Visitor Information
Plan ahead before you arrive on campus.
We can't wait to welcome you to Carnegie Mellon! Ahead of your arrival, use the resources on this page to explore travel and transportation tips, familiarize yourself with campus buildings and facilities, plan for any needed accommodations or logistical considerations, browse dining and lodging options, and discover the city that we love to call "home."
University Store
While you're here, stop by Carnegie Mellon's University Store, where you'll find clothing, gifts, books and supplies to commemorate your visit to campus. If the bookstore is not open during your visit, you can also order online.
Maps
Before you arrive on campus, familiarize yourself with Carnegie Mellon and its surrounding neighborhoods. Explore campus buildings using the interactive map, plan your travel using Google Maps or print a map to have handy. Campus maps are also available in the Coulter Welcome Center during your visit.
David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center
The Carnegie Mellon University David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center is a unique destination point for campus visitors as the front door to the university. It serves as the primary hub for campus visits, allowing you to engage with the university's community and learn about CMU's contributions to Pittsburgh and the world. If you're scheduled to take a campus tour, it will start in the Coulter Welcome Center, where you will meet the Tartan Ambassador who will lead you and your group through campus.
In the fall of 2024, School of Design graduate students installed updates to the Coulter Welcome Center that are uniquely CMU, including an interactive miniature "The Fence," paper activity pads to learn about student life and the campus experience, a wall of student projects and more.
Operating Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 9:00am - 4:30pm
- Closed Wednesdays
2025 Spring Tours
- March 1-9: Spring Break on Campus - No Campus Tours will be offered
- April 3-6: Carnival on Campus - No Campus Tours will be offered
- April 27: End of Academic Semester - Last Day of Campus Tours until early June
Transportation
Whether you're visiting from out of state, across the globe or just a few towns over, use the resources below to determine the best routes and transportation for your travels.
By Plane
Pittsburgh International Airport(opens in new window) is about 20 miles from Carnegie Mellon. You can rent a car, catch the 28X Airport Flyer bus, which runs approximately every 30 minutes from the airport, or use car service/ride share options to get to campus or your hotel from the airport.
Tip: Pittsburgh has many tunnels and bridges, and construction that may slow travel to and from the airport. If you're visiting campus in the morning, you're encouraged to fly to Pittsburgh the day before the visit.
By Bus
Pittsburgh Regional Transit(opens in new window) (PRT) maintains bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Visit the PRT website for fares, schedules and route information.
Tip: If you're coming from the airport, the 28X Airport Flyer Bus offered by Pittsburgh Regional Transit is a popular, affordable option that takes about 40 minutes to get to campus.
By Car
Uber, Lyft and taxi services are popular and easy to use in Pittsburgh. There are a variety of options to accommodate your party size and specific transportation needs.
Tip: The most centrally located campus pick-up/drop-off spaces are in front of the Cohon University Center(opens in new window) or Hamburg Hall(opens in new window), both on Forbes Avenue.
Visitor Parking
Carnegie Mellon is an urban campus, and parking can be very limited. Many visitors find it easier to bus or use ride share services to arrive on campus. For those who drive, there are a number of garages and lots on or near campus, as well as on-street metered parking nearby. Use the link below to learn more about your parking options while visiting and to find current parking rates, as we do not validate parking for visitors.
Once you've parked, navigate to The Coulter Welcome Center to begin your visit day. The Welcome Center is located at 4765 Forbes Avenue(opens in new window) on the ground level of the Tepper Quad Building, which is across the street from the main quad and the Walking to the Sky sculpture.
Tip: If you're visiting on the weekend, Morewood Lot(opens in new window) offers free parking on Saturday and Sunday.
Accessibility Accommodation Information
Carnegie Mellon is committed to providing an exceptional campus visit experience for all guests. If you need accommodations during your visit, we will work with the Office of Disability Resources to provide services like accessible parking and tour routes, sign language interpreters, printed material in large font and more. Please call or email ahead of your visit to request accommodations. We appreciate 14 days' notice, but we will make every effort to accommodate all requests.
Learn More About Visitor Accommodations(opens in new window)
Hotels & Lodging
If you plan to stay overnight in Pittsburgh, you can make a reservation at a local hotel(opens in new window). Many hotels provide shuttle services to campus (which we encourage you to use due to limited parking on campus) and offer discounted rates to Carnegie Mellon visitors. Make sure to ask about any CMU special rates when making reservations.
Dining
Whatever you're hungry for, you'll find it here. Nestled within an urban neighborhood, Carnegie Mellon is close to many dining options both on- and off-campus that will satisfy any craving. While you're here, be sure to try some Pittsburgh favorites, including pierogies, sandwiches and salads loaded with french fries and anything topped with Heinz ketchup.
On-Campus Dining
With more than 30 on-campus dining options, there's something for every appetite. Explore locations, menus and hours to plan for your meals while visiting campus.
Off-Campus Dining
If you're looking to explore the dining options in our surrounding Oakland neighborhood and beyond, you'll find plenty of fantastic restaurants for a sit-down meal or a quick bite.
About Pittsburgh
With 90 distinct city neighborhoods and over 80,000 students studying across 10 colleges and universities, Pittsburgh is a prime location for exploration: of places, of cultures and of ideas. Today, the Steel City's industrial roots remain woven throughout the fabric of our community, but Pittsburgh has evolved into a bustling hub for technology and education with a vibrant culture rich in art, food, sports and entertainment.
CMU Campus-Wide Event Calendar
Experience the energy of Carnegie Mellon University with a vibrant lineup of lectures, performances, exhibitions and more. Some events are open to the public, offering a chance to engage with our dynamic campus community while you're here. Whether you're visiting or planning a trip, explore our events calendar for the latest happenings and find something exciting to join.