Should You Drive? Officials Say No. Here's Why.
Pittsburgh city officials, PRT (the transit authority), and the NFL are all saying the same thing: don't drive downtown for the draft. They're not being dramatic. Here's what you're up against:
- Most North Shore parking lots are closed for stage construction
- Downtown garages that charged $50 for Taylor Swift are expected to hit $100+
- Roberto Clemente Bridge and Andy Warhol Bridge are closed to cars
- Multiple I-279 exit ramps are shut down
- 500,000+ people and not nearly enough parking for all of them
The best move: park at a suburban lot, take the bus or T downtown. Keep reading for exactly how to do that.
Park-and-Ride Locations (By Direction)
PRT is running special "Football Flyer" bus routes from park-and-ride lots in every direction. Here are the best options based on where you're coming from.
From the North (Cranberry, Ross, McCandless)
Ross Park & Ride (I-279 Exit 5)
The #1 recommendation on Reddit for anyone coming from the north. Take the #8 bus or O1 express to downtown. About 25 minutes to the draft venues.
Butler Transit Authority (Route 528 Lot)
Commuter bus from Butler County. Good option if you're coming from further north. Check Butler Transit for draft weekend schedules.
Full guide for Cranberry Township visitors →
From the South
South Hills Village T Station
Park here and ride the T light rail directly to Allegheny Station (North Shore) or downtown. The T runs through a free fare zone downtown. About 35 minutes.
Dormont T Stations (Beechview, Dormont, Castle Shannon)
Multiple stations along the T line with paid parking lots and free street parking nearby. Closer to downtown than South Hills Village.
From the East
Wilkinsburg Park & Ride
Take the P1 bus. 15 minutes to downtown. The East Busway is one of Pittsburgh's best transit routes -- fast, reliable, and frequent service.
From the West / Airport
PRT Route 28X
Airport bus service to downtown. PRT is adding extra 28X service for draft weekend. About 45-60 minutes from the airport.
If You Must Drive: Parking Options and Pricing
Pre-Book on SpotHero
The smartest move if you're driving is to pre-book a guaranteed spot. SpotHero has listings starting from $10.99 for suburban lots and $50+ for downtown locations. Prices go up as the event gets closer.
Downtown Garages
| Location | Est. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alco North Shore Lots | $15-35 (normal) | Many closed for draft. Check availability. |
| Downtown Garages (6th & Penn area) | $50-100+ | Charged $50 for Taylor Swift. Draft will be more. |
| Rivers Casino Parking | $500 (4-day pass) | Package deal with hotel. Walking distance to North Shore. |
| South Side street parking | Free-$5 | Walk across 10th Street Bridge (~20 min) or take bus. |
The T Light Rail: Free Rides Between Both Venues
Here's something most visitors don't know: Pittsburgh has a light rail system called "the T," and it runs through a free fare zone downtown. That means you can ride between the two draft venues -- Allegheny Station (North Shore, near Acrisure Stadium) and downtown (near Point State Park) -- for free.
The T is also the easiest way to get to the draft from the south suburbs. Park at South Hills Village, Dormont, or any station along the Red or Blue line, and ride straight to the action.
Road Closures You Need to Know
The city has a 6-phase closure plan that runs from March 28 through May 10. Here's what matters for draft weekend (Phase 3, April 22-25):
- Roberto Clemente Bridge (6th Street) -- Closed to vehicles. Open to pedestrians (it connects the two draft areas).
- Andy Warhol Bridge (7th Street) -- Closed to vehicles.
- Fort Duquesne Boulevard -- Closed between 6th and 10th Streets.
- I-279 Exit Ramps -- Several exits near downtown are closed. Check PennDOT for specifics.
- Fort Pitt Bridge on-ramp -- Closed from the Boulevard of the Allies.
Companies are telling workers to stay home. Pittsburgh Public Schools are going remote for 3 days. If that doesn't tell you how serious the closures are, nothing will.
Uber and Lyft Tips
Rideshare is an option, but expect surge pricing. One Reddit user estimated $80 from Cranberry Township with surge. Here's how to minimize the pain:
- Designated pickup/dropoff spots will be announced closer to the event. They probably won't be convenient.
- Walk a few blocks away from the main venues before requesting a ride. Surge pricing is highest right at the event.
- Late night rides home will be the hardest to get. Consider staying on the South Side and walking to Carson Street for easier pickups.
- Pre-schedule your return ride if the app allows it.
Parking FAQ
Where do I park for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh?
The best option is to NOT drive. Use a park-and-ride lot and take the bus or T light rail. If you must drive, pre-book a spot on SpotHero ($10-35 for suburban lots, $100+ downtown). North Shore lots near Acrisure Stadium are mostly closed for draft construction.
How much does parking cost for the NFL Draft?
Downtown garages are expected to charge $50-100+ during draft weekend. North Shore lots that are open could reach $100+. SpotHero pre-booking ranges from $10.99 for suburban lots to $220+ for North Shore. Rivers Casino is offering a $500 four-day parking package.
Is there free parking near the NFL Draft?
Free street parking exists in some neighborhoods (South Side, Lawrenceville) but you'll need to walk or take transit from there. The best free option is to park at a suburban park-and-ride lot and take the Football Flyer bus.
What bridges and roads are closed during the NFL Draft?
Roberto Clemente Bridge (6th Street) and Andy Warhol Bridge (7th Street) are closed to vehicles. Fort Pitt Bridge on-ramp, several I-279 exits, and Fort Duquesne Boulevard are also closed. The closures happen in 6 phases from March 28 through May 10.
Need the full picture?
Check our other guides for hotels, restaurants, and the day-by-day itinerary.