A guide to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Quick insights
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has one terminal and four concourses: A, B, C and D.
- Some transportation options at PIT include taxis, rideshare services, the 28X Airport Flyer bus route and on-site rental cars.
- PIT participates in TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control (MPC).
Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Pittsburgh, PIT is a major airport primarily serving domestic flights with limited international routes to Canada, Mexico and a few other locations. A unique airport, PIT is powered entirely by a microgrid and features an innovative x-shaped layout designed to help travelers reach their connecting gate quickly.
Whether PIT is your home airport or you’re just visiting, we’ve covered some information about PIT to help streamline your travel, including transportation and parking options, as well as tips for getting through airport security faster.
Navigating to and from PIT
PIT is located at 1000 Airport Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15231. The drive from PIT to downtown Pittsburgh usually takes around 30 minutes via I-376, depending on traffic conditions.
You have several transportation options when traveling to and from PIT:
- Rideshare services: The designated pickup location is at Baggage Claim Door #4 at the Commercial Arrivals Curb. Check your rideshare app for specific pickup details.
- Taxi: Hail a taxi from the central area of the Commercial Arrivals Curb.
- Public transportation: The 28X Airport Flyer bus route offers daily service to downtown Pittsburgh with pickups every 30 minutes near Door #2 on the first level of the terminal. Check the schedule (PDF)Opens overlay for operating hours. The Grey Line bus route to West Virginia also picks up from Door #2.
- Hotel shuttle: Many Pittsburgh hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Contact your hotel for pickup details.
- Rental cars: Rental car counters are located on the first level of the terminal, with the pickup and return areas on the first level of the nearby parking garage.
Additionally, travelers can find vehicles for hire, including scheduled service and charter buses. PIT offers a complete list of transportation operatorsOpens overlay serving the airport.
Parking options at PIT
PIT offers a variety of parking options to meet travelers’ needs, whether you’re looking for affordable long-term parking or want to park near the terminal to greet passengers.
Choose from these on-site parking options at PIT:
- PIT Executive: Located just behind the parking garage, it’s a short walk to the terminal from these spots, which must be reserved in advance. Charges daily or monthly rates.
- Short Term (Garage): This covered garage provides direct access to the second level of the terminal. Situated near the terminal, it may be a good option if you’re picking up or dropping off passengers
- Long Term Lot: Positioned behind the parking garage, this lot charges a daily rate. While there’s no shuttle service, it’s just a 5 to 10-minute walk to the terminal.
- Extended Lot: A budget-friendly option located northwest of the terminal, this lot charges a daily rate and is serviced by a shuttle that circulates around every 10 minutes. The first hour is free, allowing it to be used as a cell phone lot.
- Economy Lot: Situated behind the Long Term Lot, this is another option for budget-conscious travelers. It’s roughly a 15-minute walk to a moving walkway that takes you to the terminal. No shuttle service is provided.
Visit PIT’s website for more parking informationOpens overlay or to prebook a spot.
Security at PIT
PIT features a main security checkpoint on the second level of the terminal, open 24 hours a day. When passenger demand requires, an alternate checkpoint may be opened on the third level. Passengers must clear security before riding the people mover to arrive at their concourse.
TSA wait times at PIT are generally around 10 to 15 minutes. Waits may be longer during peak travel times like early mornings, holidays and summer months. You can view real-time security wait timesOpens overlay at the PIT website.
It’s generally recommended to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. You may want to consider how long pre-boarding tasks will take when planning your airport arrival time.
Customs is located in Concourse C, with passengers exiting to board the tram to the arrivals level of the terminal. Wait times are usually under 20 minutes, but may be longer during peak travel periods.
How to get through airport security faster
Some Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) can help streamline security and passport screenings at participating airports, including PIT. PIT participates in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and MPC.
TSA PreCheck members can use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints and usually don’t need to remove light jackets, shoes or belts during screenings. At PIT, TSA PreCheck lanes are only available at main terminal checkpoint during designated hours. An enrollment center on the third level allows you to apply for membership.
Global Entry membership allows travelers to skip the standard customs line and use a designated kiosk to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits. At PIT, Global Entry applicants can schedule an interview at the enrollment center on the third level of the main terminal.
MPC allows passengers to submit their customs information through an app, with no application process required. Eligible travelers can download the app and submit their information upon arrival at PIT and other participating airports.
Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TTP application fees, such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, when the card is used to pay the fee.
PIT airport map
You can access an interactive map of PITOpens overlay to assist you in navigating the terminal, concourses and parking areas. The map can help you locate your gate, find airport services and plan shopping and dining experiences.
PIT terminal and concourses
PIT consists of a single terminal with four concourses: A, B, C and D. The terminal has three levels:
- Level 1: Arrivals
- Level 2: Security checkpoint
- Level 3: Departures
A people mover connects travelers from the terminal to the four concourses, with travel time taking just a few minutes. The concourses are designed in an x-shaped layout to minimize walking distance between gates.
In summary
PIT features one terminal and four concourses (A, B, C and D). The x-shaped layout of the concourses is designed to reduce the distance between gates, which may make connections easier during short layovers.
Transportation options at PIT include taxi or rideshare services, public buses, hotel shuttles or on-site car rentals. You’ll find short and long-term parking options at PIT, which can be reserved in advance. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, or using the MPC app, can streamline your travel at PIT and other participating airports.
