Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is refreshingly compact and straightforward to navigate. The setup is simple: one main landside terminal handles check-in, baggage claim and pick-up, connected by a quick underground shuttle to a satellite airside terminal where all gates fan out in an efficient X layout. It’s the kind of airport where you won’t spend half your connection time hiking between terminals.
You can catch a nonstop flight to major US hubs and a bunch of cities in the eastern US. There are even a few international routes to places like London and Reykjavik though some are seasonal so check before you book.
PIT terminal and layout
PIT is split into two main buildings. The “landside” terminal is for check-in and baggage claim while the “airside” terminal is where you’ll find the gates, shops and restaurants. A zippy underground shuttle connects them in just a few minutes.
Here’s what you need to know: PIT recently inaugurated a completely new landside terminal that’s slated to open to passengers soon. Once it opens, it’ll unite everything under one roof, eliminate the shuttle train and modernize the whole airport experience.
The airside terminal is shaped like a big X which makes finding your gate pretty simple. Each arm of the X is a concourse (A, B, C and D) and the gate numbers match the concourse letter. Moving walkways are there to give your feet a break.
Each airline typically sticks to a single concourse, which makes navigation pretty straightforward. Check the interactive airport map or your boarding pass for current gate assignments, especially with the new terminal changes coming.
This setup means you won’t be running between concourses for connections on the same airline.
The landside terminal has ticketing on the top floor (level 3) and baggage claim on the bottom (level 1). If you’re looking for the on-site Hyatt Regency hotel it’s right next to short-term parking. It’s convenient, sure, but I find the nearby off-site hotels often give you more bang for your buck even with the cost of an Uber.
Getting to and from PIT by public transportation
The 28X Airport Flyer bus is a budget-friendly option into Pittsburgh. Operated by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), it runs twice an hour and takes about 45 minutes to downtown - roughly twice as long as an Uber but at a fraction of the cost.
The bus hits numerous stops including Robinson Town Center, Downtown, Oakland and along West Carson Street and the West Busway. You’ll need exact change for cash fares, though there’s a ticket vending machine near baggage claim door 2, and both Android and iOS users can buy tickets through the Ready2Ride and Transit apps.
How to get to and from PIT by car
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are easy to find at PIT. Pro tip: I always keep both apps on my phone and compare prices before I book. You never know which one will be cheaper especially with surge pricing. You can find the pickup spot at the commercial arrivals curb right outside baggage claim door 4.
Taxis, limos and shuttles are also available but it’s a good idea to check the website for the airport for a list of permitted operators and book ahead. If you’re planning to explore beyond the city all the major car rental companies are on-site.
Security at Pittsburgh International Airport
Security at PIT can get busy, especially during morning departures. If you’re flying early (between five and eight a.m.), plan to arrive two to three hours ahead of your flight. For international flights, arrive at least three hours early.
The website for the airport has a live security time tracker that’s worth checking, particularly if you want to see whether the alternate screening checkpoint has a shorter wait. TSA PreCheck is available for most airlines, and there’s a CLEAR line if you’re signed up for that service.
Shopping and dining at PIT
Once you’re through security take the shuttle to the airside terminal for great food and shopping. You’ll find the usual suspects like Starbucks and Dunkin’ but there are a few local gems worth checking out especially if you like a good beer.
Head to Concourse A for Penn Brewery and Local Craft for some solid local brews. If wine is more your speed there’s a Vino Volo in the center core. Perfect for a pre-flight sip.
PIT lounges and free Wi-Fi
If you’re looking to relax before your flight PIT has two main lounges in the airside terminal. There’s the American Airlines Admirals Club and an independent lounge called The Club. A USO lounge is also available on Concourse C near Gate C54 for military members and their families.
The Admirals Club is on the mezzanine level above the center core. It’s a modern space and I’ve found the food to be a step above typical lounge fare. My advice? Snag a seat by the big windows if you can. The Club located near Gate C1 in Concourse C is a solid alternative and accessible via programs like Priority Pass though it can get crowded.
Need to get online? Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the terminal. Just connect to the “FlyPittsburgh” network no password required.
Arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport
When you land you’ll follow the signs from your concourse to the central core hop on the shuttle to the landside terminal and head to baggage claim. All your ground transportation options will be waiting for you there.
If you’re flying in from Canada (Montreal or Toronto), you’ll arrive like a domestic passenger thanks to pre-clearance at those Canadian airports. For other international arrivals like those from London or Reykjavik you’ll go through US immigration and customs.
PIT has Global Entry kiosks and also accepts the free Mobile Passport Control app to help you get through faster. There’s even a Global Entry enrollment center in the landside terminal on the ticketing level near door 9.
Here’s a little tip for anyone checking a bag: make sure it has good wheels. Luggage carts aren’t free here so you’ll have to pay for a Smarte Carte if you need one. It’s a small thing but it’s better to know ahead of time.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
