Getting There

By Plane -- Pittsburgh International Airport (tel. 412/472-3525; www.pitairport.com) is 15 miles west of downtown. US Airways is the dominant carrier. To get downtown from the airport, take the public 28X Airport Flyer bus (tel. 412/442-2000; www.portauthority.org) for $2.25. A cab ride costs $30. The airport is a 20-minute drive (45 min. during rush hour) from downtown.

By Train -- Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245] or 412/471-6172; www.amtrak.com) provides daily service from Philadelphia (trip time: 7 1/2 hr.), Washington, D.C. (7 3/4 hr.), Cleveland (3 hr.), and Chicago (9 1/2 hr.) to its station at 1100 Liberty Ave.

By Car -- Major routes into the belt roads around Pittsburgh are I-76 from the northwest (Cleveland) and east (Philadelphia), I-70 from the west (Columbus) and southeast (Baltimore), and I-79 from the north (Erie, Pennsylvania) and south (Charleston, West Virginia).

Visitor Information

The Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau, 425 6th Ave. (tel. 800/359-0758 or 412/281-7711; www.visitpittsburgh.com), operates several Welcome Centers: downtown, Liberty Avenue next to the Gateway Center; at the Airport Landside Terminal; and at the Senator John Heinz History Center in the Strip District.

Getting Around

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (tel. 412/442-2000; www.portauthority.org) operates subways and buses throughout Pittsburgh as well as the "T" Light Rail. Fares are free within the Golden Triangle downtown; prices vary outside that area but are generally less than $2. A weekly unlimited pass goes for $20 to $30, depending upon the zones; children ages 6 to 12 pay half-fare.

Fast Facts

For medical services, call Mercy Hospital downtown, 1400 Locust St. (tel. 412/232-8111). In the Oakland area, the major local hospital is UPMC Presbyterian, 200 Lothrop St. (tel. 412/647-8762). The 7% city sales tax is not assessed on clothing, shoes, groceries, or prescriptions; hotel taxes total 14%.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.