Ultimate Travel Guide For Pittsburgh International Airport

28 July 2023 by Emily Tuhkanen

Ultimate Travel Guide For Pittsburgh International AirportCover Image

Pittsburgh International Airport, also known as PIT, is a modern and efficient airport located just 16 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As the primary airport serving the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, PIT offers a convenient and stress-free travel experience for both domestic and international travelers. With its state-of-the-art facilities and award-winning amenities, traveling with Pittsburgh Airport is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, PIT has everything you need for a seamless journey, from on-site dining and shopping options to free Wi-Fi and helpful airport staff. With its extensive network of flights and destinations, Pittsburgh Airport is a great choice for anyone looking to explore the region or connect to destinations around the world.

Reminders for Before You Leave

To make your life easier when you get to PIT, follow these few tips before you head out!

  • Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
  • Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
  • Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight boards to ensure you have enough time even if the lines are long
  • Check the weight of your luggage. Many airlines charge extra for bags over 50 lbs. Also, be sure to put any large liquids or gels in your checked bag.
  • Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items.

Where to Eat and Drink

There are many options at PIT, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants? Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available at Pittsburgh International Airport!

Here are a few restaurants coveted as the “best restaurants” at PIT:

  • Primanti Brother’s: This is a great place to stop for delicious sandwiches and hand-cut fries and tots. You can sit down and enjoy your meal at this spot before catching your flight.
  • Martini: Enjoy a hand-crafted martini and a quick bite such as a pierogi or loaded tots! This is a great place to stop for a drink and a snack before you head to your gate!
  • Bellfarm Kitchen: This is a great place if you have a lot of extra time at the airport and want to enjoy a nice sit-down meal. This high-end option serves items like charcuterie boards and fish tacos and of course, offers cocktails as well!

Know your PIT Parking Options

Some short-term parking options at PIT include:

Hourly and Daily Parking at PIT

The Short-term parking lot has direct access to the Transit level and the rates are:

  • First Hour: $2.00
  • Each Additional Hour: $4.00/hr
  • $16.00 daily max
    • The daily max is calculated on a 24-hour basis. All hours exceeding a 24-hour period will be charged at the hourly rate up to the daily max.

The Parking Spot

The Parking Spot is another lot near PIT that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.

  • Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
  • Daily rates are $8.25 a day for covered parking.

All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking can be made through STOW IT.

Long-Term Parking Options at Pittsburgh International Airport

STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. This parking alternative will save you hundreds of dollars compared to the daily rates of rideshare options. This is an excellent option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like PIT’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking. 

With STOW IT's long-term airport parking options near the PIT Airport, you will pay about $5 a day for monthly parking. 

STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer!

Transportation vs. Parking

Rideshares and public transport are two very commonly used ways to get to and from the airport. Although they both have their pros and cons. Public transportation is usually not the preferred method of transportation for most individuals and rideshares can become very pricey and not always reliable.

Public transportation pros:

  • Relatively affordable
  • Convenient

Public transportation cons:

  • Safety risks
  • Health risks

Rideshare pros:

  • Has different car options if traveling with many individuals or a lot of luggage.
  • Available at odd hours

Rideshare cons:

  • Many times, they have a flat rate to the airport which is not always made clear when you request a ride.
  • Supply of drivers is never guaranteed, especially if you are coming in after daylight hours.

Common Pittsburgh International Airport Parking Q&A’s

How do I pick up/ drop off someone at the Pittsburgh Airport?

You can use any short-term parking lot or garage for pick-ups and drop-offs, or you can use curbside options.

There are also two Cell Phone Lots where you can wait for your passenger to deplane and get their luggage to avoid driving loops around the airport.

What options are available for long-term parking at Pittsburgh International Airport?

You can park in any of the on-site garages and lots for long-term parking. Although off-site airport parking alternatives are where you will find the cheapest rates for long-term parking.

STOW IT offers long-term off-site airport parking at the cheapest rate at Pittsburgh Airport. You can choose from both covered and uncovered parking spots and a free shuttle service is provided that will take you to and from the airport.

What is the difference between long-term and short-term parking?

Short-term parking is great if you are picking someone up or are planning to be at the airport just for a couple of hours. Long-term airport parking is more cost-effective compared to short-term parking if you plan to be parked at the airport for many days, or even months.

Are there shuttle services available for off-site long-term parking at PIT?

Yes. Free shuttles run every 10-15 minutes that will take you to and from the off-site parking lot to your terminal. These shuttles operate 24/7.

Can I reserve a parking spot ahead of time?

Yes, you can reserve a long-term PIT Airport parking spot before your travels : here