Guide to Pittsburgh International Airport
As a frequent flyer from east of the city, getting to the Pittsburgh International Airport is only part of the challenge. So here are tips and information on how to get there, where to park, and how to pass your time.
Getting There
Once you get to Pa. Route 60, finding the airport is easy. The airport is about 7 miles from the beginning of Pa. Route 60 west. But in this traffic pattern, getting there can be difficult.
From the West: Take Pa. Route 60 east or west, depending on where you live. Easy enough there.
From the North: I-279 south from the North Hills will take you to the downtown routes listed below. The easiest way is I-79 south, and then follow the signs to the airport via Route 60.
You might save some time by getting off the Sewickley exit of I-79 to Route 65. Make sure you stay under 25 mph driving through tiny Glenfield, then turn right onto Route 65 toward Sewickley. Turn left onto the Sewickley Bridge, and once over the bridge bear to the right onto Narrows Run Road. The road curves to the left and climbs a long hill (you'll pass Robert Morris University on the left) all the way to Business Route 60. Turn right and follow the signs to Route 60 and the airport.
From the South: Take I-79 north to the exit for Route 22/30 and Route 60.
From the East: If you're heading to the airport in the off-peak traffic times, getting to the airport is simple. Take the Parkway East (I-376) to downtown Pittsburgh, and follow the signs for I-279 and the airport. When I-279 ends, the highway becomes Route 22/30 - so stay straight. When Route 22/30 traffic exits, the highway becomes Pa. Route 60 - again, stay straight.
With all the detours for tunnel construction, pay attention to the signs. You can either take the Liberty Bridge to Route 51 north, or navigate through the West End Circle. Both will lead you back on to I-279.
If you don't feel like dealing with downtown traffic, you can follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike to I-79 south at Cranberry. The Turnpike exit for Pa. Route 60 south, 20 miles further on in Beaver County, will also get you there - albeit, a bit far out of the way.
You have one more option if you live near Greensburg. Take I-70 west to I-79 north at Washington, Pa., to meet up with Route 22/30 and Route 60.
Full directions are available at the airport's page .
Parking
In the airport's short term parking lots , operated by Alco Parking , rates are reasonable for those picking up or dropping off passengers. The first half hour will cost $1, the first hour is $2, and then $1 for each additional hour past that.
Quick Tip: If you can't find a parking spot right next to the door, it's often better to park next to the second door, which is next to the exit ramp from the upper level. Parking spots tend to be more available there, and you can take the moving walkway to the terminal.
If you want long-term parking and the convenience of being at the airport, the long-term and extended parking lots might be what you want. Long-term parking costs $1.50 per hour, or $9 per day. It's a little further on the moving walkways, so this option works for those without a lot of luggage.
Extended parking is the most economical at the airport, at $5.75 per day. The airport will even take you to the terminal with shuttle and bus service.
The airport isn't the only parking alternative, however. The surrounding area features several parking services that will drop you off and pick you up - some even have the option of having your car washed for when you land. And it's easy to contact them once you land, either by cell phone or through the airport courtesy phones at the ground transportation exits near baggage claim.
Note: Rates do not include taxes.
One other parking option you may want to explore involves the hotels near the airport. Some hotels will let you park your car for free if you stay the night before your flight. If you're lucky, you can do the same and stay the night that you land. Then you just take the shuttle to and from the airport. Contact one of the airport's hotels to see if they offer this service.
Some Common Questions
How early should passengers arrive before their flight? Give yourself at least an hour and a half, two hours if you are parking at an off-site lot. You never know how busy the ticket lines will be, or how long it will take to get to security. Passengers can give themselves advantages through the E-Ticket check-in stations at some airlines, which usually move passengers through more quickly.
Does the airport offer curbside check-in? That service is provided by the airlines. At Pittsburgh International, contact the following airlines about curbside check-in: USAirways, United, Delta, Southwest and American.
What can I pack in my carry-on and in checked baggage? The airport provides a list here. Common sense should get you through OK. And to be safe, most valuables - especially jewelry and travelers checks - should go in your carry-on where it can remain in your possession at all times.
