New Terminal, Photo Credit: Allegheny County Airport Authority

Pittsburgh Infrastructure & 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 set 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 funds.  For the Pittsburgh region, 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 of Pittsburgh market access

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 is providing Pittsburgh the accessibility to connect Oakland to Southwestern Pennsylvania, and other major cities via broadband networks and all forms of transportation. 

Pittsburgh location in the U.S.

Non-Stop Flight Connections

Pittsburgh non-stop flight connections

1 hr 30 min flight time or less

DestinationFlight Time
Baltimore1 hr
Toronto1 hr
Washington D.C.1 hr
Orlando1 hr 15 min
Boston1 hr 30 min
Charleston1 hr 30 min
Charlotte1 hr 30 min
DestinationFlight Time
Chicago1 hr 30 min
Nashville1 hr 30 min
New York1 hr 30 min
Raleigh1 hr 30 min

Additional non-stop flights

DestinationFlight Time
Atlanta1 hr 40 min
St. Louis1 hr 40 min
Detroit2 hrs 15 min
Minneapolis2 hrs 15 min
Newark2 hrs 15 min
Miami2 hrs 35 min
Dallas3 hrs
DestinationFlight Time
Houston3 hrs
Denver3 hrs 30 min
Las Vegas4 hrs 30 min
Phoenix4 hrs 30 min
Los Angeles5 hrs 15 min
San Francisco5 hrs 30 min
Seattle5 hrs 30 min

*Pre-COVID-19 air travel disruptions

A Safe Place To Do Business

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

Pittsburgh safety map

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

Airport Access

Pittsburgh airport access
  • Pittsburgh International (PIT) serves *60+ destinations with 170 flights on weekday 
  • Nonstop international service to London (and beyond) on British Airways 
  • Four runways with available capacity; extensive air cargo facilities with direct runway access 
  • Named “Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2019” by Travel + Leisure 
  • Named J.D. Power Top 10 Medium Size Airport in North America 
  • PIT named a Fast Company “Most Innovative Company” 
  • 24 general aviation airports throughout the region 

*pre-COVID-19 travel disruptions

Rail

Pittsburgh railroad access
  • Over 1,300 miles of freight railway 
  • Three Class 1 railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Bessemer & Lake Erie (owned by Canadian National) 
  • Two intermodals 
  • CSX Pittsburgh Intermodal Rail Terminal 
  • Norfolk Southern

Rivers

Pittsburgh river terminal
Photo Credit: Port of Pittsburgh Commission
  • Second-largest and fourth-busiest inland port in the U.S.
  • 22 River Terminals throughout the Region

Highways

A pittsburgh highway
  • 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 provide a robust network of transit options, including light rail and bus, with access to the Port Authority.  
  • PennDOT oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transit , airports, railroads, ports and waterways. 

Pittsburgh’s infrastructure network will support building your business in the Pittsburgh region.