Downtown Pittsburgh Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Pittsburgh

Renting a car in Downtown Pittsburgh offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant neighborhood and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. This is particularly beneficial for families and those interested in city-themed, outdoor, or cultural experiences. You can visit key attractions such as the Benedum Center, ideal for cultural experiences, or Point State Park, perfect for outdoor adventures, both located conveniently within Downtown Pittsburgh.

Additionally, PNC Park, located less than 1 km away, provides a great venue for family outings and city experiences. Exploring nearby neighborhoods like North Shore and the Cultural District is also convenient with a rental car. North Shore is home to attractions like the Carnegie Science Center and National Aviary, while the Cultural District features the renowned Andy Warhol Museum. Having a car allows you to navigate easily between these destinations, ensuring you make the most of your time in and around Downtown Pittsburgh.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown Pittsburgh

• Midsize SUV: This car option is perfect for accommodating 5 travellers with room for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups, providing ample space and comfort for your journeys around Downtown Pittsburgh. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, making it a popular choice for those looking to balance luggage capacity with driving ease.
• Luxury: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 4 large suitcases, luxury vehicles are an excellent choice for business travellers, couples, or small groups who desire a premium experience. Renting a luxury car in Downtown Pittsburgh allows you to travel in style and comfort, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a high-end touch during their stay.
• Standard SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for couples, families, or groups. Standard SUVs provide a balance of comfort and versatility for navigating the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh. With enough room for your belongings and a comfortable ride, this car type is well-suited for various travel needs.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown Pittsburgh

• Budget: Budget has one rental location in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, making it a convenient option for travellers. They offer a selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs being the most popular choices among customers. This supplier is known for providing reliable vehicles and a straightforward rental process, ensuring you can embark on your Pittsburgh adventure without hassle.
• Enterprise: With two rental locations, including one that is very close to Downtown Pittsburgh, Enterprise is a top choice for car rentals. They are particularly favoured for their Luxury and Premium Pickup vehicles, which cater to those seeking a more upscale driving experience. Customers appreciate Enterprise for their excellent customer service and flexible rental options, making it a great fit for both leisure and business travellers.
• Avis: Avis operates one rental location in Downtown Pittsburgh, offering a solid selection of vehicles. Among their most booked options are the Midsize SUV and Economy cars, appealing to a wide range of needs and budgets. Avis is known for their efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth rental experience as you explore the vibrant attractions of Downtown Pittsburgh and beyond.

Where to stay around Downtown Pittsburgh

• North Shore: Located 1 km away from Downtown Pittsburgh, North Shore is a vibrant neighbourhood ideal for family and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy attractions like PNC Park, a lovely urban park perfect for picnics and leisure activities. The Carnegie Science Center offers educational fun for all ages, while the National Aviary provides an exciting outdoor adventure. North Shore also boasts a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food lovers.
• South Side Flats: Situated 1 km from Downtown Pittsburgh, South Side Flats is a neighbourhood that caters to families and business travellers alike. It features modern amenities and is close to significant landmarks such as PNC Park and the Andy Warhol Museum, both of which provide cultural enrichment. The Carnegie Science Center is also nearby, offering a family-friendly experience. With numerous options for dining, including distilleries and wineries, South Side Flats is a practical choice for visitors seeking convenience and enjoyment.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Pittsburgh

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost savings, use the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance typically allows you to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are usually more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge; however, the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Pittsburgh

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown Pittsburgh is October, when prices are moderately low and demand is steady. Surrounding months like February and March also offer decent options, with prices remaining reasonable and demand generally lower. However, June tends to be the most expensive month as demand increases during the summer, along with July and August, which see higher rental prices and busy travel times.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.6°F (-1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
March	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
May	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
June	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	73.9°F (23.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
August	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	66.2°F (19.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
November	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
December	35.2°F (1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High