This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Pittsburgh with a pick-up date of 9/30 and drop-off date of 10/28. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Pittsburgh
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Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
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Good deal
Turo
Standard
$53/day
$44/day
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Pittsburgh car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Pittsburgh with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Pittsburgh?
You should book your rental car in Pittsburgh around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Pittsburgh?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($30.36/day), Dollar ($32.89/day) and Budget ($34.02/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 875 Greentree Rd (2.7 mi from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Pittsburgh?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Pittsburgh are Hertz (6.4, 2 reviews), Alamo (8.7, 25 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.0, 24 reviews).
What is the most popular rental car in Pittsburgh?
SUV rentals (Chevrolet Blazer or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Pittsburgh. SUV rentals in Pittsburgh cost $93/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $68/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Pittsburgh?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Pittsburgh is January at an average cost of $61/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Pittsburgh when prices are $81/day on average, which tends to be 17% above the yearly average rental price for Pittsburgh.
What rental car company in Pittsburgh has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 11 locations in Pittsburgh, more than any other rental company.
I ordered car in advance , so that saved time and picked up at airport. The line was long, with only 2 employees. Too bad there wasn’t a line for preorders . Employees were nice though. I drove directly to Cambridge, OH. It was easy to follow directions from my IPhone.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Look at a map to get an idea of where you are going if you are not familiar with the roads around Pittsburgh. The GPS commands are sometimes confusing.
Verified travelerSep 2023
You get what you pay for
JenniferJun 2023
Be cautious with traffic. Use the GPS on the car for more safety and extra alternatives in case of road closures
Verified travelerJul 2023
Pittsburgh traffic is better than Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington by far.
Verified travelerJul 2023
PA toll roads are cashless. Be sure to route around them or plan to use the car transponder. If using the transponder, verify what added fees the rental company may charge beyond the tolls.
PaulJul 2023
Lots of hills in Pittsburgh, make sure you get a vehicle with a strong transmission.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Nothing really, PIT makes it pretty easy. Just follow the signs.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Pick up at the airport is super easy.
JohnMay 2023
Make sure your agency has provided ALL of the costs expected so there are no surprises at the time of rental.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, from its Andy Warhol Museum to the Sandcastle Water Park and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. What better way to explore every dream destination than with a rental car? The flexibility that comes from renting a car will also allow travelers to explore other attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo, which is located in the northeast of the city, or to be in the city center quickly when coming from the airport, which is situated over 20 miles from the center of Pittsburgh.
The easiest and most convenient way is to rent a car at Pittsburgh International Airport upon arrival. With rental service desks from companies like Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz located at the Baggage Claim area in the Landside Terminal, a rental car is just a stone’s throw away and will bring you into Pittsburgh in about half an hour.
Unlike many other American cities, Pittsburgh is not fully structured according to a road grid; therefore, navigating through the streets may be confusing at first. Simply ask for a satnav when renting the car and follow the instructions. Also be aware that construction sites are common in Pittsburgh, so make sure to look out for them and circumnavigate accordingly. Downtown streets tend to be narrow, so be careful when driving through them.
Try to avoid driving through Pittsburgh during rush hour, which starts as early as 4 am in the morning for people are commuting to the airport to catch flights into other cities. It usually lasts until 10 am; during this time, the I-376 E can be clogged up and traffic is severely increased. Between 3 and 6 pm, the afternoon rush hour starts due to workers returning to their homes, and if possible, these peak times should be avoided. Especially when going to the airport, make sure to plan plenty of time ahead (at least 2 hours).
If you love adventures, renting a car from one of the cheap car rentals in Pittsburgh would be a wise idea. This is because, with a cheap rental car, you’ll easily drive to superb destinations outside the city. Happy Valley is one such destination. Located 140 miles (225km) from Pittsburgh, this town is full of hiking, biking, and mountain climbing opportunities. Hocking Hills State Park is another such destination. At this park, located 195 miles (314km) away, you’ll get the chance to watch wildlife, chase waterfalls, kayak, and even swim. If these destinations are a bit too far away, you can opt to drive to Morgantown, which is 75 miles (121km) from Pittsburgh. From Pittsburgh, you’ll take 2h 30min to drive to Happy Valley, 3h 30min to Hocking Hills State Park, and 1h 30min to Morgantown.
If you’d like to rent a car from a cheap car rental in Pittsburgh’s downtown, you can do so without hassle, given that downtown Pittsburgh has locations for rental agencies like Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz. It’s worth noting that these car rentals are located in different parts of downtown Pittsburgh. Hertz’s downtown branch is located on Fifth Avenue; Enterprise’s branch is situated along 11th Street; Budget’s branch is on Stanwix Street.
While driving your Pittsburgh rental car, it’s essential that you observe the speed limits. This is because if caught driving over the city’s 65mph speed limit, you’ll be fined $42.5. If caught driving more than 5mph over the speed limit, for each additional mph over the speed limit, you will be fined $2.
25% of our users found rental cars in Pittsburgh for $44 or less
Intermediate rental cars in Pittsburgh are around 41% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Pittsburgh
What type of car is recommended for driving in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has narrow lanes and many construction sites, so opting for a smaller or compact car is a wise choice, as navigating through the city becomes considerably easier -- plus, it uses less gas. For extra storage, pick a small SUV or minivan. Especially when visiting during the cold season, choose a 4-wheel drive car to ensure optimal road grip.
What’s the speed limit in Pittsburgh?
Don’t go over 20 mph in residential areas and always look out for posted signs. Urban freeways allow only up to 40 mph, whereas general freeways let drivers go up to 65 mph. Especially in the winter, it is crucial to adapt the speed to the weather and road conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Pittsburgh?
