Things to do / Travel Guide
Drivers beware: Pittsburgh contains more than 700 bridges and many of the streets are narrow, winding, or one-way - you (and your traveling companions) will be happier and more relaxed if you simply plan on getting lost once or twice. It is also important to remember that parking, particularly in downtown Pittsburgh, can be quite a challenge. Major highways in southwestern Pennsylvania include the PA Turnpike (a toll road, also I-76), East, North, and West Parkways, and Mon-Fayette Expressway.
Public Transportation in Pittsburgh
If your sense of direction is admittedly weak, if you don't have the patience to look for parking in an unfamiliar city, or if you are simply “car-less,” it may be a good idea to rely on taxis or public transportation for the duration of your stay in southwestern Pennsylvania. Getting around southwestern Pennsylvania is convenient without a car. The Pittsburgh Port Authority provides excellent bus services both within Pittsburgh and to smaller towns in the outskirts. There is a limited subway service downtown (four stops), called the “T.” Rides on the T between the four downtown stations are free all day and everyday, and from downtown to Station Square will cost you less than $2.
Should you wish to cross one of Pittsburgh's three rivers, try taking a ferry. During the summer months, the Gateway Clipper riverboats offer shuttles from the Convention Center or Station Square to the north side of Pittsburgh, near the Heinz Field and PNC Park stadiums. If attending a sporting event or concert, this can be a convenient way to get there. It's about $10 for a round-trip ticket.
Cable Cars in Pittsburgh
Another fun way to get around Pittsburgh is on the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline. The very steep cable cars travel at about six miles an hour and bring travelers and even residents up and down between downtown and Mount Washington. The rides cost about $2 (round-trip) and run frequently from very early in the morning to late at night.
If you plan to leave Pittsburgh and explore Ohiopyle State Park, the Frank Lloyd Wright homes near Ohiopyle, and the Youghiogheny River, you will need to travel by car.
Getting around Ohiopyle
Driving is the best way to travel to and around the Youghiogheny River and Ohiopyle State Park area. To get to Ohiopyle State Park from Pittsburgh, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 91 toward Donegal and connect to Pennsylvania State Road 31 east. You will drive two miles and take a right onto Pennsylvania 381 south. At Normalville's first stop sign, turn left to continue on Pennsylvania 381 for another 11 miles to Ohiopyle. The 70-mile drive should take you about an hour and a half.
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