Passengers arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport will experience significant changes starting at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, with the opening of a new $1.7 billion landside terminal. This facility eliminates the need for trams to reach the gates, providing travelers with a direct and efficient route after security checks. Approximately 25,000 passengers are expected to utilize the terminal on its opening day.
Access and Parking Changes
Access to the airport remains familiar via the exit off I-376, but drivers will notice new signage guiding them to the updated terminal layout. The previous routes to the old terminal will be closed, and travelers should follow signs directing them to drop-off and pick-up zones. A new “wait lot” allows drivers to park free for the first hour before picking up passengers at baggage claim. Airport employees, identifiable by their high-visibility purple vests, will be stationed throughout the property to assist travelers in navigating the new setup.
Parking options have also been revamped. The new Terminal Garage offers 3,300 spaces and is conveniently located adjacent to the terminal. Daily parking is priced at $35, but pre-booking online at parkatpit.com can reduce the rate to as low as $30. Visitors will enter the terminal via the Customer Service Building, which houses rental car desks, and then proceed to the new terminal.
The 2,800-space Terminal Lot, situated next to the garage, provides another option for parking at $25 per day, with discounts available for advance reservations. The most economical choice remains the Shuttle Lot, previously known as the Economy, Long Term, and Extended lots. It costs $12 per day, or $8 with early booking. Shuttle buses, now equipped with increased seating and live tracking displays, will transport passengers to the terminal in approximately ten minutes.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
After check-in, passengers will proceed through a streamlined security process featuring twelve lanes equipped with advanced scanners. Notably, new procedures allow travelers to retain their shoes, laptops, and sealed liquids during screening. Once through security, passengers will traverse a bridge leading into a spacious great hall designed to evoke the experience of emerging from the Fort Pitt Tunnel into the city.
The new terminal incorporates several modern upgrades, including outdoor terraces, an advanced baggage handling system significantly shorter than its predecessor, and various art installations. The first flight from the new terminal is scheduled for takeoff around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, marking a new era for Pittsburgh International Airport as it enhances the travel experience for millions of passengers.
