FREE Transit All Draft Weekend (Sheetz + PRT)
Sheetz is sponsoring free rides on the T (light rail) and theMonongahela Incline for the entire draft weekend, April 23-25. That covers every station on the red, blue, and silver lines. This is a partnership between Sheetz and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). The Duquesne Incline is separately operated and not included.
Park at South Hills Village, Castle Shannon, or Dormont and ride the T straight to the draft venues for $0. This is the single best transportation hack for the weekend.
Allegheny T Station is CLOSED April 22-25
If you were planning to get off at Allegheny Station on the T, you can't. It's closed for draft infrastructure from April 22 through April 25. Use North Side Station instead. It's one stop south on the same line, about a 3-minute walk difference. You'll still end up in the same North Shore area near Acrisure Stadium.
Downtown stations (Gateway, Wood Street, Steel Plaza, First Avenue) are all open and connect to North Side Station.
Road Closures (Already in Effect)
Phase 1 road closures began March 28. This is not a future event. The roads are already closed. Six phases of closures escalate through April 25, with cleanup running through May 10.
- Phase 1 (active since March 28): Art Rooney Ave, West General Robinson St, Scotland Ave
- Phase 2 (active now, April 13-21): Casino Drive, North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way), Reedsdale Street, Chuck Noll Way, Tony Dorsett Drive. The I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp to the North Shore is also already shut down (closed earlier than originally scheduled). Kamin Science Center is closed to walk-ins April 13-May 1.
- Phase 3 (April 22-25, draft week): Adds Sproat Way, Mazeroski Way, Lacock Street, Federal Street, the 6th Street (Roberto Clemente) and 7th Street (Andy Warhol) bridges, Sixth Street, Commonwealth Place, Liberty Ave Extension, and Penn Ave from Stanwix to 9th Street.
- Roberto Clemente Bridge: Pedestrian-only during draft weekend (no vehicles)
- Andy Warhol Bridge: Closed to vehicles. Pedestrians routed to Roberto Clemente Bridge.
- Fort Pitt Bridge on-ramp closed from 10th Street Bypass
Pittsburgh Public Schools are going remote April 22-24 because of the closures. Major downtown employers (PPG, Highmark, PNC, Koppers) are also telling employees to work from home April 20-24. That should tell you everything about how serious this is.
Expected attendance: 500,000 to 700,000 visitors over the 3-day event.
Other Things to Know
- Coast Guard river security zone: No recreational boats allowed in the river near the draft venues during the event.
- Cell phone tower built in Point State Park: The NFL and local authorities installed a temporary cell tower to handle the massive crowd capacity. Your phone will still be slow, but it helps.
The Two Venues (And How to Get Between Them)
The 2026 NFL Draft is split across two locations separated by the Allegheny River:
Draft Theater
North Shore, near Acrisure Stadium. This is the main stage where picks get announced. Fan viewing on the field for Rounds 1-3.
Draft Experience
Point State Park, downtown. Free fan festival with the 40-yard dash, autograph stage, Lombardi Trophy, and field goal challenge.
3 ways to get between them:
- Walk across Roberto Clemente Bridge: Pedestrian-only during draft weekend. About 15 minutes door to door. The easiest option.
- Ride the T light rail: North Side Station (North Shore) to any downtown station. Free. About 5 minutes. Note: Allegheny Station is closed during draft weekend.
- Take the Gateway Clipper ferry: Free shuttle between Point State Park and North Shore on Friday and Saturday (inside the draft footprint, no re-security). Separate PAID service runs $10 each way between Station Square and PNC Park Thursday through Saturday.
Draft Venue Map
Point State Park (Draft Experience) is at the bottom. Acrisure Stadium (Draft Theater) is across the river at the top. Roberto Clemente Bridge connects them. Transit stops are pinned.
The T Light Rail (Your Best Friend)
ALL T rides are FREE during draft weekend
Sheetz and PRT just announced a partnership covering all fares on the T (red, blue, and silver lines) and the Monongahela Incline from April 23-25. Not just the downtown Free Fare Zone. Every station. Every line. Every ride. Free. (Note: the Duquesne Incline is separately operated and not included.)
That means you can park at South Hills Village, ride the T all the way downtown, and pay $0. This is the single best transportation hack for draft weekend.
