For renters who want to avoid driving to work, reduce parking costs, or simply prefer the convenience of public transit, Pittsburgh offers several neighborhoods with excellent access to buses and the T light rail system. The city’s transit network, operated by the Port Authority, includes bus routes throughout the region and a light rail system serving the South Hills. Living near a transit stop can eliminate the need for a daily car commute, saving time, money, and stress.
This guide covers the best neighborhoods for transit access, what to expect at different price points, and how to choose an apartment based on your commuting needs.
Overview of Pittsburgh Public Transit
The Port Authority operates two main transit systems:
The T light rail. The T serves the South Hills, running from downtown through neighborhoods such as Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, Castle Shannon, and Bethel Park. Trains run frequently during peak hours and provide a reliable, traffic free commute to downtown. The T is the fastest transit option from the South Hills.
Bus service. The bus system covers the entire city and suburbs. Key bus corridors include the East Busway (a dedicated bus rapid transit line serving the eastern suburbs), the West Busway (serving the western suburbs), and frequent routes along major arteries such as Fifth Avenue, Forbes Avenue, and Liberty Avenue.
Best Neighborhoods for T Access
Dormont
Dormont is one of the best neighborhoods for T access. The borough has three T stations within its boundaries: Dormont Station, Potomac Station, and Mt. Lebanon Station on the border. The T provides a 10 to 15 minute ride to downtown, eliminating parking costs for commuters.
One bedroom apartments in Dormont range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800. The West Liberty Avenue commercial district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining within walking distance of the T stations.
For renters who work downtown, Dormont offers excellent value. The combination of moderate rents and T access makes it one of the most practical choices for transit commuters.
Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon has three T stations: Mt. Lebanon Station, Dormont Junction, and Potomac Station. The T provides a 15 to 20 minute ride to downtown. The neighborhood also offers a walkable Uptown commercial district with shops, restaurants, and services.
One bedroom apartments in Mt. Lebanon range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800. The higher rents reflect the desirability of the location and schools.
Mt. Lebanon appeals to renters who want top rated schools, walkable amenities, and T access. The premium rent is offset by the ability to avoid downtown parking costs.
Bethel Park
Bethel Park has multiple T stations along the Red Line, including South Hills Village, Bethel Park, and Washington Junction. The T provides a 25 to 35 minute ride to downtown. The South Hills Village mall and surrounding retail are accessible from the T stations.
One bedroom apartments in Bethel Park range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,100. Garden style complexes and townhomes are the dominant housing types.
Bethel Park appeals to families and renters who want good schools, space, and transit access at moderate rents.
Castle Shannon
Castle Shannon has T stations at Willow and Memorial Hall. The T provides a 20 minute ride to downtown. The borough is located between Dormont and Bethel Park, offering a balance of transit access and moderate rents.
One bedroom apartments in Castle Shannon range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,300 to $1,800.
Best Neighborhoods for Bus Access
East Busway: Swissvale and Wilkinsburg
The East Busway is a dedicated bus rapid transit line that runs from downtown to the eastern suburbs. Buses travel on their own roadway, bypassing traffic. Travel time from Swissvale to downtown is 10 to 15 minutes.
Swissvale and Wilkinsburg have East Busway stations, providing fast, reliable transit to downtown. Rental rates in these boroughs are significantly lower than in city neighborhoods.
One bedroom apartments in Swissvale range from $700 to $1,000 per month. Two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,300. The combination of low rents and fast transit makes Swissvale one of the best values in the region for downtown commuters.
Oakland
Oakland is served by multiple frequent bus routes along Fifth Avenue, Forbes Avenue, and other corridors. Buses run every few minutes during peak hours, providing easy access to downtown, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill.
One bedroom apartments in Oakland range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The neighborhood is dominated by student housing, but non student renters can also find units.
Oakland appeals to renters affiliated with the universities or medical center who need transit access to downtown.
Shadyside
Shadyside is served by frequent bus routes along Fifth Avenue, Ellsworth Avenue, and other corridors. Buses provide access to downtown, Oakland, and Squirrel Hill.
One bedroom apartments in Shadyside range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The neighborhood offers walkable shopping and dining in addition to transit access.
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is served by bus routes along Forbes Avenue, Murray Avenue, and other corridors. Buses provide access to downtown and Oakland.
One bedroom apartments in Squirrel Hill range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. The neighborhood offers a complete commercial district and park access in addition to transit.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville is served by bus routes along Butler Street and Penn Avenue. Buses provide access to downtown and the Strip District. Service is less frequent than in Oakland or Shadyside but adequate for commuting.
