C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Arriving I at train station in Pittsburgh at midnite


Go to Forum
LHM from Middlesex on 1/20/2019 10:26:14 AM:
How safe is it for a single rider arriving at midnite in Pittsburgh at the train station to get to a hotel? I am planning to take Amtrak from DC early June 2019 and doing a unsupported ride back to DC.

 
Tom from Pittsburgh on 1/20/2019 10:59:21 AM:
The train station borders downtown Pgh and an area known as the "strip district". The Strip District is an old location where fresh produce would come in by train and be made available to local merchants. "Strip" does not refer to the generally popular connotation. The Strip still has it's fruit stores and cheese shops, but it's also more geared to restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Very safe during daylight hours. The old original "Primanti's" is also located in the Strip and is open 24/7 if want to ride down Smallman St. about 6 blocks or so.
The area around the train station is also near the bus station and can get a little shaky after 10 or 11 pm, but not really what I would call a dangerous area. As always, just be alert to whats going on around you. The area is generally well lit and well patrolled by the police. Also, there are several nice hotels within 3 block of the train station: Homewood Suites ($116), Hampton Inn ($118), and Marriot ($111) so you won't be on the street very long - 2 minute bike ride at best. I also am planning a C&O/GAP bike ride in late spring. Going from DC to Pgh though. Hoping for better weather as I cancel twice last spring/summer. Good luck to you.

 
Mink from Glen Mills on 1/20/2019 4:50:30 PM:
I did this same exact ride your looking to do. Drury Hotel was bike perfect and close to station. Enjoy.

 
Road rider on 1/20/2019 7:08:30 PM:
I walked at midnight from the Amtrak station to a hotel that was further away than the three hotels mentioned above. You have the option of walking your bike on the city sidewalks if you are not equipped and experienced with night riding.

 
Jack on 1/26/2019 12:26:21 AM:
I have done the opposite (leaving early in the morning) after riding from DC to Pittsburgh. The William Penn has really good deals on Priceline, and is a 1/4 mile from the train station. Downtown hotels can be pricy though.

Good luck on your ride!

 
Ted from Munhall on 2/23/2019 10:13:00 PM:
I've arrived back in Pgh at midnight and proceeded to ride to my home some 9 miles out of the city along the trail. The city was nearly deserted with very little traffic although I chose to ride on the sidewalks for the few blocks downtown to pick up the trail.