Pittsburgh has a light rail system called "the T." Normally, the downtown/North Shore area is a permanent Free Fare Zone. But during draft weekend, Sheetz is covering fares on the entire system.
Draft weekend transit details
- Free fares April 23-25 on all T lines (red, blue, silver) and the Monongahela Incline. Courtesy of Sheetz.
- The T connects South Hills suburbs all the way through downtown and across to North Shore. Three lines: Red (South Hills Village), Blue (Library), and Silver.
- PRT fare options: The T, Monongahela Incline, and Football Flyer buses are all FREE during draft weekend. For regular PRT routes: a 3-hour pass is $2.75, a day pass is $7. The $25 Draft Pass in the Ready2Ride app covers 7 days of unlimited rides on regular routes only. Most draft visitors won't need any fare at all.
- Butler Transit Authority is running service every 30 minutes between the Route 528 park-and-ride in Zelienople (150 Lindsay Rd, Jackson Township) and PRT's Ross Park lot. $10 round trip, exact cash only. 350 parking spaces available. Great if you're coming from Butler County.
Pro tip for drivers
Park at South Hills Village, Dormont, or Castle Shannon T stations. Ride the T straight downtown for free. You'll skip all the parking chaos and road closures. About 35 minutes from South Hills Village to North Side Station. Cost: $0.
Football Flyer Bus Routes
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is running special "Football Flyer" buses from park-and-ride lots in every direction. These are dedicated draft shuttle routes that skip regular stops and go straight to the venues.
From the North (Route 99N)
McCandless Park & Ride (9700 McKnight Rd) to Ross Park & Ride (5204 Perry Hwy), then via I-279 HOV lanes to the venues. Every 15 min Thu/Fri, every 30 min Saturday. About 25 minutes.
From the South (Route 99S + T)
Large Park & Ride (219 Peters Creek Rd) via South Busway. Or take the T from South Hills Village or Dormont stations. Both the Football Flyer and the T are FREE all three days.
From the East (Route 99E)
Starts at Monroeville Mall, serves every East Busway station. The East Busway is one of Pittsburgh's fastest transit routes. 15 minutes from Wilkinsburg.
From the West / Airport (Route 99W + 28X)
University Blvd Park & Ride (9000 University Blvd) via West Busway. Also serves the lower stations of both the Duquesne Incline and Monongahela Incline. PRT Route 28X has extra airport service. 45-60 min from the airport.
All four Football Flyers drop off and pick up at two locations: near Point State Park in Downtown and near PNC Park on the North Shore. They run every 15 min Thu/Fri, every 30 min Saturday, 10 AM to 1 AM. FARE FREE during the Draft courtesy of the Pittsburgh Organizing Committee and The Pittsburgh Foundation. No ticket, no pass, just hop on. PRT is also increasing service systemwide on Saturday.
Full park-and-ride details and pricing on our Parking Guide →
Regional Transit (Outside Allegheny County)
Coming from outside Pittsburgh? Six regional transit agencies are running expanded service specifically for draft weekend. You don't have to figure out city parking if you're staying in the suburbs or surrounding counties.
Beaver County Transit Authority
Express trips between Beaver County Expressway Travel Center and Downtown. $5 each way or $10 unlimited day pass. Timed for draft activities.
Direct service from Route 528 Park & Ride (Zelienople) to Ross Park & Ride. $10 round trip, exact cash. Connect to PRT from there.
Newcastle Area Transit Authority
Regular commuter service to Downtown on Thursday and Friday, with adjusted routes for traffic changes.
Freedom Transit (Washington County)
Extended service hours and late-night return trips from Downtown. Good option if you're coming from the south and want to stay for the evening picks.
Fayette Area Coordinated Transit
Draft-specific service connecting Uniontown and surrounding communities to regional park-and-ride locations. Extra midday and evening service.
Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority
Regular commuter service plus a "Pittsburgh Express" route with late evening return trips from Downtown.
