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NFL Draft 2026 - Transportation part 3

Getting Between Downtown & the North Shore

Traveling between Downtown and the North Shore will be easy and accessible throughout Draft week, with several convenient options available for both residents and visitors.

  • On Foot: Fans can walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge—closed to vehicle traffic during the event—offering a safe, convenient, scenic and uniquely Pittsburgh way to the North Shore. The pedestrian path encourages fans to explore local shops, restaurants and businesses as they walk by and take in Pittsburgh’s skyline, bridges and iconic rivers.
  • Light Rail (T): Free service is available between Downtown and the North Shore via the Gateway, Wood Street, Steel Plaza, First Avenue and North Side stations, providing a quick and reliable connection across the river.
  • By River: The Gateway Clipper Fleet will offer free fan transportation between Point State Park and the North Shore, providing another convenient and memorable to travel across the full event campus.

Visitors are encouraged to choose the option that best fits their plans, with all three routes offering efficient access between key Draft locations.

Regional Fan Access

To support fans traveling from across southwestern Pennsylvania and surrounding counties, regional transit agencies will provide expanded and coordinated service to connect communities directly to Pittsburgh throughout Draft week. These services are designed to offer convenient, affordable alternatives to driving Downtown while helping reduce congestion in the city core.

Several regional providers will operate enhanced service, including express routes, extended hours, and connections to park-and-ride locations with direct links into Pittsburgh’s transit system.

Key regional service highlights include:

  • Additional express trips will operate between Beaver County and Downtown Pittsburgh, including dedicated service timed for Draft activities, alongside regular routes following designated detours.
  • Direct service from the Route 528 Park and Ride to the Ross Park and Ride, where riders can seamlessly connect to Pittsburgh Regional Transit service into Draft footprint.
  • Regular commuter service into Downtown Pittsburgh on Thursday and Friday, with adjusted routes to accommodate traffic changes.
  • Extended service hours and late-night return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh, providing additional flexibility for attendees traveling from the south.
  • Draft-specific service connecting Uniontown and surrounding communities to regional park-and-ride locations, with additional midday and evening service options.
  • Regular commuter service will be supplemented by a special “Pittsburgh Express” route with late evening return trips from Downtown.

Together, these regional services create a coordinated network of access points across the region, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to travel to and from Draft events without needing to drive into the city.

Additional details, including schedules, fares, and boarding locations, are available directly through each transit provider. Fans are encouraged to review options in advance and select the route that best fits their travel plans.

Additional Ways to Get Around

Gateway Clipper

Fans can arrive by river through special service from the Gateway Clipper Fleet. During the Draft, four vessels will operate Friday and Saturday only, helping move visitors to and from the North Shore and Downtown areas. Two boats will travel from the Gateway Clipper’s dock in Station Square over to PNC Park. The other two boats will go between Point State Park and the landing area of the Acrisure Stadium Quay.

Visitors should check the Gateway Clipper Fleet for schedules, boarding locations and ticket information.

Pittsburgh’s Historic Inclines

Visitors looking for a uniquely Pittsburgh experience can also travel via the city’s historic inclines. The Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline connect the Mount Washington neighborhood with the city below, offering sweeping views of the Golden Triangle and North Shore.

Rideshare

Designated Uber & Lyft pick-up and drop-off locations will be available near the event footprint. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead; many rideshare companies offer the opportunity to book a ride in advance. Designated areas will be available.

For Fans attending the NFL Draft April 23-25 and taking rideshare, when requesting a ride TO the North Shore Draft Campus, please use ACRISURE STADIUM as the destination. For those fans going TO the Point State Park Draft Campus, please input POINT STATE PARK as the destination.

Bike Rental & Access

Fans looking for flexible ways to explore the city during Draft week can take advantage of POGOH, Pittsburgh’s public bike-share program that offers both traditional pedal bikes and electric-assist bikes at stations across Downtown, the North Shore, and surrounding neighborhoods. Bikes can be unlocked via the POGOH app for short trips throughout the city.

Parking

Visitors planning to drive are encouraged to reserve parking in advance as garages and lots are expected to fill quickly, and street parking will be very limited. The NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH do not control parking lot inventory or parking rates.

North Shore parking will be limited, so fans who drive are encouraged to park in Downtown and Station Square lots and garages. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Real-time availability is accessible via the ParkPGH app, with reservations available through platforms such as ParkWhiz—helping visitors compare options and secure the best available rates ahead of time.

As with any major event, parking rates may vary based on demand. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use trusted platforms to avoid unexpected pricing and ensure a smooth arrival experience.

Parking restrictions will be enforced, and vehicles in restricted areas may be ticketed or towed.

PIT to Downtown

Visitors flying into the newly renovated Pittsburgh International Airport can use expanded service on PRT’s 28X-Airport Flyer, providing frequent connections between the airport, Downtown and several East End neighborhoods.

Coach Buses and Shuttles
Private charter buses and oversized vehicles can secure parking at PPGpublicparking.com or by calling 412-231-5746. Due to security restrictions, no pick-ups or drop-offs will be permitted near the Draft footprint.

Personal Watercraft & Private Boats

Personal watercraft and private boats will not be permitted near the Draft footprint event operations. Safety zones will be enforced along adjacent rivers, and boaters should avoid restricted areas.

ADA & Mobility Services

The Draft footprint will be fully accessible. Mobility assistance services will be available onsite, and visitors are encouraged to bring personal mobility devices. A comprehensive Accessibility Guide will be made available starting April 10, 2026.

Plan Ahead

With increased activity and temporary traffic changes throughout the city, both residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and explore the full range of available transportation options.

Downtown and the North Shore will remain accessible, but travel patterns will differ from typical conditions due to road closures, increased demand, and event operations. Reviewing transit options, parking availability, and route adjustments in advance will help ensure a smoother experience.

Fans and commuters alike are encouraged to take advantage of expanded public transit service, park-and-ride locations, and designated access points when traveling to or through the area.

The latest transportation updates, service information, and road closure details will be available at ridePRT.org and through the NFL OnePass app, which provides maps, schedules, and real-time event information.