Pittsburgh Layover Guide (PIT)

What are you looking for in PIT?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) is an international airport located in Findlay Township, Pennsylvania. It’s situated about 32 km (20 miles) from downtown Pittsburgh. The airport officially opened in 1952. Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania and is known for its rich industrial history and growing tech sector. The city offers a mix of historic charm and modern innovation, along with scenic rivers, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Can you leave Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Pittsburgh International Airport during a domestic layover without immigration procedures. For international connections, you must clear US customs, collect and re-check luggage, and hold a valid US visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Verify entry criteria before traveling, and allow sufficient time for security screening. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Andy Warhol Museum Explore Andy Warhol’s groundbreaking pop art legacy through immersive exhibitions featuring iconic portraits, multimedia installations and interactive displays that celebrate his cultural impact on 20th-century art and film. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect bus + T light rail (~60 min). / Official site)
• Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Wander through stunning glasshouse displays, seasonal flower shows and exotic plant collections while enjoying lush indoor gardens, butterfly forest and sustainability exhibits in Oakland’s historic conservatory. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect bus + 61A bus (~65 min). / Official site)
• Duquesne Incline & Mount Washington Ride the historic funicular to Mount Washington’s summit for panoramic skyline views, enjoy photo spots and café treats while overlooking the three rivers and downtown’s iconic bridge architecture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect + T light rail + bus (~70 min). / Official site)
• Strip District Exploration Sample local eats, browse specialty grocers, artisanal boutiques and vibrant markets in this historic neighborhood known for its diverse food scene, vintage shops and energetic weekend atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); G2 bus (~45 min). / Official site)
• Point State Park Stroll along the riverfront promenades, visit the iconic fountain at the three-rivers confluence, view historic fort remains and enjoy scenic green spaces in downtown Pittsburgh. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: AirConnect bus (~30 min); walk from Gateway Station (~5 min). / Official site)
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History Discover dinosaur fossils, global wildlife dioramas and engaging scientific exhibits spanning geology, anthropology and biodiversity in one of America’s premier natural history museums. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect + 54 bus (~60 min). / Official site)
• Cathedral of Learning Marvel at Gothic revival architecture in Pitt’s landmark skyscraper, explore international nationality rooms and learn about global cultures in elaborately decorated classrooms on Oakland campus. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect + T light rail (~60 min). / Official site)
• Senator John Heinz History Center Immerse yourself in Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh history through interactive exhibits on industry, sports, culture and innovation housed in an architecturally significant museum in the Strip District. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min); AirConnect + 91 bus (~35 min). / Official site)

Things to Do in Pittsburgh Airport (PIT)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Pittsburgh International offers several pay-per-use and member lounges past security: American Airlines Admirals Club on the airside mezzanine and The Club at Concourse C entrance with day-passes; a USO Lounge (active military only) near gate C54; plus Minute Suites private rooms for napping, work or showers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The on-site Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport is linked to the Landside Terminal via an enclosed walkway. With 382 rooms, fitness center, meeting facilities and 24-hour front desk, it provides immediate terminal access and soundproofed rooms ideal for rest during tight layovers. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no designated sleep pods, but travelers can recline on padded benches and open seating areas near gates A and C, especially the quiet mezzanine in Concourse B. Power outlets and USB ports are widely scattered; bring earplugs and a travel pillow for better comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: PIT offers complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Connect to “PIT Free WiFi” (no password required) and follow on-screen prompts; signal extends airside and landside. Airline lounges and Minute Suites often provide their own higher-speed networks for guests.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are no SIM vending machines at PIT. For local coverage, buy a prepaid SIM at nearby 7-Eleven, Rite Aid or carrier stores downtown. For instant service, order an international eSIM online (Airalo, RentnConnect) before arrival and activate via QR code on your unlocked device. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official taxi stand is on the lower level curbside of the Landside Terminal’s Ground Transportation Center. Metered trips to downtown average $45 plus a $1 airport fee and recommended 15% tip; licensed Pittsburgh cabs run 24/7, and ride-hail apps (Uber, Lyft) also pick up here.

Train: No direct rail service connects PIT to the city. Pittsburgh’s Light Rail “T” ends downtown; to ride the “T,” first take bus 28X to Gateway Station. Future extensions are planned. (more info)

Bus: Port Authority’s 28X Airport Flyer runs roughly every 30 minutes between PIT Ground Transportation Center and downtown Gateway Station, 4 AM–12:30 AM. Fares are $3.75 one-way; pay with ConnectCard or onboard. (more info)

Shuttle: Complimentary hotel shuttles operate 24/7; look for shared-ride vans at the Ground Transportation Center. Private services like SuperShuttle and Go Airport Shuttle offer pre-booked door-to-door rides to city hotels and suburbs—reserve online or at the shuttle desk near baggage claim.

Car rentals: Rental counters for Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo and Thrifty are on Level 2 of the Landside Terminal. Courtesy shuttles depart every 10 minutes from baggage claim; drop-off returns to the same area. Advance reservations recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Onsite options include Short-Term Garage ($36/day, 1–5 min walk), Long-Term Lot ($20/day, 5–10 min walk), Extended Lot ($15/day, free first hour, 5–10 min shuttle) and Economy Lot ($13/day, free shuttle). Pay via ExpressPass, app or terminal kiosks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Storage & Lockers: PIT has no lockers or baggage storage areas. Travelers can use off-site services like Bounce or LuggageHero downtown (book via app) or check storage at Pittsburgh’s Amtrak and Greyhound stations » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks