PIT Rental Car Guide: Pittsburgh International Airport
Renting a car at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at PIT that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at PIT
Rental cars are picked up on the first level of the Terminal Garage at PIT's new landside terminal, which opened in November 2025. No shuttle needed.
Rental counters are in the covered walkway between the Terminal Garage and the terminal building, a short walk from the pickup and return areas.
PIT pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory taxes and fees: Rentals at PIT include airport charges, typically a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge. PIT does not publish these amounts on its rental car page, so check your agreement. Taxes come on top: 7% sales tax (Pennsylvania's 6% plus Allegheny County's 1%), Pennsylvania's $2 a day rental fee and 2% vehicle rental tax, and Allegheny County's own $2 a day tax on rental vehicles.
That means the daily rate in your quote is not what you pay at PIT: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at PIT
PIT hosts 8 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Sixt
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: no single brand wins every week, so compare all-in totals across all eight
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
PIT-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
PIT is well west of downtown Pittsburgh, so city branches add a long rideshare each way.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Branches in Robinson Township near the airport can be worth checking for longer rentals.
How to save the most at PIT
- Compare the all-in total. At PIT, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at PIT?
Pick up on the first level of the Terminal Garage at the new landside terminal; counters are in the covered walkway and no shuttle is needed.
What is the average rental car price at PIT?
There is no reliable average for PIT: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at PIT?
Usually a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge, plus taxes: 7% sales tax (6% state, 1% Allegheny County), Pennsylvania's $2 a day rental fee and 2% vehicle rental tax, and Allegheny County's $2 a day rental vehicle tax.
Which rental car company is best at PIT?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members. On price, no single brand wins every week, so compare all-in totals.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from PIT?
Rarely, since downtown is a long ride from the airport. Robinson Township branches can be worth checking for longer rentals.
Are there any quirks to renting at PIT?
The Turnpike and the Findlay Connector next to the airport are cashless tolls, and the Fort Pitt Tunnel backs up at rush hour.