Quick Summary:
- After baggage reclaim, follow “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars” signs.
- Use the moving walkways to the landside area, then follow rental car desk arrows.
- Head to the Rental Car Centre for vehicle pick-up, using the airport shuttle.
- Arriving late, call your provider and keep confirmation details handy.
Arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pennsylvania and heading straight to car hire can feel confusing after a flight, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terminal layout or you land late. The good news is that PIT’s wayfinding is generally clear, and the route from Arrivals to the car hire counters is designed to be straightforward.
This guide walks you step by step from the moment you leave the aircraft to the moment you reach the car hire desks, with practical signage tips, timing expectations, and what to do if you arrive outside normal counter hours.
Step-by-step: from arrival gate to baggage reclaim
Most arriving passengers enter the airside (gates) area first, then travel towards the landside terminal where exits, transport, and services are located. Once you disembark, look for overhead signs pointing to “Baggage Claim” or “Arrivals”. These usually share the same direction as “Ground Transportation”.
Keep an eye on the flight information monitors as you walk, because they confirm which baggage carousel you need. If you have checked luggage, collect it first before heading for car hire. If you have only hand luggage, you can proceed directly, but it is still worth checking the monitors to confirm you are on the correct level and walking the right way.
Helpful tip: if you are travelling with family or multiple bags, use the luggage trolleys where available, and plan for an extra 10 to 15 minutes from gate to carousel during peak periods.
Step-by-step: from baggage reclaim to the car hire desks
After collecting your bags, pause for a moment and locate the nearest overhead signs. At PIT, you will typically see directions for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. Follow these rather than relying on memory or a map screenshot, as signage reflects the current passenger routing.
In general, your route will look like this:
1) Exit the baggage reclaim area towards Ground Transportation. Keep to the main concourse and follow the overhead boards. If you find yourself outside at the kerbside with private pick-up lanes, return inside and re-locate the Ground Transportation signage.
2) Continue towards the landside terminal. You may use moving walkways depending on which corridor you are in. Stay with the main flow of passengers leaving Arrivals.
3) Follow “Rental Cars” to the rental car counter area. The desks are not typically hidden behind shops, they are signposted and clustered together so you can compare providers and find your specific counter quickly.
If you have arranged your rental through Hola Car Rentals for travel in Pennsylvania and beyond, keep your confirmation details accessible on your phone or printed. It speeds up the counter process when staff ask for your reservation number, planned return time, and driving licence details.
Signage tips that prevent wrong turns
Airport navigation is easiest when you focus on the exact wording used on signs. At PIT, the most useful sign phrases for car hire are “Rental Cars” and “Ground Transportation”. If you see signage for “Parking” or “Hotel Shuttles”, do not assume it includes car hire. Parking routes can take you away from the rental car counters.
Use these quick checks:
Stay indoors until you have reached the rental car area. If you are outside at the kerb, you are more likely looking at pick-up bays rather than the car hire desks.
Look up, not at eye level. Overhead signs usually provide the clearest, most consistent directions. Wall posters can be outdated or aimed at specific services.
Confirm your level. Airports often separate Arrivals, Departures, and transport options by floor. If you are not seeing “Rental Cars” signs for more than a minute or two, check for the nearest escalator or lift and look for a directory board.
What happens after the desk: getting to your car
At many US airports, the car hire desks are in-terminal, while the vehicles are held in a separate Rental Car Centre or garage. After you complete the counter paperwork, staff will tell you exactly how to reach the pick-up location, often by a dedicated shuttle or airport tram, depending on the airport’s set-up at the time.
Before leaving the desk area, confirm four things:
Pick-up method. Ask whether you need a shuttle and where the stop is.
Car bay or aisle information. Some providers assign a specific bay number, others direct you to a section.
After-hours procedure. If you expect a late return, confirm the key drop location and any instructions.
Fuel and toll guidance. Pennsylvania routes may include toll roads, so ask how tolls are handled and what fuel policy applies.
Time planning: how long to allow from landing to driving away
Timing varies, but you can plan with a sensible buffer. If you land at a quiet time with only hand luggage, you may reach the car hire desks relatively quickly. With checked bags, queues, and shuttle transfers, it can take longer.
A practical estimate for most travellers is:
Gate to baggage reclaim: 10 to 20 minutes.
Baggage delivery: 10 to 30 minutes.
Baggage reclaim to car hire desks: 10 to 20 minutes.
Counter process: 10 to 25 minutes, depending on queues and documentation.
Transfer to vehicle and inspection: 10 to 20 minutes.
