Pittsburgh International Airport [PIT] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a major airport located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and serves approximately 9 million passengers per year.

PIT was a pioneer for airport design back in the 1990s, launching its then-unique X-shaped concourse, reducing the distance for passengers walking between gates. In later years PIT is still trailblazing, having become the first airport in the world with a microgrid, powering the airport entirely from natural resources.

Quick Information

Airport: Pittsburgh International Airport [PIT]
Terminals: 1 terminal with 4 concourses — A, B, C, and D
Airport Address: 1000 Airport Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15231
Distance from Downtown Pittsburgh: Approximately 10 miles (17 km)
Website: flypittsburgh.com
Phone Number: 412-472-3525
Number of Daily Flights: 125
Destinations Served: 49 domestic, 5 international
Flight Information: View the flight status for departures and arrivals on the airport’s website.

Airlines Operating From PIT

Concourse A

• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

Concourse B

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Airlines
• American Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southern Airways Express
• Spirit Airlines

Concourse C

• Air Canada
• British Airways

Concourse D

• Breeze Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines

PIT Terminals

PIT is located northwest of downtown Pittsburgh and is easily accessed from exit 53 of I-376. Looping roadways direct visitors counterclockwise in front of the terminal and around the short- and long-term parking lots, while commercial traffic runs clockwise in front of the terminal.

Airport facilities are in a linear layout, with long-term parking and the Hyatt Regency Hotel at one end, and the departure concourses at the other.

The main terminal is in the center of the airport, with a people mover connecting ticketed passengers to the 4 remote concourses. PIT’s straightforward layout and nearby facilities, such as parking and ground transportation, make moving around the airport pretty easy.

Main Terminal

The public and commercial curbs are on either side of the terminal, with clearly identified areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off. Terminal facilities are split across 3 levels: arrivals, security, and ticketing.

Level 1 — Arrivals

Arrivals is on the lower level with entrances/exits from both the public and commercial curbs. The rental car counters are the center of the facility and the baggage claim carousels are at the north and south ends of the building.

Level 2 — Security Checkpoint

On this level, passengers can follow the moving walkways from the long-term parking lot to the terminal. After clearing the main security checkpoint on level 2, passengers can then ride the people mover to the remote concourse.

Level 3 — Departures

The airline ticketing desks are located on level 3, and escalators take passengers down to the security checkpoint once they’ve checked in. Passengers can be dropped off and picked up from either side of the terminal on this level. Additional restrooms are available on level 4.

Concourses

Central Concourse

When riding the people mover between the terminal and the remote concourse, passengers will depart/arrive from the central concourse area on level 2. International arrivals and Customs and Immigration are also processed on the lower level.

Level 3 has a wide variety of shops and restaurants and there’s an Admirals Club on level 4.

Concourse A

Concourse A is northeast of the central concourse area and has 25 gates numbered A1 to A25. Three sets of moving walkways help passengers move around and there are several shops and restaurants at the south end of the concourse.

Concourse B

Concourse B has 25 gates numbered B26 to B50 and is located southwest of the central concourse. As it’s one of the longest concourses, there are multiple moving walkways to help passengers to their gate. A good selection of shops and restaurants is available.

Concourse C

British Airways and Air Canada operate international flights from 11 gates numbered C51 to C61. A children’s play area is located near gate C56, but with no shops or restaurants, passengers will need to utilize the concessions in the central area.

All passengers can purchase a day pass to visit The Club lounge located at the entrance of the concourse or members of the military and their dependents can visit the USO Lounge near gate C54.

Concourse D

Concourse D is northwest of the central concourse area and has 14 gates numbered D76 to D89. There are a couple of moving walkways to aid passengers, a small selection of shops and restaurants, and a pet relief area opposite gate D76.

Inter-terminal Transport

Airside — After Clearing Security

People Mover

Once passengers have cleared security, they need to ride the underground people mover from the main terminal to the remote airside concourse. Trains depart every few minutes and take less than 2 minutes to make the journey.

Walking

The 4 remote concourses meet in a central area and are accessible to all ticketed passengers inside the secure area. The X-shaped concourse is easy to navigate and reduces the distance between gates, with the 2 furthest points being just 0.6 miles apart.

