Portland International Airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) is Oregon's largest airport and the primary gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Located approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Portland, PDX consistently ranks as one of the best airports in the United States, known for its efficient layout, excellent local food options, and the famous airport carpet that became a cultural icon.

The airport has a single terminal with multiple concourses:

• Concourse A: Alaska Airlines (primary hub), Horizon Air
• Concourse B: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue
• Concourse C: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air
• Concourse D: United Airlines, Frontier Airlines
• Concourse E: International flights, additional domestic carriers

All concourses connect to a central terminal building and are accessible post-security via walkways. PDX is an Alaska Airlines hub, making it a key connecting point for West Coast travel.

Oregon has no sales tax, so everything you buy at PDX is tax-free, including electronics, clothing, and souvenirs.

PDX is located approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Portland. Travel times are relatively consistent due to Portland's manageable traffic:

• Downtown Portland: 20-35 minutes by car, 40 minutes by MAX Light Rail
• Pearl District: 25-40 minutes
• Lloyd District: 15-25 minutes
• Hollywood District: 15-20 minutes

The MAX Red Line light rail runs directly from the airport to downtown Portland, making it the most reliable and affordable option for reaching the city center.

Uber and Lyft are available at PDX. The pickup location is on the lower level (arrivals) of the terminal, in the center section of the roadway.

To find rideshare pickup:

1. Exit baggage claim
2. Cross to the center traffic islands
3. Look for the rideshare pickup signs
4. Request your ride from the designated zones

Typical rideshare fares (2024-2025):

• Downtown Portland: $25-40
• Pearl District: $25-40
• Lloyd Center: $18-28
• Lake Oswego: $35-50
• Beaverton: $30-45

Fares are generally stable; Portland rarely experiences extreme surge pricing.

Taxis are available on the lower level outside baggage claim. Fares are metered:

• Downtown Portland: $35-45
• A $2.50 airport fee applies to all taxi rides originating at PDX

Radio Cab and Broadway Cab are the primary taxi operators.

MAX Light Rail (Red Line) connects PDX directly to downtown Portland:

• Fare: $2.80 one-way (adult, as of 2025)
• Travel time: 38-45 minutes to Pioneer Courthouse Square (downtown core)
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes (peak hours may have more frequent service)
• Hours: Approximately 5 AM to midnight daily

How to Ride MAX Red Line

1. Exit baggage claim and follow signs to "MAX Light Rail"
2. The station is a short walk from the terminal (covered walkway)
3. Purchase a ticket at the platform vending machines (accepts cash and cards)
4. Board the Red Line toward "City Center / Beaverton"
5. Tap your Hop Fastpass or keep your ticket for proof of payment

Key stations and travel times from airport:

• Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave: 18 min
• Lloyd Center: 25 min
• Rose Quarter Transit Center: 30 min
• Pioneer Courthouse Square: 38 min
• Providence Park: 42 min
• Beaverton Transit Center: 55 min

Tip: Purchase a Hop Fastpass card ($3 for the card) for easier transfers to buses and streetcar. Daily and monthly fare caps make it economical for longer stays.

Bus Connections

TriMet buses serve the broader Portland metro area. Key routes from the airport MAX station:

• Transfer at Gateway Transit Center for routes to east Portland and Gresham
• Transfer at Rose Quarter for routes to North Portland
• Transfer at Pioneer Square for routes throughout downtown and beyond

PDX offers multiple parking options:

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Short-Term Garage	$3/hour, $33/day max	Connected to terminal, closest option
Long-Term Garage	$18/day	Covered parking, skybridge to terminal
Economy Lot	$12/day	Free shuttle to terminal (5-10 min)

Off-site alternatives: Private lots along NE Airport Way and 82nd Avenue offer rates from $8-14/day with shuttle service. Book online for best rates.

Cell phone waiting lot: Free parking for up to 30 minutes while waiting for arriving passengers. Located on NE Airport Way with easy access to the terminal loop.

Electric vehicle charging: Available in the Short-Term and Long-Term garages.

PDX is famous for bringing Portland's renowned food scene into the airport. Local restaurants are required to charge "street pricing," meaning prices match their downtown locations.

Central Terminal (Pre-Security):

• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• Basics Market: Grab-and-go items

Concourse A:

• Laurelwood Public House: Oregon craft beer and pub fare
• Peet's Coffee: Premium coffee

Concourse B:

• Gustav's German Pub: German sausages and beers
• Burgerville: Pacific Northwest fast-food chain with local ingredients

Concourse C:

• Country Cat: Southern-inspired comfort food from a Portland favorite
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Portland's iconic coffee roaster

Concourse D:

• Cafe Yumm!: Oregon-based healthy bowls and wraps
• Tamale Boy: Portland's beloved Mexican tamales

Concourse E:

• Capers Cafe Le Bar: Full-service cafe with Oregon wines
• House Spirits Tasting Room: Oregon distillery with craft cocktails

Can't miss: Stumptown Coffee for Portland's signature coffee culture, Burgerville for a true Pacific Northwest fast-food experience (try the seasonal Walla Walla onion rings in summer), and any of the craft beer options featuring Oregon breweries.