Street parking in Pittsburgh is usually metered, so check the time restrictions and pay the required amount to avoid towing or fines. Alternatively, there are some municipal or private parking lots where cars can be parked overnight or for a longer period of time, like the 7th Street Garage, First Avenue Garage, or 9th and Penn Garage.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Pittsburgh?
On average a rental car in Pittsburgh costs $53 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Pittsburgh found in the last 2 weeks is $52.
Which car rental companies are at Pittsburgh airport (PIT)?
The only car rental company onsite at Pittsburgh airport is Thrifty.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Pittsburgh airport (PIT)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Pittsburgh airport to off-airport locations is Thrifty.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Standard car rental in Pittsburgh costs $82 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Compact car rental in Pittsburgh costs $70 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Premium car rental in Pittsburgh costs $142 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Pittsburgh?
Most car rental providers in Pittsburgh offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Pittsburgh, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Pittsburgh?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 12 car rental agencies in Pittsburgh.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Pittsburgh?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Pittsburgh?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Pittsburgh so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Which areas should I keep an eye out for when driving in Pittsburgh?
When driving in Pittsburgh, you should keep an eye out for school zones, residential districts, and active work areas. You should maintain a speed of not more than 15mph in school and work zones. In residential districts, you should maintain a speed of less than 25mph. Traffic officers are usually in large numbers in these zones. Hence, it’s best to be on your best behavior.
Where in Pittsburgh can I park my rental car overnight?
You can find a place to park the car your hire from a cheap car rental in Pittsburgh quite easily, as Pittsburgh is full of parking garages that offer secure and affordable parking garages. Sixt and Penn Garage, found at 546 Pennsylvania Avenue; Gateway Towers Garage Valet at 320 Fort Duquesne Boulevard; and US Steel Tower Garage, situated on 600 Grant Street, are some of the notable garages you can park your rental car. Before leaving your Pittsburgh car rental, ask one of its representatives to recommend garages you can park at while in the city.
Kayak users should be informed that according to the staff at Budget RAC, PIT has instituted a ban on renting cars for travelers who pay with bank and debit cards since scammers have tried to pay with pre-paid cards. We tried with them, another rental company and finally Alamo and the staff suggested booking the car online (KAYAK) and then it would work with that system and that is how we got the car. I don’t know if it would work with all of them but unless we invest in a credit card, Alamo will be the first choice for car rental from PIT from now on.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Economy
Very good overall!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Standard
I was renting this car to drive to my cousin’s out of town funeral while my car was being repaired. I had a very tight turnaround screenshot and reviewed all of the terms & conditions in advance to avoid any major issues, particularly because I do not have a credit card. There was no language indicating a credit card is required for transactions at some Alamo locations. When I got to Alamo learned that this Pittsburgh airport location requires that you use a credit card, purportedly due to the $300 hold that is placed on the card. I had to take an Uber home and wasn’t able to get a rental from Enterprise (there are no other Alamo locations within an hour of Pittsburgh) until they opened at 9:30 am the following morning. I was late to my cousin’s funeral and was not able to give a eulogy and left my aunt scrambling to find someone else to speak. I caused her so much stress while she is mourning her son which is unforgivable. I checked on Alamo’s website and saw that there was language regarding possible credit card requirements when booking. If I had tried to book directly with Alamo, I would have seen that and found a different car rental provider. I thought I could use Kayak to save money, but there are some things that are more important than money. I will be actively discouraging anyone from using Kayak whenever I can.
Outstanding customer service upon pickup! Friendly, personably, efficient, professional, and enjoyable experience!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Minivan
The customer service was fast and easy, no hidden fees, no extra charges. The car was in great condition, smooth driving, didn’t have any issues
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Intermediate SUV
I searched for a car Pittsburgh downtown. Without knowing it I was redirected to a Centre out of town. I booked the car and when I Realised it was $50 to get there was told I couldn’t change this. It cost $50 each way!!!! The system needs to be clearer if you are redirected to another location. I would like to request compensation for this given the exhorbitant extra cost.
2.0 Poor
Ashley, May 2024
Pickup truck
They didn't have the car
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Economy
My experience was great. Excellent service!!!
2.0 Poor
Ginny, May 2021
Cons:
The car I reserved was not available at the airport. Instead it was located 10 miles from the airport and the location was closed before I could pick up the car. Left stranded at the Pittsburgh airport and no one at the Enterprise location would help unless I wanted to pay double and take a smaller car.
Need refund. Gave me an electric car with no charge, tire was flat, and smelled of cigarettes. Even a full battery would barely get me half way to the destination.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Economy
Car had obviously been in an accident prior. Huge scratches and dents on passenger side. Car had message “needs maintenance” the entirety of drive and gas tank was not full on pick up. The inside of vehicle looked like it received a quick sweep but obviously was not thoroughly cleaned. Found trash in several cup holders and a hand gun magazine with bullets in console. Was very disappointed with the overall experience and told clerk about all of this but received no response.
I always rent my cars from Budget, particularly the one at 4052 Liberty Avenue. The manager there takes care of me every time!
8.0 Very good
Wilson, Oct 2024
Economy
Was very excellent service and comfortable trip thank you
2.0 Poor
Michael, Sep 2024
Compact
Vehicle had completely bald tire with threads coming through! Didn’t see this until second day of rental. Driving it in rain was flat out dangerous with car skidding side to side!! Old wiper blades smeared rain. Absolute joke and insane that this vehicle was rented in this condition. Complete negligence on budget. A lawsuit waiting to happen.
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