An aerial view of Pittsburgh International Airport, an important part of Pittsburgh’s Infrastructure.

New Terminal, Photo Credit: Allegheny County Airport Authority

Pittsburgh Infrastructure and Market Access

Let’s run down the checklist of Pittsburgh’s infrastructure and market access compared to other metros: 

Domestic & international direct flights? Check. 

Inland port? Check. 

Interstate highway system? Check. 

Close to major metros, international markets, and natural resources? Check, check and check. 

The Pittsburgh region’s combination of assets and strategic location sets it apart from other metros. 

The Pittsburgh region is still a leading steel and metals manufacturer, but it is much more than that. Pittsburgh has an economy that includes innovative technology and life sciences companies, top-ranked educational institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, robust retail and hospitality and so much more.  Accessing these assets makes regional infrastructure – physical and digital – critical. 

A more than $1 trillion bipartisan federal infrastructure bill was signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021. Later, Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate approved the bill to become the new infrastructure law — unlocking unprecedented allocations towards infrastructure projects.  For the Pittsburgh region and its local government, these new laws from the federal government will mean new opportunities for improvements to broadband, utilities and transportation, especially for those in poor condition. These improvements will make the region more attractive for trending business investment and talent.   

Considering just transportation, our infrastructure system – for getting here or getting goods from the region to market – is already about easy access, reliability and convenience. Let’s take a look. 

A map showing Pittsburgh's location enar other major cities

Closer Than You Think

The Pittsburgh region is in the middle of East Coast America. It’s close to the action but uniquely situated to differentiate positively from the rest of the world. Being here optimizes operations, allowing you to dedicate more time to make an impact.   

Federal funding has made the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and southwestern Pennsylvania accessible to other major cities via broadband networks and all forms of transportation.

Pittsburgh location in the U.S.

Pittsburgh’s Direct Flights

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) connects travelers to destinations around the United States and the world. PIT offers 60 non-stop destinations and16 airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

A map of the U.S., showing Pittsburgh’s direct flights

1 hr 30 min flight time or less

DestinationFlight Time
Boston1 hr 30 min
Charleston1 hr 30 min
Charlotte1 hr 30 min
Chicago1 hr 30 min
Montreal 1 hr 30 min
Nashville1 hr 30 min
New York1 hr 30 min
Raleigh-Durham1 hr 30 min

Additional non-stop flights

DestinationFlight Time
Hartford1 hr 35 min
Atlanta1 hr 40 min
Portland, ME1 hr 40 min
Providence1 hr 40 min
St. Louis1 hr 40 min
Orlando2 hrs 10 min
Detroit2 hrs 15 min
Minneapolis2 hrs 15 min
Newark2 hrs 15 min
Punta Gorda2 hrs 20 min
Sarasota2 hrs 20 min
St. Petersburg2 hrs 20 min
Palm Beach2 hrs 25 min
Tampa2 hrs 25 min
Fort Lauderdale2 hrs 30 min
DestinationFlight Time
Fort Myers2 hrs 30 min
Miami2 hrs 35 min
Key West2 hrs 40 min
New Orleans2 hrs 40 min
Dallas3 hrs
Houston3 hrs
Denver3 hrs 30 min
Cancun3 hrs 35 min
Las Vegas4 hrs 30 min
Phoenix4 hrs 30 min
Los Angeles5 hrs 15 min
San Francisco5 hrs 30 min
Seattle5 hrs 30 min
London7 hrs 20 min

A Safe Place To Do Business

The Pittsburgh area is one of the few areas around the country that enjoys near freedom from natural disasters so supply chains can keep running.  

Map-based on data from redcross.org and noaa.org 

Pittsburgh Transportation

Airport Access

A view of travelers in Pittsburgh International Airport’s atrium
  • Pittsburgh International (PIT) serves 60 destinations with non-stop flights 
  • Nonstop international service to London (and beyond) on British Airways 
  • Four runways with available capacity; extensive air cargo facilities with direct runway access 
  • Named J.D. Power #2 Medium Size Airport in North America (2022) 
  • 24 general aviation airports throughout the region  

Rail

A CSX train pulling into a Pittsburgh rail station
  • Over 1,300 miles of freight railway 
  • Three Class 1 railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Bessemer & Lake Erie (owned by Canadian National) 
  • One intermodal terminal: Norfolk Southern 

Rivers

A ship at one of many Port of Pittsburgh river terminals 
  • Second-largest and fourth-busiest inland port in the U.S.
  • 22 river terminals throughout the region 

Highways

A view of Fort Duquesne Bridge and Fort Pitt Bridge over the Allegheny River and Monongahela River
  • Four major interstate highways include I-70, I-76 (PA Turnpike), I-79 and I-80  
  • I-68 just south of outside the region  
  • City and regional authorities, like Pittsburgh Regional Transit, provide a robust network of transit options, including light rail and bus. 
  • PennDOT oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transit, airports, railroads, ports and waterways. 

Pittsburgh’s infrastructure will support you to build here.