Facility Overview
Kennywood Parking Lot A is the primary general surface parking facility serving guests visiting Kennywood, America\'s premier traditional amusement park located along Kennywood Boulevard in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Operating as a vast open-air, paved parking lot situated directly across the boulevard from the main entrance gates, Lot A provides generous standard vehicle capacity with clearly demarcated lanes. Because it is an open-air surface lot, there are no low-clearance vertical overhangs or parking garage height restrictions, making it suitable for oversized passenger vehicles, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, minivans, conversion vans, and passenger vehicles equipped with rooftop cargo carriers.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located directly on the historic grounds of Kennywood Amusement Park, Lot A places drivers within mere steps of the park\'s world-famous wooden and steel roller coasters, including the Phantom\'s Revenge, Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt, and the Steel Curtain. Visitors utilize Kennywood\'s safe, grade-separated pedestrian underpass tunnel directly beneath Kennywood Boulevard to walk seamlessly from Lot A into the front ticket booths and turnstiles in approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The lot is also conveniently positioned near local dining stops, service stations along Route 837, and is only a 15-to-20-minute drive from the Waterfront shopping complex in Homestead, Sandcastle Water Park, and downtown Pittsburgh.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via signalized access points off Kennywood Boulevard (PA Route 837) near Glencairn Street. Dedicated turn lanes and on-site parking attendants direct traffic during peak morning opening rushes. After evening park closing and major fireworks shows, traffic personnel assist with synchronized lane exits onto Kennywood Boulevard to minimize egress delays toward Interstate 376 (the Parkway East) and Route 885. Public transit users can access Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus routes, including Route 61C, which stops right on Kennywood Boulevard directly adjacent to the parking area.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Complimentary standard surface parking for all Kennywood ticket and season pass holders
- Unrestricted vertical headroom suitable for high-profile vehicles, tall SUVs, and vans
- Dedicated grade-separated pedestrian underpass safely bypassing Kennywood Boulevard traffic
- Designated ADA accessible parking spaces located conveniently close to the pedestrian tunnel ramp
- Seasonal directional attendants and traffic marshals during peak park arrival and departure hours
- High-mast outdoor floodlighting and routine local security patrols throughout operating hours
Ideal For
- Families and thrill-seekers spending the day at Kennywood Amusement Park
- Visitors attending seasonal evening events such as Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights
- Touring groups, school trips, and families traveling in large passenger vans or loaded SUVs
- Budget-conscious amusement park visitors looking to avoid paid preferred parking fees
Visitor & Driver Tips
Standard general parking in Lot A is free of charge, whereas premium and preferred parking areas closer to the main gate require an extra paid upgrade. On peak summer Saturdays and holiday weekends, Lot A fills up quickly; arriving 30 to 45 minutes prior to park opening ensures a spot close to the pedestrian tunnel walkway. Take a photo of your lane marker or nearby landmark upon arrival, as thousands of vehicles can make navigation after dark disorienting. If visiting with small children or strollers, utilize the ramps leading down to the pedestrian tunnel for step-free access straight into the park entrance.