Source: VisitPittsburgh regional transportation plan (March 27, 2026)
Walking Routes
Pittsburgh is more walkable than most people expect, especially in the draft area. Here are the key walking routes and times.
| From | To | Walk Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Shore (Acrisure) | Point State Park | 15 min | Roberto Clemente Bridge (pedestrian-only) |
| Downtown | Strip District | 12 min | East along Liberty Ave or Penn Ave |
| Downtown | Station Square | 10 min | Smithfield Street Bridge (stays open) |
| North Shore | Strip District | 20 min | Fort Duquesne Bridge walkway, then east along the river |
| Point State Park | Market Square | 7 min | Straight up 4th Ave or Forbes Ave |
| Downtown | South Side (Carson St) | 20 min | 10th Street Bridge or Smithfield St Bridge to Station Sq, then walk east |
The Riverwalk trail
Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Heritage Trail runs along the riverfront on both sides. It connects the North Shore, Point State Park, Station Square, and the Strip District. It's flat, paved, and scenic. Perfect for walking between areas if you don't mind a slightly longer but nicer route.
The Pedestrian Pathway (It's Part of the Show)
The walk between Downtown and the North Shore isn't just transportation. VisitPittsburgh is turning the pedestrian pathway into an experience. Nearly 100 local buskers and street performers will line the route. Large-scale photo installations are set up along the way. Wayfinding elements connect you to nearby shops, restaurants, and small businesses.
Don't rush through it. The walk from Point State Park to the Draft Theater takes about 15 minutes, and there's going to be something worth stopping for every 30 seconds.
Uber & Lyft Tips
Rideshare will work. But it won't be cheap, and it won't be fast. Here's how to make it less painful.
- Walk away from the venues before requesting. Surge pricing is highest right at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. Walk 3-4 blocks in any direction and you'll see the price drop. One Reddit user estimated $80 from Cranberry Township with surge active.
- Late night is the hardest. After Round 1 ends Thursday night and the concerts let out, every single person will want a ride at the same time. If you're staying on the South Side, walk to Carson Street for easier pickups. Otherwise, consider staying near the venues and walking back to your hotel.
- Pre-schedule your return trip if the app lets you. It won't guarantee a price, but it helps with availability.
- Designated pickup/dropoff spots will be announced closer to the event. They probably won't be right at the venue entrance. Expect a 5-10 minute walk to the pickup zone.
- Consider the T instead. For anything between North Shore, downtown, and the South Hills, the T is faster and cheaper (free in the downtown zone). Don't pay surge pricing for a ride that the light rail covers for $0.
More rideshare details on our Parking & Transportation page →
Gateway Clipper River Shuttle
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is running two separate services for draft weekend. Know the difference before you board.
FREE: Point State Park ↔ North Shore
Two boats, running Friday and Saturday (April 24-25) only, every 15 minutes. This route stays inside the draft security footprint so you won't have to re-clear security when you reach the other side. Great option for quickly crossing the river if the Roberto Clemente Bridge is packed. You still need OnePass registration to be inside the footprint.
PAID: Station Square ↔ PNC Park ($10 each way)
Three boats, running Thursday through Saturday (April 23-25), 25-minute loops. This is the commuter option if you're staying near Station Square or the South Side. You will need to clear security again when you arrive on the North Shore side. Buy tickets online in advance at gatewayclipper.com and store in your phone wallet.
- It's not the fastest option (the T or walking is quicker), but it's the most fun. You're on a boat on the river looking at the Pittsburgh skyline.
- They're also hosting "DVE Rocks the Draft" watch party cruise on Thursday, April 23 (sold out).
- The Gateway Clipper president has said they'll have security aboard and expect tens of thousands of passengers. Arrive early if you plan to board.
Bridges You Need to Know
Pittsburgh has 446 bridges. You don't need to know all of them. Here are the 5 that matter for draft weekend.
Roberto Clemente Bridge (6th Street)
Pedestrian-only all draft weekend. This is THE bridge connecting the two draft sites. You'll probably walk it 5 times. It's the iconic yellow one in every Pittsburgh photo. Expect it to be a scene. Street performers, photo ops with the skyline behind you, and 100,000+ people crossing it daily. It's going to be one of the most photographed spots of the entire draft. Plan your walk across it, don't rush it.
Andy Warhol Bridge (7th Street)
Closed to vehicles during the draft. Officials are routing all pedestrian traffic to Roberto Clemente Bridge instead. Don't plan on using this one.
Fort Duquesne Bridge
Walkable. Connects the North Shore to the northeast edge of downtown. Good alternate route if Roberto Clemente Bridge is too crowded. Also useful for walking to the Strip District from the North Shore.
