it’s also popular with tourists since the ride affords great views. Along Carson Street, the Duquesne Incline (board across the river from the Point) and the Monongahela Incline (board behind Station Square) carry passengers to the top of Mt. Washington in old-fashioned style. US$1 each way.

Taxis—Cabs pick up in front of major downtown hotels or by phone request 24 hours a day. Drivers are not accustomed to being hailed on the street. You can share rides and split the fare among passengers. For Yellow Cab, call 412-665-8100. For People’s Cab, phone 412-681-3131.