Getting Around Portland
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Portland Airport information
If you’re flying into Portland, you’ll be happy to know that Portland International Airport (PDX) is one of the most loved airports in the U.S. Travelers have voted it the best in the country several times — and for good reason! PDX makes travel feel simple and stress-free, whether you’re coming for an event or a business trip.
What makes it special? For starters, it’s easy to reach from downtown using the light rail, and once you’re there, you can enjoy local coffee, craft beer, and fresh Oregon food before your flight. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi and tax-free shopping, which means prices are the same as in the rest of the city — no airport markups!
For event planners, PDX’s efficiency and nearby facilities make it a great choice for welcoming guests or organizing corporate meetings in Portland.
Quick facts and tips:
Located about 9 miles (15 km) northeast of downtown; roughly a 25-minute light rail ride.
Direct light rail (MAX Red Line) connects the airport to downtown and convention areas.
Nonstop flights available from nearly 60 major cities, including Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Toronto, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
Free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping, and plenty of local restaurants and breweries inside the terminal.
Easy car rentals, ride-share pick-up zones, and hotel shuttles near arrivals.
What makes it special? For starters, it’s easy to reach from downtown using the light rail, and once you’re there, you can enjoy local coffee, craft beer, and fresh Oregon food before your flight. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi and tax-free shopping, which means prices are the same as in the rest of the city — no airport markups!
For event planners, PDX’s efficiency and nearby facilities make it a great choice for welcoming guests or organizing corporate meetings in Portland.
Quick facts and tips:
Located about 9 miles (15 km) northeast of downtown; roughly a 25-minute light rail ride.
Direct light rail (MAX Red Line) connects the airport to downtown and convention areas.
Nonstop flights available from nearly 60 major cities, including Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Toronto, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
Free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping, and plenty of local restaurants and breweries inside the terminal.
Easy car rentals, ride-share pick-up zones, and hotel shuttles near arrivals.
Portland Train information
Portland’s train travel experience is centered around its beautiful Union Station — an eye-catching building with a tall clock tower and a glowing “Go By Train” sign that’s become a local landmark. The station is just minutes from downtown, making it super convenient for travelers attending events or exploring the city.
Right outside the station, you’ll find quick connections via the Portland Transit Mall — where buses and MAX light rail lines (Green, Orange, and Yellow) stop frequently. This makes transfers simple and budget-friendly.
Union Station connects travelers across the West Coast and beyond through Amtrak services.
Key details and connections:
Located at 800 NW 6th Avenue, within walking distance of major hotels and meeting venues.
Connected to major Amtrak routes:
Amtrak Cascades: Four daily trips between Seattle and Portland, plus service to Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Oregon.
Coast Starlight: Daily route linking Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle — a scenic option for event attendees exploring the coast.
Empire Builder: Starts in Portland and heads east to Chicago with stops at key destinations like Glacier National Park, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.
On-site café, luggage storage, and accessibility for all travelers.
Right outside the station, you’ll find quick connections via the Portland Transit Mall — where buses and MAX light rail lines (Green, Orange, and Yellow) stop frequently. This makes transfers simple and budget-friendly.
Union Station connects travelers across the West Coast and beyond through Amtrak services.
Key details and connections:
Located at 800 NW 6th Avenue, within walking distance of major hotels and meeting venues.
Connected to major Amtrak routes:
Amtrak Cascades: Four daily trips between Seattle and Portland, plus service to Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Oregon.
Coast Starlight: Daily route linking Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle — a scenic option for event attendees exploring the coast.
Empire Builder: Starts in Portland and heads east to Chicago with stops at key destinations like Glacier National Park, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.
On-site café, luggage storage, and accessibility for all travelers.
Portland Public information
Getting around Portland is easy, even if you don’t have a car. The entire city is well-connected by TriMet — a public transport system that brings together buses, the MAX light rail, and the Portland Streetcar. It’s one of the most reliable and affordable ways to move around, especially for event planners coordinating group travel or guests on tight schedules.
One of Portland’s best features is that you can use the same ticket or pass for all three systems — no need to buy separate fares for each.
Helpful travel facts and tips:
MAX Light Rail:
Covers 60 miles with over 90 stations, linking key areas like the airport, downtown, and suburbs.
Trains run every 15 minutes or less and are wheelchair- and bike-friendly.
Bus Network:
Extensive service with more than a dozen frequent lines (every 15 minutes or less).
Buses include wheelchair access and front bike racks, great for eco-conscious travelers.
Portland Streetcar:
NS Line goes from Portland State University through downtown to Nob Hill — perfect for quick city exploration.
A Loop and B Loop cross the iconic Tilikum Crossing Bridge, connecting east and west sides of Portland. This bridge is open only to pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit.
Trip planning tools: TriMet’s website and mobile app provide live schedules and route maps for smooth navigation.
One of Portland’s best features is that you can use the same ticket or pass for all three systems — no need to buy separate fares for each.
Helpful travel facts and tips:
MAX Light Rail:
Covers 60 miles with over 90 stations, linking key areas like the airport, downtown, and suburbs.
Trains run every 15 minutes or less and are wheelchair- and bike-friendly.
Bus Network:
Extensive service with more than a dozen frequent lines (every 15 minutes or less).
Buses include wheelchair access and front bike racks, great for eco-conscious travelers.
Portland Streetcar:
NS Line goes from Portland State University through downtown to Nob Hill — perfect for quick city exploration.
A Loop and B Loop cross the iconic Tilikum Crossing Bridge, connecting east and west sides of Portland. This bridge is open only to pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit.
Trip planning tools: TriMet’s website and mobile app provide live schedules and route maps for smooth navigation.
