Does anyone know if there are any long-term parking lots around the Pittsburgh Amtrak Station? The small lot next to the station hasn't allowed long-term parking for some time, and the Greyhound Terminal and Garage across Liberty Avenue has been demolished by the City to be replaced by a new Terminal and Garage, but that is a couple years away. When I recommend train travel, the lack of parking at the station is a major drawback to potential passengers.
Posted by Tanner929 (Member # 3720) on :
Your not suppose to DRIVE to a metropolitain train station! try the buses try the light rail system take a cab if you must. We're into this mass public transportation thing here . LOL
Posted by AHALL (Member # 3515) on :
I should have clarified that I am 47 miles from the Pittsburgh Amtrak Station. In addition, western Pennsylvania/West Virginia/Ohio is not Connecticut. Pittsburgh's mass transit doesn't even connect to the Airport, and when all the trains at a station arrive and depart late evening or the middle of the night, even that doesn't operate.
Posted by EmpireBuilderFan1976 (Member # 4321) on :
This may be expensive, as I have only been to the Pittsburgh Airport a couple of times, and to the train station only once, and don't know how many miles they are apart. But you might look into parking at the airport and taking a taxi to the station. That is what I use to do when I took the train from Portland Oregon back to Pennsylvania to visit family. I would park at the Portland airport and take a taxi downtown to the Amtrak station. It was about 8 bucks a day for parking and 20 bucks for the cab. Now Portland has light rail from the airport through downtown. So I just park at the airport and pay a dollar to take the MAX downtown. Unfortunately the MAX only gets within 10 blocks of Portlands Union Station, but I travel light so the walk isn't THAT bad...
Posted by Tanner929 (Member # 3720) on :
AHALL, You might try a Pittsburgh city guide on line with a listing of municiple lots and the rates. Not sure how long you will out of town but there might be some commuter lots.
Posted by CHATTER (Member # 1185) on :
quote: This may be expensive, as I have only been to the Pittsburgh Airport a couple of times, and to the train station only once, and don't know how many miles they are apart. But you might look into parking at the airport and taking a taxi to the station. That is what I use to do when I took the train from Portland Oregon back to Pennsylvania to visit family. I would park at the Portland airport and take a taxi downtown to the Amtrak station. It was about 8 bucks a day for parking and 20 bucks for the cab. Now Portland has light rail from the airport through downtown. So I just park at the airport and pay a dollar to take the MAX downtown. Unfortunately the MAX only gets within 10 blocks of Portlands Union Station, but I travel light so the walk isn't THAT bad...
Hmmm....$20 each way for a cab, plus eight dollars a day to park, plus a ten-block walk each way? I would think it would be easier to take a cab the entire way! Posted by I Missed the Ma&Pa (Member # 4300) on :
IIRC, there IS a bus from the Pittsburgh Airport into the city - the 28X, runs about every 30 minutes.
Which train were you looking to catch? Pennsylvanian, WB Capitol, or EB Capitol?
If the Pennsylvanian (appx. 7am dep.), I would personally look at trying to park near one of the busway stops and catching the EBA (East) or 100 (West) to the Station.
You could do the same for the WB Capitol (11ish pm) towards Chicago.
BUT, if you're looking for the EB Capitol with its 415am departure, you won't have transit service available to you at that hour.
Posted by AHALL (Member # 3515) on :
Thanks for all the ideas. The airport is a possibility, it is $ 6.50 per day for long term parking and a 12 mile trip downtown to the Station. I give a neighbor gas money to take me to Pittsburgh when I take the train, and that works fine for me. The problem is that people show interest in taking the Pennsylvanian to New York City, until the parking issue emerges, and for a first-timer, that usually ends the train interest.
I checked with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority and none of the 16 lots/garages downtown permit overnight parking, including the two at the Amtrak Station. Maybe when the new garage is constructed across the street where the Greyhound Terminal used to be located... I used to take Greyhound to take the train westbound, but Greyhound ended its route west from Pittsburgh last November as part of their nationwide reductions.
Posted by PA Bill (Member # 27540) on :
Looks like this question has not been answered in a long time. Yes, there is long term parking near the Pittsburgh AMTRAK station. The Pittsburgh Parking Authority has a parking facility (Grant Street Parking Garage) directly across Liberty street from the AMTRAK station. Even though it is not advertised, you can park for an extended period of time. Google "pittsburgh parking authority" for more info including maps and rates. It is a 24/7 facility with security. If you need more info, call them at (412) 560-7202.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Whoa, six years later!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Empire Builder Fan -
An additional downtown loop for the Portland light rail has opened. There is now a stop in front of the Greyhound Station which is not even a full block away from Portland Union Station!
Posted by ldiat (Member # 27396) on :
well i live 10 mins away and asked my brother-in-law to drop us off. he lives 5 mins away. question, how soon before we depart should we get to the station? do stations have porters to carry bags, or will the bags get checked in at the "curb". we have to change trains in CHI. will they automaticly transfer our bags or do we do it? thanks ldiat
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Idiat, get to the station a half hour early . If you have luggage to check I suggest 1 hour. Most stations have red caps to carry the bags for you and they are usually right out in front. If you check them through to your final destination you just pick them up there. If you want help at you destination just ask the conductor or your car attendant to call ahead and request a red cap meet you. Just make sure they give them your name
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Idiat, have a nice trip, and "may the horse be with you."
Posted by ldiat (Member # 27396) on :
thanks train lady
thank O mike good luck sat!
Posted by AHALL (Member # 3515) on :
Yes, the new parking garage has been constructed since my original post in 2006. But, NO red caps at Pittsburgh, got to drag them into the station. Once inside, station staff are able to help to some degree.
Posted by ldiat (Member # 27396) on :
im getting different reports. on the Southwest chief are there restrooms on the top level in coach? i know on the first level there are changing rooms etc. but on the top level are there just restrooms?
Posted by MDRR (Member # 2992) on :
Only in the sleeping car is there a restroom on the upper level. All other cars, lower level only.
Posted by ldiat (Member # 27396) on :
thanks,last question....how are the steps from the 2nd level to first level? are there railings? my wife uses a walker and uses stairs, but it can be a bit tiresome for her. thanks for all resopnses
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
The steps are very narrow and have 2 90 degree turns. They have handrails that are good enough for support (I think on both sides). They may be too narrow for a walker, but it could be folded and carried, using the handrails for support.
The narrowness of the stairway and aisles can sometimes be an advantage -when the train rocks or lurches the walls are so close they keep one from falling.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
As an example, I am probably average width. I cannot turn around in the stairway or bedroom aisle with a large backpack on. I also have difficulty with my well padded laptop case on my hip with a shoulder strap. I have to hang it in front of me to take the stairs.
Posted by ldiat (Member # 27396) on :
ok thanks, my wife can do the steps(i carry the walker for her). if we have a problem i guess we'll have to go to the lower level. thanks all
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