Local tip: New Seasons Market operates a grab-and-go store in the central terminal area with organic snacks, sandwiches, and local products.

Free WiFi is available throughout PDX:

• Network name: _Free PDX Wi-Fi
• Cost: Free, unlimited
• Quality: Reliable and reasonably fast for an airport

To connect:

1. Select _Free PDX Wi-Fi from available networks
2. Open a browser if not automatically redirected
3. Accept terms and conditions

For faster speeds, consider airline lounges or using a personal hotspot.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (multiple concourse locations)
• iStore (near central terminal)

Major US carriers offer prepaid plans:

• T-Mobile: Starting around $30
• AT&T: Starting around $35
• Verizon: Starting around $40

eSIM alternative: Purchase an eSIM from providers like Airalo, T-Mobile, or AT&T before arrival for immediate connectivity.

ATMs are located throughout PDX:

• Central terminal (near baggage claim and ticketing)
• Each concourse (typically near the entrance)

Banks represented include:

• Umpqua Bank (Oregon-based)
• Chase
• Bank of America
• US Bank

Standard out-of-network fees of $3-5 apply.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates a location in the central terminal. As at all airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Use a bank card with no foreign transaction fees for better rates.

Note: Oregon has no sales tax, so all purchases at the airport are tax-free.

Duty-Free (International Terminal):

• Available for international departures
• Spirits, fragrances, and luxury goods

Throughout the Airport:

• Made in Oregon: Local Oregon products, including Pendleton wool, Oregon wines, and regional foods
• Powell's Books: Portland's legendary independent bookstore has an airport outpost
• Nike: Oregon is Nike's home state; find Oregon-exclusive merchandise
• Columbia Sportswear: Another Oregon-based brand with outdoor apparel
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials

Best shopping tip: Take advantage of Oregon's no sales tax on all purchases. Electronics, clothing, and gifts cost less here than in neighboring states.

Alaska Lounge

Alaska Airlines operates the primary lounge at PDX:

• Location: Concourse C (near Gate C8)
• Access: Alaska Lounge membership, Alaska MVP Gold 75K, Alaska First Class, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status
• Amenities: Hot food, full bar, espresso, work areas, views of Mount Hood on clear days
• Hours: 5 AM - 10 PM daily

Priority Pass Lounges

• Capers Cafe Le Bar (Concourse E): Priority Pass holders receive food and beverage credit (not a traditional lounge)

Delta Sky Club

• Location: Concourse B
• Access: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta One ticket, Delta Reserve Amex, Delta Diamond/Platinum status
• Amenities: Standard Sky Club offerings including hot food and premium drinks

Airline Lounges

• United Club: Not currently at PDX
• American Admirals Club: Not currently at PDX

Day Pass Options

The Alaska Lounge occasionally sells day passes for approximately $50 when space is available. Check at the lounge entrance.

On-Site/Connected:

PDX does not have a hotel directly connected to the terminal.

Near Airport (5-10 min shuttle ride):

• Embassy Suites Portland Airport: All-suite hotel, free breakfast, airport shuttle
• Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel: Full-service hotel directly across from terminal
• Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station: Modern rooms, light rail adjacent
• Holiday Inn Portland Airport: Reliable mid-range option, free shuttle
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland Airport: Budget-friendly with shuttle

Budget Options:

Hotels along NE 82nd Avenue offer rates from $70-120/night with free airport shuttles.

Cascade Station: This shopping and hotel complex is one MAX stop from the airport (free ride within the airport fare zone). Aloft and other hotels are within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Portland and Oregon offer unique experiences:

From PDX by MAX Light Rail:

• Pioneer Courthouse Square: 40 minutes (heart of downtown)
• Pearl District: 45 minutes (galleries, restaurants, Powell's Books flagship)
• Lloyd Center: 25 minutes (shopping, indoor ice rink)
• Washington Park: 55 minutes (Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden)

By Car/Rideshare:

• Columbia River Gorge: 30-45 minutes east (Multnomah Falls, hiking)
• Mount Hood: 1-1.5 hours east (skiing, hiking, Timberline Lodge)
• Oregon Coast: 1.5-2 hours west (Cannon Beach, Astoria)
• Willamette Valley Wine Country: 45 minutes south (world-class Pinot Noir)

Getting Around Portland:

• MAX Light Rail: Four lines cover the metro area
• Portland Streetcar: Loops through downtown and close-in neighborhoods
• TriMet buses: Extensive network
• Hop Fastpass: Works on all TriMet transit; daily caps at $5

Don't Miss:

• Powell's City of Books: The world's largest independent bookstore
• Food carts: Portland has over 500 food carts in pods throughout the city
• Coffee culture: Stumptown, Heart, Coava, and many independent roasters
• Craft beer: Over 75 breweries in the metro area
• Washington Park: Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden (free)

Weather Note: Portland is rainy from October through May, with mild temperatures year-round. Summers (June-September) are warm and dry, often sunny. Pack layers and a rain jacket regardless of season.

Local Tip: Portlanders don't use umbrellas. A good rain jacket is the local preference.