Thinking about moving to Moon Township and wondering what your daily drive or airport run will really look like? You are not alone. Whether you commute to Downtown, head to Oakland’s hospitals and universities, or fly often for work, knowing the routes and realistic times helps you choose the right home. In this guide, you will get clear ranges for drive times, practical transit options, and tips for living close to Pittsburgh International Airport. Let’s dive in.
Where Moon Township sits
Moon Township sits northwest of Downtown Pittsburgh, with a typical distance of about 17 to 19 miles to the city center. Most drivers use I-376, known locally as the Parkway West, for a direct shot into town. Off-peak, that can feel quick. During rush hour, you will want extra time and a good traffic app to navigate delays. You can review distance and sample drive time ranges to Downtown in local mapping summaries like this Moon-to-Pittsburgh reference.
Drive times you can count on
Here are realistic, door-to-door ranges you can plan around. Your exact time will vary by your starting point in Moon and daily traffic.
- Downtown Pittsburgh: About 20 to 30 minutes off-peak. Plan for 30 to 50 minutes or more in rush hour, especially with incidents or lane closures on the Parkway West. See distance and typical ranges in this Moon-to-Pittsburgh guide.
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): About 10 to 15 minutes from central Moon locations. Local references connected to Robert Morris University also note the quick hop to PIT from campus-area addresses, reflecting the township’s close-in proximity. For terminal access and ground transport details, check PIT’s official page, and note that many Moon addresses are a short drive away. A campus reference near RMU highlights the short trip to PIT from central Moon locations in this local RMU resource.
- Oakland medical and university cluster: Often 20 to 40 minutes by car, depending on time of day and which route you take toward the universities and hospitals.
Peak-hour patterns to know
- The Parkway West is the main artery. Expect slowdowns at merge points and near tunnels into the city during traditional rush windows.
- Give yourself a buffer of 10 to 20 minutes on days with rain, construction, or game-day events.
- If your schedule allows it, leaving 20 minutes earlier can cut a surprising amount of delay on many weekdays.
Public transit from Moon
You do have a direct bus option that connects the airport, Robinson corridor, Downtown, and Oakland.
- PRT 28X Airport Flyer: The 28X runs seven days a week and links PIT, Robinson Town Centre, the West Busway, Downtown, and Oakland. It generally runs every 30 to 45 minutes, with the full airport-to-Downtown-and-Oakland ride typically around 1 to 1¼ hours end to end. If you board near the Robinson corridor, your ride is shorter than the route’s full length, though usually still longer than driving. Check schedules, stops, and fares on PRT’s airport service page.
- Practical boarding points: Many Moon residents use stops in and around Robinson Town Centre and Park Manor Boulevard for park-and-ride convenience. This setup works well if you want to avoid Downtown parking.
When transit fits your day
- You prefer to skip Downtown parking or tolls.
- Your destination is Oakland and you want a one-seat ride option.
- You have a late flight and want the predictability of a fixed route. For airport ground transport choices, including rideshare and taxi pickup points, check PIT’s ground transportation overview.
Airport access for frequent flyers
Living in Moon is a major advantage if you travel often for work. Many central Moon addresses are around 10 to 15 minutes from the terminal, which makes early departures and late returns less stressful. At the airport, you will find rideshare pickup, taxi service, and on-site car rentals described on PIT’s ground transportation page.
If your career ties to aviation or logistics, PIT has been building its cargo footprint, with expansions that support freight and warehouse operations. That growth creates nearby employment options and keeps many airport-side jobs within short local drives from Moon. You can read about PIT’s dedicated cargo facility investments in this industry report.
Choose your Moon address with purpose
Every part of Moon offers a slightly different commute feel. Think about these practical points as you narrow locations:
- Proximity to I-376 access: Homes near University Boulevard, Business Loop I-376, or Beaver Grade Road often save minutes on the morning merge. Knowing your on-ramp can be as important as mileage.
- Robinson corridor access: If you plan to use the 28X or do frequent airport runs, being close to Robinson Town Centre and Park Manor Boulevard can simplify both errands and transit.
- Airport adjacency: If you catch many early flights, a central Moon or RMU-area address can trim those pre-dawn drives.
- Parking at your destination: If Downtown parking is expensive where you work, transit can be a smart occasional swap even if the drive is faster door to door.
Employment centers within reach
Moon supports a wide range of careers. Here are the big ones you can reach without changing your zip code:
- Downtown Pittsburgh: Finance, legal, tech, and corporate roles are reachable via I-376 or by using the 28X to connect through Downtown and Oakland. Review the 28X service map and frequency on PRT’s airport service page.
- Oakland medical and university cluster: Healthcare and education professionals at UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon often drive 20 to 40 minutes, adjusting for rush periods. Transit also connects through the 28X.
- Airport and logistics: Short drives reach airline, ground handling, freight, and warehouse jobs near PIT. Cargo expansion adds to the employment mix, as noted in this industry coverage.
- Local employers in Moon: The township notes corporate operations and headquarters within or adjacent to Moon, including well-known names along the business corridors. See the township’s overview on Moon Township’s official page.
Recreation and trail access
If you value time outdoors, trail and park options are close. The Montour Trail offers popular recreation and some bike-commute potential for nearby jobs, although most Moon residents drive to Downtown. For a local trailhead reference, see this Montour Trail trailhead listing.
What the data says about commutes
It helps to balance daily experience with reliable data:
- Average commute time: The U.S. Census American Community Survey reports a mean travel time to work of 28.2 minutes for Moon Township residents. You can view the current figure on Census QuickFacts.
- How residents commute: Moon functions as a car-oriented suburb. Local profiles indicate that a large share of residents drive alone, at about 85 percent. You can see the modal breakdown in this Moon Township profile.
These numbers line up with the on-the-ground picture many buyers notice. You will likely drive most days, with transit as a workable alternative for specific trips.
Quick planning checklist
Use this simple framework to pick the right spot and routine for you:
- Map your key destinations. List your top two daily routes, plus the airport if you fly often.
- Test-drive at your real times. Do one trial run during your usual morning and evening windows.
- Pick your best on-ramp. Identify which I-376 access point fits your commute with the fewest signals.
- Consider a hybrid routine. Drive most days, and keep the 28X in your pocket for Oakland or no-parking days.
- Track airport runs. Time your door-to-curb drive to PIT. If it is under 15 minutes consistently, you have likely found the sweet spot.
Ready to talk neighborhoods that fit your commute and travel routine? Reach out to Monica Sample for local guidance and a plan tailored to your day-to-day.
FAQs
How long is the rush-hour drive from Moon to Downtown Pittsburgh?
- Plan for about 30 to 50 minutes during peak periods, with faster trips off-peak around 20 to 30 minutes using I-376.
How far is Moon from Pittsburgh International Airport and what are the options?
- Many central Moon addresses are roughly 10 to 15 minutes from PIT. You can drive, use rideshare or taxi at the terminal, or ride the PRT 28X depending on your schedule.
Is public transit practical for daily commuting to Downtown from Moon?
- It can work, especially if you want to avoid parking. The 28X runs about every 30 to 45 minutes. Total time depends on where you board and is usually longer than driving.
What are typical commutes from Moon to Oakland’s hospitals and universities?
- By car, expect about 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and route. The 28X also provides a direct link to Oakland if you prefer transit.
What is the average commute time for Moon residents?
- The Census-reported mean travel time to work is 28.2 minutes for Moon Township.
Are there convenient park-and-ride options near Moon?
- Yes. Many residents use stops around Robinson Town Centre and Park Manor Boulevard to park and board the 28X for Downtown or Oakland.
