Benedum Center Parking

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, a Pittsburgh Cultural Trust theater, is situated in the heart of Pittburgh’s cultural district. Boasting a generous seating capacity and an impressive live show lineup, Benedum is known for showcasing some of the best Broadway shows America has to offer.

There are many ways to get to the Benedum center. Whether by car or by rail, Pittsburgh has it covered!

Public Transportation

Light rail services are provided within the city, plus Pittsburgh’s port authority buses. Please note that the Port Authority buses are free for travel within the downtown zone until 7 pm; the “T” is always free downtown.

Parking

The Benedum Center is on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street in the Cultural District. The Center has it’s own parking facilities located at the Theatre Square Garage. Vouchers can be purchased for reserved spaces.

The Garage at Theater Square entrance is on 7th Street, between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Blvd. You may use Google Maps to provide step by step directions from any location.

For real-time garage parking information, visit ParkPGH.

Convenient parking represents a crucial component of a stress-free evening at the Benedum Center, and understanding your options before you arrive can eliminate one of the most common sources of pre-theater anxiety. The theater’s downtown Pittsburgh location offers multiple parking options ranging from premium garages immediately adjacent to the venue to more economical choices a few blocks away, plus excellent public transportation alternatives that eliminate parking concerns entirely. 

The Theatre Square Garage: Primary Parking

The Theatre Square Garage serves as the Benedum Center’s primary parking facility and offers the most convenient option for patrons arriving by car. The garage entrance is located on 7th Street between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard, within immediate walking distance of the theater entrance. It’s typically just a one-to-two-minute walk.

This multi-level parking structure provides covered, secure parking with direct pedestrian access to the Cultural District, making it particularly valuable during Pittsburgh’s winter months when outdoor parking lots and street parking require dealing with snow, ice, and cold temperatures.  

Additional Parking Options

Smithfield-Liberty Garage sits adjacent to the Benedum Center on the Liberty Avenue side, offering another extremely close parking option for patrons who arrive to find the Theatre Square Garage full or who prefer this location based on their approach route into downtown. This Public Parking Authority facility provides secure, covered parking with similar amenities to the Theatre Square Garage, including elevator access, well-maintained facilities, and security features.  

Fort Duquesne & Sixth Garage provides another nearby option, located a few blocks from the venue along Fort Duquesne Boulevard near Sixth Street. While requiring a slightly longer walk, this garage often has availability when closer options fill up and sometimes offers lower rates, particularly for early arrivals.

Additional parking garages and surface lots are scattered throughout downtown Pittsburgh, generally within a few blocks of the theater, providing backup options for sold-out performances or special events when multiple Cultural District venues have simultaneous programming. 

Using ParkPGH for Real-Time Parking Information

ParkPGH, a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, provides invaluable real-time information about parking availability and rates throughout the Cultural District, essentially eliminating the guesswork and frustration of circling for parking on busy evenings. This innovative system helps patrons make informed decisions about parking before they even leave home and provides on-the-go updates for those already en route to the theater.

Access ParkPGH through:

• Mobile apps for iOS (iPhone) and Android devices, allowing smartphone users to check availability and navigate directly to their chosen garage

• The desktop website for pre-planning your parking strategy before leaving home

• The mobile website for on-the-go access when you’re already traveling and need to adjust plans

• Text messaging for quick availability checks without opening an app

• The call-in number for phone-based information and voice assistance

The system displays current availability (number of open spaces) and current rates in participating garages and lots, allowing patrons to compare options quickly and choose the most convenient or economical parking solution based on real-time conditions.  

Public Transportation to the Benedum Center

Public transportation offers an economical and often convenient alternative to driving, eliminating parking costs, the need to find a space, and the need to navigate unfamiliar downtown streets. The light rail system operated by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) features a “Free Fare Zone” downtown and on the North Shore, so if you travel on the “T” entirely within that zone, your ride is free.

For most bus trips into the downtown area, fares apply. You may want to check the current bus fare zone details on the PRT website to be sure. For schedules, route planning, and real-time arrival information, you can use the PRT Trip Planner on the website or speak with customer service.

There is also a Downtown Service Center at 623 Smithfield Street for in-person assistance with trip planning, fare system questions, and schedules. Many theater-goers find transit a relaxing alternative to driving.

Drop-Off Locations

Drop-off and pick-up are permitted directly in front of the Benedum Center on 7th Street. This option provides the most convenient access to the venue, particularly for patrons with mobility challenges, families with young children, or anyone attending performances during inclement weather conditions like rain, snow, or extreme cold.

Doormen stationed at the entrance can provide wheelchairs for those requiring assistance transitioning from the curb to their seat location inside the theater. These trained staff members can also help with directions, accessibility questions, or coordination with ride-sharing services for pickup after performances.

For ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, the 7th Street entrance serves as the standard pickup and drop-off point. Use the address 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, to ensure drivers arrive at the correct location.

After evening performances, ridesharing pick-ups can experience delays during peak exit times when hundreds of patrons are simultaneously requesting rides. We recommend requesting your ride 10 to 15 minutes before the final curtain (if you don’t mind missing curtain calls and final applause) or waiting 15 to 20 minutes after the show ends to avoid the traffic and surge pricing.