Resources for Finding Housing
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) has pulled together resources for finding housing and living in Pittsburgh. In addition to some answers to quick questions there is also a Graduate Student Housing Handbook to help you get settled in.
Directions and Transportation Options to CMU
If you're driving to campus, use the address below to get directions via Google Maps.
Campus Address:
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Travel from Pittsburgh International Airport to Campus/Oakland
Public Bus Transportation (Port Authority Transit) |
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Super Shuttle |
Super Shuttle provides shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels. For reservations and pricing information, contact Super Shuttle at 1-800-258-3826. |
Taxi Service |
The average taxi fare from the airport to campus is about $55-$75, plus tip (an additional, recommended payment for service providers). Taxi cabs are typically located outside of the airport, but if you need to call a service, call zTrip (412-777-7777) or Classy Cab (412-322-5080). Whether you are staying in a hotel or on campus, taxi service will require a destination address (see campus address above). Most taxis will accept credit cards, but you should check with the driver before you begin your trip. |
Uber |
The on demand, private taxi service has now been approved to provide service to/from the airport. You can request a pick up and view fare estimates for your trip via the Uber app on your smartphone. All Uber accounts must have an email address and verified mobile number associated with the account in order to request a ride. |
Rental Car |
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Amtrak, Greyhound, and Megabus
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Travel Tips
- We recommend traveling with $200-$300 (US) in small bills to cover incidental expenses (taxis, meals, books, etc.). For your own safety, you should not travel with large sums of cash. However, you will want to have enough currency to limit the number of times you may need to use an ATM and incur withdrawl or foreign currency exchange fees. To avoid paying ATM fees once you arrive in Pittsburgh, consider opening a local bank account.
- International Students: If you bring a bank draft or a foreign check to open a bank account, you cannot draw upon it for 2 to 3 weeks, so do not rely upon these funds for immediate cash. After you have established an account, you may have money wired directly from your home bank to your Pittsburgh bank. Since wiring fees can be expensive (check with your bank in advance!), consider wiring only large sums.
- If you have major credit cards, bring them. Whether you are a domestic or international graduate student you should call your bank or credit card company before you travel to let them know your plans and avoid a situation in which they might decline 'suspicious' activity.
For international students without a credit history in the U.S., it will be difficult or even impossible to obtain a credit card from a U.S. bank, so a credit card from your home country will be help you cover expenses until you can open a local bank account.
Bring Only What You Need
- If you do not have an apartment secured for your arrival or are traveling long distances or from overseas, you may want to limit the items you bring with you initially. Bringing only the essentials will make it easier for you to get through the airport or transport items from the airport to your hotel.
- During the summer, June through September, the weather in Pittsburgh is often hot and humid. Lightweight clothing is recommended. In addition to clothes and walking shoes, books and other essentials, consider bringing the following items: extra eye glasses or contact lenses, medications (in clearly labeled containers), addresses of friends and family, phone numbers of contact people in the U.S., and compact items that will help your residence feel like home.
- Check with your airline regarding luggage weight and security measures or consult the Transportation Security Administration.
- For more information on traveling internationally, visit the Office of International Education.