If you are arriving in the evening, add extra time for reduced staffing levels and fewer shuttles. If you are travelling with a group, consider sending one person to the desk with the paperwork while others wait with the luggage, if your provider allows this and you have all required documents.
What to bring to the car hire desk
Having the right items to hand is the easiest way to avoid delays at the counter. Requirements vary by provider, but these are commonly requested:
Driving licence. Ensure it is valid for the entire rental period.
Passport. Particularly important for international travellers.
Payment card. Many providers require a card in the main driver’s name.
Reservation details. Confirmation number, pick-up time, and vehicle class.
Additional driver details. If someone else will drive, bring their licence too.
If you are unsure what applies to your itinerary, it can help to review general car hire information on Hola Car Rentals pages for Pennsylvania gateways, such as car hire at Philadelphia Airport and Philadelphia car hire, which outline typical counter expectations and planning considerations.
Arriving late: what to do if your flight lands after hours
Late arrivals are common, especially with connections and weather disruptions. If you land late in Pennsylvania and are worried the car hire desk might close, act quickly but calmly.
1) Check your provider’s counter hours as soon as you have signal. If you are still on the aircraft, you can often do this once your phone reconnects. If you cannot check hours, assume reduced staffing late at night.
2) Contact the provider immediately if you will miss the scheduled pick-up time. Give your name, reservation number, and updated arrival estimate. This reduces the risk of your reservation being marked as a no-show.
3) Ask about after-hours pick-up options. Some providers can arrange key collection procedures, while others require you to pick up the next morning. If you will have to return later, ask whether re-check-in is required or whether they can hold the booking.
4) If the desk is closed, take notes and photos. Photograph the signage that shows opening hours and any after-hours instructions. Keep records of your flight delay information as well. This helps if you need to explain a missed pick-up time later.
5) Consider your overnight plan before leaving the terminal. If you cannot collect the car until morning, decide whether to use a rideshare, a taxi, or an airport hotel shuttle. Make sure you know how you will return to the terminal or Rental Car Centre for pick-up.
Common problems at the desk and how to avoid them
Name mismatch on the booking. The main driver’s name should match the licence and payment card. If you booked under a different person’s name, expect delays or a refusal to release the vehicle.
Vehicle class availability. In busy periods, exact models may not be available. If you need a larger vehicle for luggage or winter travel, browsing options like SUV rental can help you understand common categories and what “similar or equivalent” usually means.
Unexpected add-ons. If you do not need extras, ask for a clear breakdown before you sign. If you do need child seats or a toll option, confirm the total cost and how it will appear on your receipt.
Queue management. If several flights land close together, lines can form. Have documents ready, and avoid stepping out of the queue to take calls unless necessary.
Accessibility and family travel pointers
If you need step-free access, follow lift signs rather than escalators. Airport staff can direct you to accessible routes if you ask at an information desk. For families, it can be helpful to keep snacks and water accessible while you wait, and to know that it is usually easier to handle child seats at the vehicle pick-up point rather than at the terminal.
If you anticipate a longer drive after collection, such as crossing Pennsylvania late at night, take five minutes at the pick-up area to set up your sat-nav, adjust mirrors, and confirm headlights and wipers. It is safer to do this before you join traffic.
Planning onward travel in Pennsylvania after pick-up
Once you have the keys, your next decision is usually whether to head straight out or take a short break. If you are driving into Pittsburgh, plan for city traffic and one-way systems. If you are heading across Pennsylvania, check the weather, particularly in winter when conditions can change quickly.
Many travellers compare providers and vehicle types ahead of time. For general context on major brand desks and what to expect at US airport counters, you can also review pages like Avis car rental and Thrifty car rental, which reflect common processes you may encounter when collecting a vehicle.
FAQ
Where do I go after baggage reclaim to find car hire at Pittsburgh International Airport? Follow overhead signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”, staying inside the terminal until you reach the rental counter area.
Are the car hire desks inside the terminal or in a separate building? The desks are typically in-terminal, while vehicles may be at a separate Rental Car Centre reached by shuttle or the airport’s designated transfer route.
What if I arrive late and the car hire desk is closed? Contact your provider as soon as possible, ask about after-hours procedures, and keep photos of posted opening hours plus your flight delay details.
How long does it take from landing to collecting a rental car? Allow roughly 45 to 90 minutes in typical conditions, longer if you have checked bags, queues, or a transfer to the vehicle pick-up area.
What documents should I have ready at the counter? Bring your driving licence, passport, payment card in the driver’s name, and your reservation details, plus licences for any additional drivers.