This makes flight connections quick and easy unless you need to collect any checked luggage, in which case, passengers must return to the main terminal baggage claim and re-clear security.

Security and Customs at PIT

There are 2 security checkpoints at PIT: the main checkpoint located on level 2 and the smaller alternate checkpoint on level 3.

TSA PreCheck

PIT has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the main terminal checkpoint, available from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There is also a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located on level 3 opposite the Southwest Airlines ticketing desk. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number that will enable you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport.

Global Entry

Global Entry kiosks are located at PIT for expedited clearance of passengers arriving into the U.S. from international flights.

To finalize their application, passengers need to schedule an interview at the enrollment center, located on the ticketing level of the main terminal. Interviews are available Sunday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mobile Passport

PIT supports Mobile Passport Control for expedited U.S. arrival.

On arrival at PIT, submit your passport details and customs declaration to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) via the app, and present your instant receipt to an agent.

PIT Airport Lounges

There are 3 lounges at PIT, with 2 offering day access and 1 specifically for military and their dependents.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Want lounge access, but don’t want to pay the entry fee? Check out this article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members may access The Club Pittsburgh in Concourse C.

Hot Tip: Find out about membership in our dedicated Priority Pass article, as well as the best credit cards for getting Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at PIT

PIT has 25 restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, with only 2 options outside the secure area.

Visit the airport’s website to view the options available.

PIT Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

PIT provides free Wi-Fi inside and outside the secure areas.

Charging Stations: Charging stations are available at each gate area.

Hot Tip: Not every airport offers charging stations, so check out this guide on the best portable charging banks so you’re always connected. 

PIT Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item in the communal areas, such as in baggage claim, the parking lots, or at the security checkpoint, contact the lost and found office at 412-472-3525. The office is open Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For items lost at ticketing, the gate area, or on an airplane, contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

Travelers Aid is not based at PIT; however, passengers can find assistance at the information desks located near the security checkpoint (landside) or in the central concourse area.

Airport ambassadors in blue polo shirts can also be found in international arrivals, in baggage claim, and at the USO Center.

Children’s Play Areas

PIT has a children’s play area located in Concourse C near gate C56 with see-saws and other fun attractions. Despite this, PIT doesn’t rank in the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. based on our study.

Baby Facilities

A nursing room is located in Concourse C, near gate C56.

Pet Relief Areas

Pet relief areas are located:

• Outside the terminal, adjacent to baggage claim
• In Concourse D, opposite gate D76

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is not available at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted outside the terminal at the far end curbs.

Interesting Features

Flying can be a stressful situation for some people, and PIT Paws allows passengers to interact with certified therapy dogs as a bit of a stress reliever.

Prayer

An interfaith chapel is located on level 4 of the central concourse.

Money

ATMs can be found in the following locations:

• Central concourse on level 3
• Baggage claim near door 5

A currency exchange kiosk is located in the main terminal on level 2 before the security checkpoint.

Medical Center

There is no medical center at PIT.

Luggage

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

Important PIT Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 412-472-3525

Parking: 412-472-5050

Travel To and From PIT

Transportation Options From PIT

Onward transportation services are available from the commercial curb on the lower level outside of baggage claim.

Bus

• PRT: The 28X Airport Flyer bus operates between the airport and Oakland, via Downtown Pittsburgh and Robinson Town Center. Buses depart every 20 minutes with a single journey costing $2.75. Scheduled buses stop at the north and south ends of the commercial curb.
• Charter Bus: Several charter bus companies are available to book in advance and operate from the south end of the commercial curb.
• Shuttle: Private or shared shuttles are also available to prebook and drop off/pick up from the north or south ends of the commercial curb. These companies have an airport-issued permit.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the central area of the commercial curb outside of baggage claim. A one-way fare between the airport and downtown is around $40.

Limousine

Pre-arranged limousine services are available from the south end of the commercial curb.

Ride Services

Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up passengers from the commercial curb outside door 4. These ride services can drop off passengers on the public curbs.

