Things to Do
Easy Travel
Getting to Pittsburgh is easy, convenient and totally worth the trip!
Historically, Pittsburgh was known as the “Gateway to the West”. The convergence of the three rivers could take travelers the entire way to the Gulf of Mexico and was located on the tip of the frontier.
Today, we’re still a traveler’s city. Conveniently located within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. population and less than a 90-minute flight from nearly half of North America's population, planning a trip to Pittsburgh is easier than you may think.
Pittsburgh by Air
Pittsburgh International Airport is a world-class facility that was ranked number one by Condé Nast Traveler and was named Air Transport World Magazine’s Airport of the Year in 2017. With its continued updates and innovative services such as a therapy pet program, PITT PAWS, for nervous flyers while they wait for their flight, or the USO Pittsburgh Airport Center Volunteer Program for travel weary veterans, the Pittsburgh International Airport is ever-evolving to better serve all travelers.
Notable features:
- Presley’s Place, one of the first airport sensory rooms in the world and a safe and calming space for children and adults alike
- Free, high-speed wireless internet service throughout all four airside terminals
- AirMall, a shopping and dining experience complete with local favorites like Penn Brewery and Primanti Brothers
- Kidsport, the first airport-based play area for children
- A Mother's Nursing Lounge
Continued Innovation
Plans to transform the world-class facility are in the works. In 2025, the new Pittsburgh International Airport became operational, featuring a more efficient, improved passenger experience, facilities designed for the future and a atmosphere that is distinctly Pittsburgh.
A new, 635,000 square-foot-terminal facility includes airport operations, consolidated airline operations, as well as all passenger and public spaces. New parking and transportation infrastructure includes a new roadway system that will support the new terminal building, as well as a multi-level parking garage and a dedicated ground transportation center.
Airport Transportation
Only 25 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, there are several transportation options to get into the city from the airport. Quick and easy rides with Uber, Lyft and zTrip can be hailed outside Baggage Claim Door #4.
The cheapest and most efficient airport transportation is the Pittsburgh Port Authority's 28X Airport Flyer. A port authority bus runs pickups from the airport to the city twice an hour, and only costs $2.75. A ticket vending machine for tickets is available at Lower-Level Baggage Claim, near Door #2.
Pittsburgh by Car
Flying isn't the only way to get to Pittsburgh. Driving is a convenient option for many. Attendees from 10 states, Washington, D.C., and parts of Canada can drive to Pittsburgh in fewer than six hours. If driving through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, you will experience why Pittsburgh is said to be the only “city with an entrance,” as the stunning skyline appears into view.
Once here, apps like ParkPGH and Go Mobile PGH make it easier to get real-time parking availability and rates and allow you to fill the meter without ever having to leave. Download one of these apps to find up-to-the-minute real-time availability on parking in town.
Distance and Travel Time
| City | Distance | Flight Time | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 126 miles | 40 minutes | 2.5 hours |
| Cleveland | 129 miles | 40 minutes | 2.5 hours |
| Baltimore | 218 miles | 1 hour | 4.5 hours |
| Washington, DC | 221 miles | 1 hour | 5 hours |
| Cincinnati | 295 miles | 1 hour | 6 hours |
| Philadelphia | 295 miles | 1 hour | 6 hours |
| Toronto | 324 miles | 1.25 hours | 6 hours |
| New York | 368 miles | 1.25 hours | 7 hours |
| Chicago | 452 miles | 80 minutes | 8 hours |
| Boston | 593 miles | 1.5 hours | 10 hours |
| St. Paul | 849 miles | 2.25 hours | 15 hours |
| Omaha | 891 miles | 2.5 hours | 16 hours |
| Miami | 1168 miles | 3 hours | 21 hours |
| Dallas | 1228 miles | 3 hours | 23 hours |
| Seattle | 2006 miles | 5 hours | 44 hours |
| Phoenix | 2118 miles | 4.5 hours | 40 hours |
| Los Angeles | 2445 miles | 5 hours | 48 hours |
| San Francisco | 2587 miles | 5.5 hours | 50 hours |
Once You're in Pittsburgh
With so much to offer, it may be surprising to find that Pittsburgh is quite compact, walkable and easily navigable. In fact, with many hotels just blocks from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and other meeting venues, many visitors are able to walk everywhere they need to go. Other options include:
- Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in Pittsburgh.
- Take advantage of free underground Pittsburgh Regional Transit "T" service within the Golden Triangle and Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
- Taxi cabs are available at most Downtown hotels, or order one using the zTrip app.
- Visitors can rent a POGOH bicycle at one of dozens of stations for quick trips around the city of Pittsburgh or relaxing rides on our 24 miles of riverfront trails.
- Pittsburgh’s two operating inclines, the Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline, provide an old-fashioned thrill that culminates in magnificent views at the top of Mount Washington.
- The Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus service offers rides to attractions in any of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods.
And, Pittsburgh’s friendly residents are happy to give visitors directions. More tips on getting around Pittsburgh can be found here.
