Pittsburgh travel guide

Pittsburgh travel guide

National Airports

The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the main airport serving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is located about 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh and serves as a hub for both American Airlines and Southern Airways Express. The airport offers non-stop flights to over 70 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

In addition to Pittsburgh International Airport, there is also the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) located in nearby Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which is about 35 miles east of Pittsburgh. The airport offers limited commercial service with flights to a few destinations in the eastern United States.

Trains in Pittsburgh

The primary train station in Pittsburgh is the Amtrak station located in downtown Pittsburgh at 1100 Liberty Avenue. This station serves several Amtrak train routes, including the Capitol Limited, which runs daily between Washington D.C. and Chicago, and the Pennsylvanian, which runs daily between New York City and Pittsburgh.

In addition to Amtrak, there is also the Pittsburgh Light Rail, which is a light rail system that serves Pittsburgh and its suburbs. The light rail system has two main lines, the Red Line and the Blue Line, and connects to downtown Pittsburgh and several neighborhoods, including the North Shore, South Hills, and the East End.

Finally, there is also the Pittsburgh Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2023. The BRT system will feature dedicated bus lanes, off-board fare payment, and level boarding platforms, providing faster and more efficient service for riders.

Buses in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a comprehensive public transportation system operated by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, which includes bus service throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. The bus system has over 100 routes and provides service to most areas of Pittsburgh, including downtown, universities, hospitals, and neighborhoods.

The Port Authority also operates a free-fare zone in downtown Pittsburgh, which includes several bus routes that travel within the zone. Additionally, the Port Authority operates several park and ride lots throughout the area, where commuters can park their cars and take a bus into the city.

In addition to the Port Authority bus system, several private bus companies also operate in Pittsburgh, offering intercity bus service to nearby cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

How to get to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is well-connected to the rest of the country by several major highways, making driving a popular option for getting to the city. Interstates 76, 79, and 376 all converge in Pittsburgh, providing easy access from the east, west, and south.

Pittsburgh is also served by the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which is located about 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh. The airport offers non-stop flights to over 70 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

In addition, Pittsburgh is accessible by train through the Amtrak station located in downtown Pittsburgh, which serves several Amtrak train routes, including the Capitol Limited and the Pennsylvanian.

Finally, several bus companies offer intercity bus service to Pittsburgh, with several stops throughout the city, including Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus.

What is the best time to travel to Pittsburgh

The best time to visit Pittsburgh depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you’re there.

Pittsburgh experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The peak tourist season in Pittsburgh is typically in the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is warm and there are many outdoor events and activities, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and riverfront activities.

Fall is also a popular time to visit Pittsburgh when the leaves on the trees change color, and there are many fall festivals and events in the city and surrounding areas.

Winter can be a good time to visit Pittsburgh if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as there are several ski resorts within driving distance of the city.

Spring is also a beautiful time to visit Pittsburgh when the city’s parks and gardens start to bloom, and the weather begins to warm up.

Overall, Pittsburgh is a year-round destination with something to offer visitors no matter what time of year they choose to visit.

How to get around Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a comprehensive public transportation system operated by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, which includes bus and light rail service throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. The bus system has over 100 routes and provides service to most areas of Pittsburgh, including downtown, universities, hospitals, and neighborhoods. The light rail system, known as the “T,” has two lines that serve the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition to public transportation, Pittsburgh is also a very walkable city, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. Biking is also popular in Pittsburgh, and there are several bike-friendly routes and trails throughout the city, including the Great Allegheny Passage, which connects Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.

For those who prefer to drive, Pittsburgh has several major highways that provide easy access to the surrounding areas. However, parking can be limited and expensive in some parts of the city, especially downtown.

Finally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Pittsburgh, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Accommodations in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

Downtown Pittsburgh is a popular area to stay, as it provides easy access to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Strip District, Market Square, and Point State Park. The North Shore is another popular area to stay, with several hotels located within walking distance of PNC Park and Heinz Field.

Other popular neighborhoods to stay in include Oakland, which is home to the University of Pittsburgh and several museums, and Shadyside, which is known for its boutique shops and restaurants.

There are also several vacation rental options available in Pittsburgh, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, which can be a great option for families or groups traveling together.

Overall, Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all travelers, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.