Getting In, Getting Around Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh International Airport is the normal way in, although the area is also served by the smaller Allegheny County Airport, primarily used by private and corporate airplanes. The International Airport is located in Findlay, about 20 miles west of downtown, which translates to about a $45 cab ride. Hotel shuttles and buses are also available, and can be cheaper (the city bus, route 28X, is only $2.25, and takes a reasonably fast route to downtown, mostly along freeways and dedicated busways). The airport terminal is relatively new and when built was the first "airport mall" in the country, which contains many shops and restaurants. It has been much copied since it was completed.

Pittsburgh is served by Greyhound (+1 412 392-6513 or +1 800-231-2222 for routes and schedules) which maintains a station at 11th and Liberty, Downtown. Currently, the Greyhound station is undergoing maintenance; the temporary station is at 990 2nd Avenue. Pittsburgh is also served Megabus (1 877 GO2-MEGA) twice daily from Chicago via Toledo and Cleveland. Tickets start at just $1.

Amtrak services Pittsburgh and has a station just across the street from the Greyhound station at Grant and Liberty Downtown.

The interstate system links Pittsburgh from many cities. If coming from the east or west, your best bet into the city is the I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From the west, take exit 28-Cranberry to I-79 and then I-279; from the east, take exit 57 to I-376. From the north or south, take I-79. I-70 also comes within the metro area from central Ohio and Maryland on either side. I-80 also skirts the far northern suburban counties of the region.

Pittsburgh is difficult for strangers to get around in because the roads go every which way, constrained by the rivers and hills. Many are one-way and nearly all are narrow, as they were laid out in the days of horse-and-buggy transportation. A taxi is an option until you get used to it, but the Port Authority Public Transportation is much more logical. If you do find yourself lost or unsure, however, do not be afraid to ask for help. Most locals are very friendly and will be happy to assist you.

The Port Authority (+1 412 442-2000) runs an extensive bus, light rail, and incline service. Although Port Authority (or PAT as some residents refer to it) is generally quite reliable, the fare system it utilizes can be confusing, especially to visitors. Travel within Downtown is free.

Taxis are a very good way of dealing with Pittsburgh's spaghetti roads until you get used to them. In the downtown and inner areas of the city itself (as opposed to the suburbs) one of the most commonly used taxicab companies is Yellow Cab (+1 412 321-8100).

The Gateway Clipper fleet of riverboats offers shuttle services from Station Square to the North Side near the stadiums. Particularly useful when attending a game at Heinz Field or PNC Park.