Smithfield Street Bridge
Open to vehicles and pedestrians. Connects downtown to Station Square and the South Side. Your best bet for crossing the Monongahela River on foot.
10th Street Bridge (South 10th Street)
Connects downtown to the South Side directly. About a 20-min walk from Point State Park to Carson Street via this bridge. Good option for getting to South Side nightlife.
POGOH Bike Share
Pittsburgh's public bike-share program has stations across Downtown, the North Shore, and surrounding neighborhoods. Pedal bikes start at $4.50 per 30 minutes. Electric-assist bikes are $6 per 30 minutes. Card only. Unlock with the POGOH app. Good for short trips between neighborhoods when the T doesn't go where you need or the Uber surge is insane. Multiple Reddit users called POGOH a legit transit alternative for draft weekend, not just a tourist novelty.
Heads up: The Three Rivers Heritage Trail goes through Point State Park but will be completely blocked by draft restrictions. Park on the South Side and use First Avenue as an alternate route if you're cycling.
Transit Apps You Should Download
Ready2Ride (PRT's Official App)
Only needed if you're riding regular PRT routes beyond the free draft-weekend options (T, Football Flyer, Mon Incline are all free). The $25 Draft Pass covers 7 days of unlimited regular PRT rides. This is the official PRT app.
Transit App (Real-Time Bus/Train Tracking)
Shows real-time arrival times for PRT buses and the T. Works better than Google Maps for Pittsburgh transit. Reddit's go-to recommendation for navigating the bus system. Free.
ParkPGH (Garage Availability)
Real-time parking garage availability for downtown Pittsburgh. If you're driving in, check this before you leave.
POGOH (Bike Share)
Unlock pedal or e-bikes at stations across Pittsburgh. $4.50-6 per 30 minutes.
Are Regular PRT Bus Routes Running?
Yes, but with changes. PRT is running most regular routes on Saturday-level service Thursday and Friday. Some routes near the North Shore and Point State Park are suspended or rerouted. The Football Flyer express routes (99N, 99S, 99E, 99W) supplement regular service. Check rideprt.org/2026-draft for the latest route-by-route status before you leave.
Need help on site?
Text NFLDRAFT with a brief description of your issue to 69050. Or visit a Fan Services booth anywhere in the draft footprint.
Getting Around FAQ
How do I get between the two NFL Draft venues in Pittsburgh?
The two venues (Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore and Point State Park downtown) are connected by the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which is pedestrian-only during draft weekend. It's about a 15-minute walk. You can also take the T light rail from North Side Station to any downtown station for free (Allegheny Station is closed during draft weekend). The Gateway Clipper runs a FREE shuttle between Point State Park and North Shore on Friday and Saturday only (inside the draft footprint). A separate paid Gateway Clipper route runs $10 each way between Station Square and PNC Park Thursday through Saturday.
Is the T light rail free during the NFL Draft?
Yes. ALL T rides are completely free April 23-25 thanks to a Sheetz and PRT partnership. That covers every station on the red, blue, and silver lines plus the Monongahela Incline. You can park at South Hills Village and ride the T all the way downtown for $0. The four Football Flyer buses (99N, 99E, 99S, 99W) are also free all three days, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Organizing Committee and The Pittsburgh Foundation. The $25 Draft Pass in the Ready2Ride app covers 7 days of unlimited rides on regular PRT routes if you want to explore the city beyond the free draft-weekend options.
How much will Uber and Lyft cost during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh?
Expect surge pricing, especially right at the venues and after evening events. One Reddit estimate put a ride from Cranberry Township at $80 with surge. Walk a few blocks away from the main venues before requesting a ride. Late-night pickups will be the hardest. Pre-schedule your return trip if possible.
Can I walk between Pittsburgh neighborhoods during the NFL Draft?
Yes for nearby neighborhoods. North Shore to Point State Park is 15 minutes across Roberto Clemente Bridge. Downtown to the Strip District is about 12 minutes. Downtown to Station Square is 10 minutes across Smithfield Street Bridge. South Side and Lawrenceville are better reached by Uber or bus.
Now that you know how to get around...
Check out the neighborhoods, find a place to eat, or figure out where to park.