Car rental at Pittsburgh International Airport

Renting a car at Pittsburgh International Airport is a practical way to reach downtown Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands ski resorts and the wider region. Rental counters sit in the covered walkway between the Terminal Garage and the Landside Terminal, with vehicles one floor below in the garage.

At the rental counter

• Brands — Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and SIXT operate at PIT; booking help at 833-289-4044.
• Documents — a valid driver’s licence in the main driver’s name plus a credit card; US and Canadian licences are accepted without an international permit.
• Where to go — counters in the covered walkway beside the Landside Terminal; pick-up and return on the first level of the Terminal Garage.
• Booking — reserve ahead for ski season and summer holidays; one-way drop fees apply outside the region.
• Insurance — check whether your personal auto policy or credit card already covers rental damage before buying the counter waiver.
• Age — surcharges apply for drivers under 25 at most companies.

Driving from PIT

• Route — the airport sits at Exit 53 of Interstate 376; downtown Pittsburgh is about 17 miles and typically a 25–40 minute drive in normal traffic.
• Connections — I-79 lies within 10 miles, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) within 15 miles; I-70 and I-80 are both under an hour away.
• Winter driving — western Pennsylvania snow and ice are real from November to March; check tyres and allow extra time for the parkway.
• Fuel — an on-site Sunoco station sits on airport property (powered by the airport microgrid); fill up before returning to avoid refuelling charges.

Returning your car

Follow the signed return area back to the airport and park on the return level of the Terminal Garage; the covered walkway leads straight to the terminal. Allow extra time during evening peaks and snow events.

Weather can change quickly in western Pennsylvania — check conditions and your airline’s status before the return drive on winter mornings.