Things to do / Travel Guide
Arriving to southwestern Pennsylvania is easy and convenient. Pittsburgh is a transportation hub with bus and train stations as well as an international airport. Major highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, arrive into Pittsburgh from all directions, I-79 and I-76 are skirt the outside of the city. More than half of the U.S. population lives within 500 miles of Pittsburgh. For those who prefer to fly, residents of Canada and 20 of the United States can get to the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in less than 90 minutes.
By Air
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is located about 16 miles from downtown. The airport connects to most major cities in the U.S. and also has flights to Toronto. For transportation from the airport there are several options. Major car rentals have offices in the Pittsburgh International Airport, and a large number of limousine services are available. The Pittsburgh Port Authority offers an “Airport Flyer” bus that will take you to downtown Pittsburgh for less than $5. Two taxi companies service the airport, but be ready to shell out as much as $50 for a ride into downtown Pittsburgh.
By Car
Arriving to Pittsburgh by car from all directions is relatively easy. From the southwest, I-70 enters the Pittsburgh Metro area, from Ohio, Indianapolis, St. Louis and points west. I-79 is the main north-south highway, and from the east the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) cuts across the southern flank of the state to Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll road, for information about fares go to the Pennsylvania Turnpike website. To enter Pittsburgh's downtown from the south, you will pass through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and over the Fort Pitt Bridge.
Below are driving times and distances between Pittsburgh and other major cities:
- Philadelphia: 300 miles, about 6 hours
- New York City: 370 miles, about 7½ hours
- Washington, DC: 250 miles, about 5 hours
- Columbus, Ohio: 185 miles, about 3 hours
- Chicago: 450 miles, about 8 hours
- Detroit: 300 miles, about 4½ hours
- Niagara Falls, NY: 240 miles, about 4½ hours
By Train
Amtrak trains arrive into the Pennsylvania terminal in downtown Pittsburgh at the corner of Grant Street and Liberty Avenue in the Pennsylvania Union Train Station. The “Pennsylvanian” Line runs daily in both directions from Pittsburgh, through Philadelphia, and on to New York. The “Capitol Limited” Line runs daily in both directions from Chicago, through Pittsburgh, and on to Washington D.C.
By Bus
Greyhound bus services Pittsburgh regularly. The bus station is located downtown.
Airports in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania
Getting-There
Greater Pittsburgh Airport (PIT)
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