Car rental Pittsburgh
Our top branches in Pittsburgh, PA
Our services at Pittsburgh, PA
SIXT Car Rental in Pittsburgh
Pick up your SIXT car rental in Pittsburgh from locations like the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Our fleet is comprised of a wide variety of vehicles from top manufacturers. Flexible booking options available via the SIXT app help ensure a smooth rental process. When you rent a car in Pittsburgh, you’ll enjoy the city’s standout sights, distinctive neighborhoods, and scenic drives in the surrounding hills at your own pace.
Reserve your SIXT car rental in Pittsburgh now for the ultimate freedom for your trip.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in Pittsburgh
- SUVs: Pittsburgh's steep hills, bridges, and variable weather make an SUV ideal for all-season safety and comfort.
- Compact cars: Optimize maneuverability and easy parking downtown, especially in the Cultural District and business areas.
- Minivans: Perfect for family visits to attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo or for groups attending sports events at Acrisure Stadium.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Pittsburgh?
There are several factors that will influence the price of a car rental in Pittsburgh:
- Vehicle type: From compact cars to spacious SUVs and premium luxury models, each category comes with its own daily rate.
- Rental duration: Weekly, weekend, and monthly rentals are generally cheaper per day than daily rentals.
- Pick-up and return locations: Prices may vary according to where you start and end your rental journey.
SIXT Pro Tip: Choose “Best Price” at checkout for savings over payment flexibility.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
Make your rental car your own with bookable extras and comprehensive protection:
- Add on items like GPS, child safety seats, additional drivers, or winter tires as needed.
- Whatever the road brings, we've got you covered. Choose the level of protection that suits you best.
Driving Tips for Pittsburgh
Driving in Pittsburgh is generally straightforward, but the city’s bridges, hills, and tunnel merges call for extra attention.
Traffic Rules in Pittsburgh
- Daytime headlights are not required, but you must use your lights from sunset to sunrise and anytime visibility is low (in rain, fog, or snow).
- Pennsylvania’s Steer Clear law requires you to slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles or traffic stops.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Tunnel traffic can get backed up during peak hours. Maintain your lane inside tunnels and expect possible delays.
- Stay alert for buses and trolley cars in central districts, especially around the downtown area.
Parking in Pittsburgh
Public parking works through the official Pittsburgh Parking Authority system, offering garages and lots across key downtown and visitor areas.
- Mellon Square Garage: Ideal for downtown shopping, business visits, and accessing nearby restaurants.
- Smithfield-Liberty Garage: Best for reaching central business districts and adjacent theaters.
Fueling Instructions
Fueling practices in Pittsburgh rely on self-service at major chains such as Sheetz and GetGo; pay at the pump by card or inside by cash.
- Local labels include Gasoline (Regular, Midgrade, Premium) and Diesel.
- Pay-at-the-pump and major credit cards are widely accepted; most stations are open 24/7.
SIXT Pro Tip: Save time when you return your vehicle by letting us take care of refueling and with our optional refuelling service.
Tolls
Tolls apply on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which connects Pittsburgh to other major cities. The system is all-electronic, using E-ZPass transponders or the “Toll By Plate” system. Cash payments are not accepted.
For personalized advice on toll routes and payment options, our friendly customer service team will gladly assist you at pick-up.
Top Places to Visit by Car in Pittsburgh
A SIXT car rental in Pittsburgh provides convenient access to the city’s historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
Mount Washington Overlook: For Iconic City Views
- Distance from Pittsburgh International Airport: 13.7 miles (22 km)
- Estimated driving time: 25 minutes
Mount Washington offers panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh and its three rivers. The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines transport visitors to the summit and are part of the city’s rich heritage.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: An Urban Oasis
- Distance from downtown Pittsburgh: 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Estimated driving time: 10 minutes
Phipps Conservatory is a lush botanical attraction inside a historic glasshouse. It features seasonal flower shows and sustainable architecture and is recognized for its educational exhibits and eco-friendly design.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: For Family Adventure
- Distance from downtown Pittsburgh: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- Estimated driving time: 15 minutes
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is home to hundreds of animal species and dynamic aquatic exhibits. Open year-round, it’s a favorite for families and group visits.
Point State Park: For Riverside History
- Distance from Pittsburgh International Airport: 20 miles (32.2 km)
- Estimated driving time: 35 minutes
Point State Park sits where the city’s three rivers converge and is also home to the historic site of Fort Pitt, used by British forces during the French and Indian War. The park hosts events and festivals and offers riverfront trails connecting to downtown.
A car rental in Pittsburgh gives you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy Pittsburgh and nearby destinations on your own schedule.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Pittsburgh, PA. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Pittsburgh, PA
All drivers will need a valid driver’s license. International renters will need their passports, and if the license uses a non-Roman alphabet like Arabic, an international driving permit.
The minimum age for a SIXT rental in Pittsburgh is 21. However, some luxury and larger vehicle categories require drivers to be 25 or older. A young driver surcharge applies to those under 25.
Book flexibly when you choose the pay later option and change or cancel your booking free of charge.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
