How to Get to Portland. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airlines & Routes

Carriers to PDX

PDX sees services from major U.S. And international airlines.

Airline Types

Key AMERICAN.S. Carriers: Alaska Airlines (hub), Delta, United, American, Southwest.
International Carriers: Air Canada, British Airways, Icelandair, Condor, KLM, Lufthansa.
Charter airlines also operate seasonally.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights connect Portland with global hubs.

Destinations

Principal U.S..S. Cities: Numerous direct connections.
International Hubs: London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Reykjavik (KEF), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Mexico City (MEX).
Seasonal flights to Asia also feature.

Flight Availability

Peak season (summer) features higher frequency and higher prices. Off-season may bring lower prices and fewer direct options.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts. Skyscanner for price comparisons.

Airport Facilities

PDX is an award-winning airport, recognized for its traveler experience, with local food, tax-free retail, free Wi-Fi, and art.

Transfers from PDX

Public Transit & Shuttles

MAX Light Rail (Red Line): Direct service to downtown. Cost: $2.80. Travel Time: ~38 min. Station from baggage claim.
Shuttle Services: Blue Star Airporter, Portland Airport Shuttles. Door-to-door service. Book in advance.

Taxis & Car Rentals

Taxis: Outside baggage claim. Metered fares or flat rates. Expect $35-$45 to downtown.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate from designated pick-up zones. Costs: $25-$40 to downtown (demand-based).
Car Rental: Major agencies at PDX, consolidated center accessible via shuttle.

PDX Details

Location

~9 miles (14 km) northeast of downtown Portland.

Local Features

Local food, tax-free retail, free Wi-Fi, art installations, small cinema.

Operations

Efficient, clear signage, helpful staff.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Amtrak services Portland's Union Station, a major hub.

Amtrak Routes

"Coast Starlight": Scenic route Los Angeles to Seattle, stops in Portland.
"Empire Builder": Chicago to Portland/Seattle, featuring American West views.
"Cascades": Connects Vancouver, BC, to Eugene, OR, through and Idaho.

Long-Distance Bus

Bus companies offer intercity routes, often with competitive prices.

Bus Services

Greyhound: Services to/from major U.S. Cities.
FlixBus/BoltBus: Intercity routes, often with competitive prices.
Bus Station: Main station in the city center, easy access to public transit.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements & Conditions

Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit if needed).
Minimum rental age 21 (often 25 for no young driver fees).
Roads are well-maintained. Traffic congestion occurs during peak hours for I-5 and I-84.

Roads & Safety

Understand local interstates and seasonal road impacts.

Highways & Hazards

Interstates: I-5 (north-south), I-84 (east-west to Columbia Gorge), I-205 (east-side bypass).
Cold Weather conditions: Snow and ice impact passes through the mountains. Check ODOT for updates.
Safety Concerns: Awareness of cyclists and pedestrians. Parking can be challenging and expensive.

Border Crossing & Car Rental

For Canadian travelers, land border crossings exist in Washington state.
Standard U.S. Entry requirements (passport, ESTA/visa) apply.
Prepare for potential waiting periods at borders.

DiscoverCars.com for car rental options.
Minimum age for rental cars is typically 21. Often 25 to avoid young driver fees.
An International Driving Permit is wise if your license is not in English.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Portland does not feature major international ferry services or cruise ports for direct tourist arrivals.

Points

No major international ferry services or cruise ports directly serve international tourist arrivals.
Some domestic river cruises operate on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
These typically begin and end in Portland or nearby cities, offering scenic tours.

River Transportation

River transport within Portland is mainly for recreation, not international arrival.

Willamette River

Limited to recreational boats, small tour boats, and private charters.
Enjoy boat tours for sightseeing.
Not a main means of arrival for international tourists.

Immigration Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for international arrivals directly to Portland. Travelers typically clear customs and immigration at an airport.

Land Connections

Connections to land transportation are not applicable for international arrivals via sea. Domestic boat trips on the river often disembark at easily accessible downtown docks.

Tourist Focus

Sea/river travel for tourists mainly features scenic tours, not main entry points.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Plan your departure from The harborland with these specifics for a smooth exit.

Departure Essentials

Exit Fees: No specific fees or taxes collected upon U.S. Departure further than airline ticket inclusions.
International Flights: Arrive at PDX 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. This time accommodates check-in, baggage, and security.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Provisions at PDX and Union Station cater to departing travelers.

Passenger Amenities

PDX: Diverse dining, tax-free retail, airline lounges, free Wi-Fi, charging stations. Known for local flavor and comfort.
Union Station (Amtrak): Limited dining, restrooms, comfortable waiting area.
Security: TSA PreCheck or CLEAR expedites security screening if eligible.

PDX for Departing Travelers

Dining Options

Diverse choices, local eateries included.

Shopping

Tax-free retail, unique local shops.

Comfort

Airline lounges, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable atmosphere.

Timing Advice

Consider peak travel times at the airport when planning your arrival. Early mornings and late afternoons often present busier security lines.

How to Get to Portland