Driving to PIT

Arriving From Downtown Pittsburgh

Follow I-376 W for around 16 miles and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 53 towards the airport. Continue onto Airport Blvd.

Arriving From Erie

Take I-79 south towards Pittsburgh and keep right at the fork to stay on I-79 S. Take exit 59B for Interstate 376 W/U.S. 30 W/US-22 W towards Beaver/Pittsburgh Int’l Airport and merge onto I-376 W/US-22 W/US-30 W. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 53 towards the airport and continue onto Airport Blvd.

PIT Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Short- and long-term parking options are available within walking distance of the terminal, with more affordable options located a short distance away.

Short-term Parking

Short-term parking is available in the garage adjacent to the main terminal. Passengers can walk from the terminal to the parking garage in just a few minutes, and will be charged the following rates:

There are 6 EV charging points in the short-term garage.

Long-term Parking

The long-term surface lot is available beyond the short-term parking garage and is connected by a moving walkway from the terminal.

10 EV charging points are available in the long-term surface lot in sections 8A and 8B.

The extended parking lot is located southwest of the terminal and is the only lot with a shuttle service. When parking your vehicle, passengers may request a shuttle bus by pushing the call button at the bus shelters. When returning to PIT, shuttles are available from the commercial curb outside door 6. Daily parking is $12.

Economy parking is a 15-minute walk from the terminal, with passengers required to walk through the long-term parking lot for access. The economy parking lot offers the cheapest parking available, charged at $8 per day.

Hot Tip: Save time and money by pre-booking your PIT parking online.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

PIT does not have a specific cell phone lot as it offers 1-hour of free parking in the long-term lot. Visitors picking up passengers can park and greet their passengers in arrivals or await a phone call before picking them up from the arrivals curb.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots can often provide favorable rates compared to standard airport parking, with easy booking available on airportparkingreservations.com.

With official airport parking available from $8 per day, it’s actually cheaper, in this case, to book directly with PIT.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking spaces are available across all airport parking lots, with daily parking charged at $8, regardless of the chosen parking lot.

Hot Tip: Want more information about flying with a disability or mobility concern? See our guide to flying with a disability to make sure you know your rights and what can be provided by the airport and airlines.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 412-472-5050

Car Rental at PIT Airport

Car rental companies are situated on the baggage claim level of the terminal, with vehicle pick-up and drop-off on level 1 of the short-term parking garage.

Hot Tip: Read about the credit cards that include car rental insurance so you can avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

PIT Airport Hotels

Mostly 2- to 3-star hotels are available within a 5-mile radius of the airport, with many offering courtesy shuttles. The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh is a 4-star hotel located on airport property, featuring an on-site restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and fitness center.

PIT Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance from PIT

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport is located on airport property, just a short walk from the terminal. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, and a free airport shuttle, as well as direct access to the airport via moving walkways. This hotel is a real steal for World of Hyatt members that can book this hotel from 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

Next door to PIT and offering a free airport shuttle, the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Airport provides close proximity to not only the airport, but also the Robert Morris University and The Mall at Robinson. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, business center, on-site restaurant, and fitness center. Hilton Honors members can book a room from 39,000 points per night.

At the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport, guests benefit from free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, while also having access to pet-friendly rooms and laundry services. Wyndham Rewards members can book a room for 15,000 points per night.

Hot Tip: Looking to have hotel status but don’t meet the stay requirements? There are lots of credit cards that award you complimentary hotel status simply for having the card. 

Final Thoughts

Pittsburgh International Airport ranked second in the 2022 JD Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study for medium-sized airports, but despite this, PIT’s layout is far from perfect. The X-shaped concourse is convenient for domestic-to-domestic connections, or those with carry-on only, but for any passengers required to collect checked luggage or clear customs, the remote concourse is a bit of a journey on the people mover.

The airport is currently in the middle of a terminal modernization program to consolidate facilities and improve the overall passenger experience. A new terminal is being constructed next to the X-shaped concourse that will connect to a multi-modal facility for seamless access to parking and ground transportation. Whether you’re arriving or departing, everything you need will be right there, with work estimated to be completed in 2025.