Pittsburgh car rental information
| Pick-up location | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Premium SUV, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 39 |
| Airport locations | 13 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Hertz, Dollar, Sixt, Avis |
Cheap car rentals in Pittsburgh
| Compact | C$ 61/day |
| Intermediate | C$ 45/day |
| Standard | C$ 50/day |
| Full-size | C$ 57/day |
| Minivan | C$ 59/day |
| Full-size SUV | C$ 78/day |
| Luxury | C$ 57/day |
| Premium SUV | C$ 90/day |
| Intermediate SUV | C$ 57/day |
| Standard SUV | C$ 58/day |
| Supplier choice | C$ 63/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Pittsburgh
- 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 $2.
- Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, from its Andy Warhol Museum to the Sandcastle Water Park and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. What better way to explore every dream destination than with a rental car? The flexibility that comes from renting a car will also allow travelers to explore other attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo, which is located in the northeast of the city, or to be in the city center quickly when coming from the airport, which is situated over 20 miles from the center of Pittsburgh.
- The easiest and most convenient way is to rent a car at Pittsburgh International Airport upon arrival. With rental service desks from companies like Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz located at the Baggage Claim area in the Landside Terminal, a rental car is just a stone’s throw away and will bring you into Pittsburgh in about half an hour.
- Unlike many other American cities, Pittsburgh is not fully structured according to a road grid; therefore, navigating through the streets may be confusing at first. Simply ask for a satnav when renting the car and follow the instructions. Also be aware that construction sites are common in Pittsburgh, so make sure to look out for them and circumnavigate accordingly. Downtown streets tend to be narrow, so be careful when driving through them.
- Try to avoid driving through Pittsburgh during rush hour, which starts as early as 4 am in the morning for people are commuting to the airport to catch flights into other cities. It usually lasts until 10 am; during this time, the I-376 E can be clogged up and traffic is severely increased. Between 3 and 6 pm, the afternoon rush hour starts due to workers returning to their homes, and if possible, these peak times should be avoided. Especially when going to the airport, make sure to plan plenty of time ahead (at least 2 hours).
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Pittsburgh for C$ 57 or less
- Book your rental car in Pittsburgh at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Pittsburgh are around 17% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Compact rental cars in Pittsburgh are around 40% 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 C$ 71 per day.
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 Dollar (7.3, 70 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.1, 55 reviews), and Hertz (6.5, 119 reviews).
How much is gas price in Pittsburgh?
The average gas price in Pittsburgh is C$ 5.62 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 67 and C$ 90, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Pittsburgh?
Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Pittsburgh.
How can I find car rentals near me in Pittsburgh?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Compact car rental in Pittsburgh costs C$ 57 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Standard car rental in Pittsburgh costs C$ 58 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Pittsburgh?
A Premium car rental in Pittsburgh costs C$ 61 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Pittsburgh?
In Pittsburgh, cars are most frequently rented at Dollar 1000 Airport Blvd (23 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Pittsburgh?
On average a rental car in Pittsburgh costs C$ 494 per week (C$ 71 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Pittsburgh?
On average a rental car in Pittsburgh costs C$ 2,115 per month (C$ 71 per day).
Which car rental companies in Pittsburgh have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Pittsburgh which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Dollar, Thrifty and Budget
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.
Pittsburgh car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
8.7
Very good
208 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.2
One location in Pittsburgh
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10.0 Wonderful
Feb. 2021
Pros:
Very fast pick up and delivery. Friendly staff.Cons:
Nothing9.6 Wonderful
Oct. 2020
Pros:
YesCons:
Nothing, everything was great10.0 Wonderful
Feb. 2019
Pros:
Pickup and drop off was quick and easy.2.0 Poor
Sep. 2018
Cons:
My flight was delayed and when I called I was informed that the counter would stay open for me. Upon arrival, they were closed. When I called I was informed that the prior representative I spoke to before my flight left didn't get my flight information. I went with a different company and we were able to enjoy our trip!!10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2018
Pros:
I reserved online for a cadillac or similar model. When I got there there were three to choose from and I selected the Cadillac SUV. Great service too.7.2 Good
Jun. 2018
Pros:
Car was clean and functional. The on-site staff was friendly.Cons:
I needed to extend the rental agreement by several days (3) due to a family hospital visit/illness. Despite the extra days of charges listed on the contract at $63 base per day, Alamo tried to jack up the base rate to $105 per day. How about honoring a contract? turned the car back in and used Uber instead on principal alone.Payless
8.4
Very good
209 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.4
One location in Pittsburgh
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10.0 Wonderful
Jan. 2020
Cons:
Line was short. Car was close. That may be a function of the airport and my flight time but everyone was easy convenient and smooth8.8 Very good
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Good service. No wait times.Cons:
many people would probably be happy with my experience, but not so much for me. I was upgraded from a sedan to our SUV at no charge. Did not know that’s what I was getting. Just not my personal preference, plus it cost two or three times as much for gasoline. Other than that, great experience10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2019
Pros:
VeryCons:
Easy, quick and convenient!4.8 Mediocre
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Vehicle stunk from cigarettes and the windshield was clouded with residue8.8 Very good
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Drop off took a while. Only one guy working, and he was slow. Almost missed our flight.8.4 Very good
Sep. 2019
Pros:
Staff was good even tho there were IT probs.Cons:
Solving IT probs.Dollar
7.3
Good
173 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.2
One location in Pittsburgh
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2.0 Poor
Sep. 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
We did not get a car from them as the store had no vehicles despite accepting our confirmed booking.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
