Pittsburgh Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Pittsburgh

Renting a car in Pittsburgh offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit attractions like PNC Park, which is perfect for family and outdoor experiences, or enjoy the thrills at Kennywood, a nearby theme park. If you're interested in cultural experiences, the Sri Venkateswara Temple is another key site to explore. The convenience of a car allows for easy luggage management, making it stress-free to travel with family or friends.

Moreover, having a car makes it simple to venture into popular neighbourhoods like Downtown Pittsburgh, where you can find the Benedum Center and Point State Park, or visit Bethel Park to check out the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. For those looking to explore a bit further, Washington offers historical sites like the David Bradford House and Canonsburg Town Park. Overall, renting a car enhances your ability to create flexible travel plans and discover the diverse attractions and experiences around Pittsburgh.

Most popular car rentals in Pittsburgh

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable ride while exploring Pittsburgh and its surroundings.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV can accommodate 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle combines versatility and comfort, allowing you to navigate the city with ease while enjoying the flexibility of having extra interior space for your belongings.
• Compact SUV: Suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact SUV accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option offers a good balance of size and storage, making it a great choice for those who want to explore Pittsburgh comfortably without sacrificing manoeuvrability.

Top rated car suppliers in Pittsburgh

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a solid choice for travellers looking for convenience with its single rental location in Pittsburgh. Known for their reliable service, Alamo’s most popular options include Midsize SUVs and Standard Pickups, providing you with the flexibility to navigate both urban and rural settings comfortably.
• Enterprise: With over 10 rental locations in the Pittsburgh area, Enterprise stands out for its accessibility. This supplier offers a diverse range of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to families and groups. Their widespread presence makes it easy to find a vehicle that suits your travel needs.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car offers a convenient option with its single rental location in Pittsburgh. This supplier is well-regarded for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, allowing you to drive comfortably while exploring the region's attractions. Dollar's straightforward service ensures a hassle-free rental experience.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

• Downtown Pittsburgh: Experience the heart of the city in Downtown Pittsburgh, an ideal location for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With attractions such as the Benedum Center, Point State Park, and PNC Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for culture and adventure. Enjoy nearby dining options, ranging from restaurants to wineries, ensuring delightful culinary experiences, all within a vibrant urban atmosphere.
• Washington: This charming city offers a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for your stay. Explore local landmarks like the David Bradford House and the F. Julius LeMoyne House, both rich in history. With recreational areas and shopping centres nearby, you’ll find plenty to do, complemented by an array of restaurants and wineries to satisfy your cravings.
• Cranberry Township: Perfect for families and business travellers alike, Cranberry Township provides a balance of city life and suburban tranquility. Discover attractions such as Ehrman Farms Playground, Glen Eden Park, and North Boundary Park, which all cater to outdoor activities. The area features shopping centres and dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient and pleasant base for your Pittsburgh adventure.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize 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 secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By reserving in advance, you’re more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. 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 car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often an extra fee for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Pittsburgh

The best value period to rent a car in Pittsburgh is April, when prices are lower and demand is slightly high. March also offers good options, with both prices and demand remaining slightly low. Following this, May brings average pricing and demand, while June through August see prices and demand rise, making it the most expensive time to rent a car. July and August are particularly busy, with high demand and elevated rental rates.

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