Cost: Free

On the busiest days, we require the use of our free valet service. To account for this, please allow extra time before your appointment.

Wheelchair availability: Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive has wheelchairs available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building.

Van services for Veterans

DAV vans

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., individual van schedules vary

We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments.

Non-DAV van services

Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans.

Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county

Shuttle service at University Drive

Cost: Free
Schedule: Monday through Friday, except holidays
See complete shuttle schedule

Shuttle routes serving this location

University Drive – Heinz
University Drive – Federal Building
University Drive – Fisher House

Local transportation services

Port Authority of Allegheny County

Bus
Light rail
ACCESS paratransit, serving people with limited mobility

Other services

Paratransit service (p.r.n. Health Service): 412-824-2181 or 1-800-860-8222

Transcare ambulance: 412-373-0200

Additional travel options

See our printable transportation guide for an extensive list of transportation options from across the region, including VA shuttles, taxi companies, and local transit services in many counties. It also includes information on shuttle services to University Drive from other VA facilities in the region.

Beneficiary travel

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. 

Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits

Hours

Lobby entrance: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

General visiting: Visitation is restricted at this time because of the coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information, see VAPHS Operating Status.

Behavioral health inpatient wards

By appointment in Behavioral Health between 1 and 2 p.m. and 6 and 7:30 p.m. Visits limited to 30 minutes.

Critical care

Visiting hours are individualized to meet the needs of the patient, family and caregivers.

Post-anesthesia recovery

Generally, visitors are not permitted. The doctor or nurse may make an exception.

Visitor policies

Help keep COVID-19 out of our facility.

• Do not visit if you are sick - If you have a cold, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches or fever, please do not come into the facility.
• Clean your hands - Clean hands with sanitizer before entering and after leaving.

See VA Pittsburgh's full visitation policy

Visitors are not permitted to stay overnight in the medical center itself. Here are some other options.

Accommodations solely for Veterans and families

VA Hoptel and lodging program

Temporary overnight lodging for eligible Veterans for outpatient medical procedures.

More info
Phone: 412-360-6233

Fisher House

A place for visiting families to stay, free of charge, while their loved ones receive inpatient medical care.

More info: http://www.pittsburghfisherhouse.org/
Phone: 412-360-2032

Family House

A special home away from home for patients and/or families who travel to Pittsburgh for treatment of serious or life-threatening illnesses. Family House has four locations in the area.

More info: http://www.familyhouse.org/
Phone: 412-647-7777

Nearby hotels

When booking, ask for the hospital rate. Many hotels have shuttle service to VA hospitals. Check with the hotel you’re staying at.

• Courtyard by Marriott, Shadyside
  412-683-3113 or 1-800-228-9290

• Hampton Inn, University Center
  412-329-4969 or 1-800-426-7866

• Quality Inn, University Center
  412-683-6100 or 1-877-424-6423

• Shadyside Inn All Suites Hotel
  412-441-4444 or 1-800-767-8483

NOTE: These links are provided for your convenience only. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System does not endorse and is not responsible for the content on the linked web sites.

Visit Pittsburgh

The official tourism and promotion agency for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has up-to-date listings for area hotels, as well as activities, transportation, restaurants, shops and more. http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/

Food and drink

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Café

Serving hot and cold entrees, beverages and desserts.

Ground floor
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends

VCS Patriot Brew (Starbucks)

Serving a variety of pastries, light sandwiches and beverages.

First floor
To the right of Release of Information.
Hours
Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
Closed Sunday

Vending machines

Drinks and snacks are available around the clock.

Banking

VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union

Retail

The Patriot Store 

A full-service retail store with such products as electronics, cosmetics, toiletries, and clothing. Purchases are tax-free.

Ground floor
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Veterans have access to traditional library services at University Drive:

• Newspapers, books and magazines
• Internet access
• Assistance with researching and reference
• Borrowing books
• Veteran and family consumer health materials

Consolidation building
2nd floor
Phone: 412-360-3054
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Building 29
Second floor
Hours: 24/7

Chaplains

When you’re admitted, you can request or decline visits by a VA chaplain. Our chaplains provide spiritual, pastoral, and emotional care for you and your family, in accordance with your own beliefs and practices. This includes locating clergy or religious leaders in the community for needs that our chaplain staff cannot meet.

Interfaith chapel

The chapel is open to anyone at any time for quiet meditation and reflection. The chapel also hosts regularly scheduled services for many denominations. Services are recorded and broadcast at University Drive on channel 81.

Learn how to request chaplain services during your stay at VA Pittsburgh.

Use these maps to help you get around the campus.

• Full University Drive campus map
• Floor plans for the consolidation building