Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle downtown area including the Cultural District, PPG Place, and Point State Park where the three rivers meet.

About Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh, known locally as the "Golden Triangle," is dramatically situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers where they form the Ohio River. Point State Park at the tip of the triangle features a landmark fountain and marks the site of historic Fort Pitt. The downtown skyline of glass towers rises above the riverbanks, creating one of America's most photogenic urban landscapes.

Pittsburgh's transformation from steel city to innovation hub is visible everywhere downtown. The Cultural District along Penn Avenue is one of the largest in the country, anchored by Heinz Hall (home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), the Benedum Center, and the Byham and O'Reilly theaters. Market Square, the city's central public space since 1764, is now a lively gathering place surrounded by restaurants and shops.

The city's distinct neighborhood character is accessible from downtown via Pittsburgh's iconic bridges — the city has 446 bridges, more than any other city in the world. The Strip District to the northeast is a food lover's paradise with Italian delis, Asian markets, and the famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches. Station Square across the Monongahela offers dining with river views and the Duquesne Incline funicular ride up Mount Washington for the famous panoramic cityscape view.

Nearby Landmarks

Point State Park PPG Place Market Square Andy Warhol Museum PNC Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $45-60
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $30-45
Time 25-40 minutes

Ground transportation area at arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the 28X Airport Flyer bus from the airport to downtown. Runs every 30 minutes during peak hours. Stops at Oakland, Shadyside, and downtown stations.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $45-60 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $30-45 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The 28X Airport Flyer runs until approximately midnight. After that, taxis are available at the airport ground transportation level, costing $45-60 to downtown. Uber and Lyft operate at PIT with a designated pickup area. Late-night rideshare costs $35-50 to downtown.

Luggage Tips

The 28X bus has limited luggage space and can be crowded during commute hours. For travelers with heavy luggage, rideshare or taxi is more practical. Downtown Pittsburgh is hilly with some steep streets, so consider your hotel location when planning luggage logistics.

Accessibility

PIT airport is fully ADA accessible. The 28X bus uses wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps. Downtown Pittsburgh has improving accessibility but the hilly terrain can be challenging. The T light rail stations downtown have elevators. The Duquesne Incline is not wheelchair accessible.