Can I escort a passenger to their airline? In most cases, no. Airlines can, however, offer a Gate Pass to someone assisting a passenger with special needs. Contact the airline for more information.
Do I have to ride the subway to get to my gate? Pretty much. Two trains move passengers from the main terminal to the gates. If you just missed a train on one side, the other will be coming momentarily on the opposite side.
Smoking? While you can't smoke on nearly all flights, smoking is permitted in some food areas in the Airmall. Check for signs for designated smoking areas.
Taxi ... yo, Taxi? Catch a cab at ground transportation on the lower level near baggage claim.
Passing the Time
If you're dropping off a passenger, there's not much available since you can't get to the gates and the Airmall. The Olive Press , located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel just down the moving walkways at the airport, is an upscale dining establishment whose entree prices range from $19.50 to $32.50. For a quick snack, Au Bon Pain and Treat Street, both located near the security checkpoint, offer sandwiches, snacks and pastries.
You can also plan ahead - there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers in the vicinity. The Mall at Robinson opened this year, complementing the stores of The Pointe at North Fayette and Robinson Towne Centre. Surrounding these are great places to eat, ranging from local legends Quaker Steak and Lube , Primanti Brothers , and Eat'n Park to nationally known fare from Max and Erma's , Buca di Beppo , Lonestar Steakhouse , and Cracker Barrel , just to name a few.
Dining at the gates and councourses of The Airmall presents passengers with a smorgasbord of styles and dishes. Traditional mall fare is available, from McDonald's to Sbarro to The Great Steak and Potato Co. to Wok and Roll. But there are also four different T.G.I. Friday's locations, an Original Oyster House, and a Samuel Adams Brewhouse. A complete list of dining establishments is available at the Airmall's web site.
And if you've still got plenty of room in the carry-on for gifts, the concourses offer a variety of retail stores. There's jewelry, perfume, sports gear, more luggage - even lingerie to be had! Check out the Airmall's shop listings to see what's on your shopping radar. If you don't want to take purchases with you, you can ask to have it shipped. And out-of-towners remember - no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania!
For a quieter time, the airport chapel is located on the mezzanine level. Interfaith services are held at 10 a.m. Sunday to Friday. For more information, call (412) 472-0155.
Otherwise, your best bet is to bring a good book, turn on the CD player, and watch the planes coming in and taking off. But make sure you know where the nearest restroom is for that last-minute pit stop just before boarding.
| General Information |
Airport Passenger Information Numbers
Airport Information: (412) 472-3525
Airport Parking Information: (412) 472-5050
Airport Lost and Found: (412) 472-3500
US Airways Lost and Found: (800) 371-4771
Traveler's Aid: (412) 472-3599
Pittsburgh International Airport Airlines
Air Canada: (800) 247-2262
AirTran Airways: (800) 247-8726
America West: (800) 235-9292
American Airlines: (800) 433-7300
American Eagle: (800) 433-7300
ATA (coming in June): (800) 225-2995
Atlantic Southeast: (800) 221-1212
Comair: (800) 221-1212
Continental: (800) 523-3273
Continental Express: (800) 523-3273
Delta: (800) 221-1212
Express: (800) 225-2525
Mesaba: (800) 225-2525
Northwest: (800) 225-2525
Skyways: (800) 452-2022
Southeast: (800) 221-1212
United: (800) 241-6522
United Express: (800) 241-6522
US Airways: (800) 428-4322
US Airways Express: (800) 428-4322
Car Rental
Alamo: (800) 327-9633
Avis: (412) 472-5200
Budget: (800) 527-0700
Dollar: (800) (800) 4000
Enterprise: (412) 472-3490
Hertz: (800) 654-3131
National: (412) 472-5045
Thrifty: (412) 472-5288
More Information
| Regional Airports |
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport : Located in Latrobe, US Airways offers commuter flights from Pittsburgh International Airport at reasonable rates. Charter flights are also available. More information: (724) 539-8100.
John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport : US Airways provides daily scheduled passenger service to Pittsburgh International Airport from Johnstown, as well as charter flights. More information: (814) 536-0002.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport : Only a few hours northwest of Pittsburgh, sometimes cheaper flights are worth the drive. Visit the airport's web site for more information.
