Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Travel Guide: PNC Park

Getting to Pittsburgh & The Ballpark

• Flying In: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the primary hub, heavily serviced by Southwest and American Airlines, with plenty of options from Delta and United. It is located about 20 miles west of the ballpark.

• Airport Transit: Driving or taking a rideshare is straightforward, but if you want to save money, taking the 28X Airport Flyer bus is a fantastic option. It picks up at the airport and drops off in downtown Pittsburgh for just $2.75 (exact change required if paying cash), and the trip takes about 40-45 minutes.

• Traveling by Train: If you are coming from nearby cities, taking Amtrak into Pittsburgh Union Station is highly recommended. Located in the heart of downtown, it is just a mile from the ballpark, allowing you to skip the hassle of a long airport commute.

Where to Stay

PNC Park is located on the North Shore of the Allegheny River. Staying on the North Shore offers ultimate stadium convenience, while staying directly across the river in downtown Pittsburgh gives you access to the city's Cultural District and a highly scenic walk to the game.

Budget Options

• Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh North Shore: This all-suite property sits directly across the street from PNC Park. It is perfect for groups and families, offering full kitchens, separate living areas, and a free daily hot breakfast. It also features an indoor pool and an outdoor patio with a fire pit, making it a comfortable and highly convenient home base.

• Hyatt Place Pittsburgh - North Shore: Also located directly adjacent to the stadium, this is the absolute closest hotel to the ballpark. Many rooms even offer direct views into PNC Park! It features spacious rooms with a "cozy corner" sofa bed, a free daily breakfast, and a free shuttle service to local attractions.

Higher-End Options

• Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel: Housed in a beautifully remodeled 1906 building, this upscale hotel sits on the downtown side of the river, directly across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from the stadium. It features high ceilings, two trendy restaurants, and an old-school barber shop in the lobby. It perfectly blends historic charm with modern luxury.

• Fairmont Pittsburgh: This is one of the premier luxury hotels in the city. Located downtown, it features sleek rooms with views of either PNC Park or Mt. Washington. It offers a full-service spa, complimentary BMW bike rentals, and Andy's, an upscale restaurant with a full cocktail bar and live weekend jazz.

Nearby Activities

• The Andy Warhol Museum: Located on the North Shore just a few blocks from PNC Park, this massive, seven-story museum holds the largest collection of Warhol's art and archives in the world.

• The Duquesne Incline: For the absolute best panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the three rivers, take a ride up this historic, 19th-century funicular railway to the top of Mt. Washington.

Pregame Food and Drink

• The North Shore Bar Scene: Mike's Beer Bar (which recently took over the old Mullen's location) sits directly across the street from the center-field gates. It is a massive pregame hub featuring over 500 beers, including 80 rotating taps and steak-on-a-stone dining. Just down the street is Southern Tier Brewery, which boasts a massive outdoor seating area and a great American food menu.

• Upscale Downtown Dining: If you are staying downtown and want a nicer sit-down meal before walking across the bridge, head to the Cultural District. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina offers incredible wood-fire-grilled South American meats in a trendy setting. Just down the street, Meat & Potatoes is a highly popular gastropub serving elevated new American comfort food.

Getting to the Event

• Walking: Because of the stadium's location, walking is arguably the best way to arrive. If you are coming from downtown, walking across the iconic, yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge (which is frequently closed to vehicle traffic on game days) alongside thousands of other fans is a quintessential Pirates experience.

• Public Transit: Pittsburgh offers a fantastic service called the "Free Fare T-Zone," which allows you to ride the light rail for free within downtown. Simply hop on the T and take it to the North Side Station, which drops you right at the ballpark.

• The Gateway Clipper: For a uniquely Pittsburgh arrival, take the Gateway Clipper ferry. You can board at the Station Square Dock south of the city, and the boat will ferry you directly across the rivers to the stadium gates.

Where to Sit at PNC Park

PNC Park is universally acclaimed as having one of the absolute best backdrops in Major League Baseball, heavily featuring the Allegheny River and the downtown skyline.

• The Best Views: Look for tickets in the 200-level Club seats (Sections 217-220) directly behind home plate. This perfectly elevated level offers sweeping views of the entire field, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and the towering city skyline. The seats are wider and padded, and you get access to a premium concourse.

• Away Fans: If you are cheering for the visiting team, look for Sections 10-13 or Sections 110-113. These sit directly behind the visitor's dugout on the first-base side, giving you an up-close look at your favorite players.

• The Budget Seats: Look for tickets in Sections 142-144 in right field. These field-level seats sit right near the riverwalk. Because they are in the outfield, they are almost always priced much lower than the infield seating, making them a fantastic bargain for budget-conscious fans.