One bedroom apartments in Lawrenceville range from $1,300 to $2,000 per month. The neighborhood’s dining and nightlife are the primary draws.
Best Suburbs for Express Bus Access
Ross Township
Ross Township is served by express bus routes that use the Parkway North and the busway system to reach downtown. Travel time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
One bedroom apartments in Ross Township range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Garden style complexes with parking are the dominant housing type.
Cranberry Township
Cranberry Township is served by express bus routes that use Interstate 79 and the busway system. Travel time to downtown is 30 to 40 minutes.
One bedroom apartments in Cranberry Township range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month. Newer luxury communities with amenities are the dominant housing type.
Robinson Township
Robinson Township is served by express bus routes that use the Parkway West and the busway system. Travel time to downtown is 20 to 30 minutes.
One bedroom apartments in Robinson Township range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month.
Transit Pass Costs
The Port Authority offers several fare options for regular riders:
| Pass Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $2.75 | Occasional riders |
| Day pass | $7.00 | One day of multiple trips |
| Weekly pass | $25.00 | Daily commuters |
| Monthly pass | $97.50 | Daily commuters |
A monthly pass costs $97.50, which is significantly less than downtown parking, which typically runs $150 to $300 per month. For daily commuters, using transit saves money even after paying for the pass.
Price Comparison by Transit Type
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Transit Type | Commute Time to Downtown | Monthly Transit Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dormont | $900-1,300 | T | 10-15 min | $97.50 |
| Mt. Lebanon | $1,400-2,200 | T | 15-20 min | $97.50 |
| Bethel Park | $1,100-1,600 | T | 25-35 min | $97.50 |
| Swissvale | $700-1,000 | East Busway | 10-15 min | $97.50 |
| Wilkinsburg | $700-1,000 | East Busway | 10-15 min | $97.50 |
| Oakland | $1,000-1,500 | Bus | 15-20 min | $97.50 |
| Shadyside | $1,400-2,200 | Bus | 15-20 min | $97.50 |
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200-1,800 | Bus | 15-25 min | $97.50 |
| Lawrenceville | $1,300-2,000 | Bus | 15-20 min | $97.50 |
| Ross Township | $1,100-1,500 | Express Bus | 20-25 min | $97.50 |
| Cranberry | $1,400-2,000 | Express Bus | 30-40 min | $97.50 |
| Robinson | $1,100-1,600 | Express Bus | 20-30 min | $97.50 |
Factors to Consider for Transit Commuting
Frequency
The T runs every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 to 30 minutes during off peak and late night hours. East Busway buses run every 5 to 15 minutes during peak hours. Local bus routes vary; some run every 15 minutes, others every 30 to 60 minutes. Check schedules before choosing a neighborhood.
Last Train or Bus
If you work late or go out after work, check the last T train or bus departure time from downtown. The T runs later than most bus routes, but service frequency drops after midnight.
Walking Distance
An apartment within a 10 minute walk of a T station or bus stop is considered convenient. In winter, shorter walks are preferable. When evaluating apartments, map the walking distance to the nearest transit stop.
Parking at Transit Stations
Some T stations have park and ride lots where you can park your car and take transit. If you live farther from a station, you can drive to the station and park. South Hills Village and other stations have large lots.
Questions to Ask About Transit Access
What is the nearest T station or bus stop? Confirm the walking distance and the routes that serve that stop.
How frequent is service during peak hours? For commuting, frequency matters. Ask how often trains or buses run when you need them.
How long is the commute to downtown? The Port Authority website provides estimated travel times. Verify before choosing a neighborhood.
Is the stop accessible? If you have mobility concerns, check whether the station has elevators and ramps.
What is the fare? Most trips are $2.75. Monthly passes are $97.50. Ask if your employer offers transit benefits.
Making the Decision
Living near public transportation in Pittsburgh can significantly reduce commuting costs and stress. For renters who work downtown, the best values are in neighborhoods with T access, such as Dormont, where moderate rents and a 10 to 15 minute train ride combine to create excellent value.
For the lowest rents combined with fast transit, Swissvale and Wilkinsburg offer East Busway access with one bedroom apartments under $1,000. For renters who want walkable amenities and transit, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill provide bus access with higher rents. For families who want good schools and transit, Bethel Park offers T access with moderate rents.
By confirming commute times, walking distance to stops, and transit frequency, renters can find an apartment that makes the daily trip to work efficient and affordable. The Pittsburgh region offers transit options across price points, making it possible to live car free or car lite whether you are in the South Hills or the eastern suburbs.