First two cars were not clean third car broke down. Had to spend 1+ hours on two phone calls to get replacement. Overall- won’t rent from them again.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was goodCons:
Better car. The car was a piece of garbage10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Smooth transactionCons:
Weather8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
YesCons:
THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER USING DOLLAR RENTAL. For the compact car, I thought the price was way to high. Also, I reserved and paid for the car with a major credit card online, when I got to the counter I was informed that there was a $200 hold fee. I did not have enough credit on my major card I was told to bring at pick up so I had to use my visa debit card and there was a $500 hold. JUST RIDICULOS!!!Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.1
Good
145 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.1
11 locations in Pittsburgh
Locations in Pittsburgh
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
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.6.0 Okay
Nov. 2020
Cons:
A $200.00 deposit was required when I rented the vehicle (I was informed the deposit would be credited when I returned the vehicle.). When I returned the vehicle a day early, clean and without damage I was not given a receipt (paper or email.) Here we are 5 days later and no sign of my deposit. Disappointing.6.4 Okay
Oct. 2020
Pros:
The priceCons:
The vehicle that was found and reserved through Kayak was not actually available at the location. Offered an alternate minivan at same price, but it would have cost more in gas for me to use it. Had to find another location that had the appropriate size vehicle and would honor the Kayak price. Original location was not helpful in finding another as they stated that each location was individually owned/operated and they couldn't guarantee anything.7.6 Good
Oct. 2020
Cons:
Vehicle was very dirty on outside. Windshield very dirty on inside. For the money you pay for a “premium” SUV, it should be clean. I had to take it to a car wash and shine the tires.5.6 Fair
Oct. 2020
Cons:
There are very few agents, rental counter at Pittsburgh this closed and the signs directing you to the competitor counter to check in are not clear. Then you wait outside for 30mins to be helped to your car. It took 90 mins for me to get from baggage claim to leaving the rental car garage.9.2 Wonderful
Aug. 2020
Pros:
Good experience all around except van was dirty inside. With vivid was confused why. Cleaned and swept vehicle myself before loading and driving.Cons:
See aboveHertz
6.5
Okay
231 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.6
7 locations in Pittsburgh
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2.0 Poor
Nov. 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov. 2022
8.0 Very good
Nov. 2022
8.0 Very good
Oct. 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2022
Budget
6.0
Okay
160 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.0
6 locations in Pittsburgh
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6.0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
Staff at PIT and BWI were very helpful.Cons:
There was no antennae on the car. I picked it up at PIT that way. Did not realize it was missing until I reached my destination. Also, the passenger window did not work. Lastly, the Budget office was not open when I returned the car. I drove around BWI for 30 minutes trying to figure where and how to return the car. Turns out I was to return it at the AVIS drop-off. No instructions advised of that change. Very disappointing.6.0 Okay
Apr. 2021
Cons:
Getting a hold of and agent at the airport called several time in the day and line was busy.10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2020
Pros:
PerfectCons:
Everything was easy and no hassles.2.0 Poor
Jun. 2020
Pros:
Nope. NothingCons:
They were closed!!! when I arrived to pick it up. My time was 9pm pickup. No one at the counter. Sign stated they closed at 8pm. NOT Budgets fault. This ball was dropped by Kayak6.0 Okay
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Angelo is greatCons:
The prices are way to high for someone who rents by the week4.8 Mediocre
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Quick pickup and drop off. Price not bad.Cons:
Our SUV was filthy and smelled dirty.Avis
6.5
Okay
70 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.4
5 locations in Pittsburgh
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10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2022
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
I came back a bit worry because there was no body to give the car to and we saw several living it in a line at Avis so we did toCons:
I know it is a bit difficult to have some one at 4:20 am at the airport so you could feel a bit more secure about the deliver of the car10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2020
Pros:
Personable staff at pickup & drop off. Easy drop off procedure. No hard sell on upgrades/options at pick up.Cons:
More options for available vehicles in the class reserved.2.0 Poor
Jul. 2019
Pros:
The Staff was fine. The problem was that the rental car reservation was for a different place than the Pittsburgh airport where we needed it. I do not know how this happened. The result is that I had to cancel the reservation and rent from a competitor who offered a much better rate than Avis.Cons:
Since this type of error happens frequently, I think the staff should be prepared for it and supply a competitive rate to rent the car.2.0 Poor
Jul. 2019
Pros:
Pick up staff was helpful but drop off worst staff at Airport reception.9.6 Wonderful
Nov. 2017
Pros:
Pretty seamless pick up and drop off even though it was busy.Cons:
Rates seemed a little high for a Pittsburgh rental. It was a Holiday weekend but comparing to the same time last year it was high.Sixt
9.3
Wonderful
7 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
9.0
One location in Pittsburgh
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Sep. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Mar. 2023
National
7.9
Good
11 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
7.4
One location in Pittsburgh
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Reviews
7.6 Good
Aug. 2017
Pros:
Was upgraded to a great car, an Audi Q3 SUV. Made the long drive from Pittsburgh to Boston pretty comfortable. Thanks for that.Cons:
There was no ticket agent at the National counter at 6AM. Had to go out to the garage to find someone.10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2017
Pros:
Checking in at the counter was super easy - drivers license, a question about fueling the car and another about insurance and we were done at the counter! No pressure to ourchas ethe insurance. Easy access to the car out of one of the airport doors. Had a couple of minivans to choose from. Returning the car was even easier, pull in, let them check the mileage and the fuel level, and receipt in hand. They had luggage carts for us to use at no charge. Highly recommend!10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2021
1.9 Poor
Oct. 2021
Easirent
4.7
Mediocre
No reviews available
2 locations in Pittsburgh
Thrifty
No score available yet
2 locations in Pittsburgh
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Pittsburgh