The main terminal is also known for its famous carpet with geometric patterns, which is genuinely revered among travelers, while handling domestic flights and some international routes to Canada and Asia.
Gateway to Oregon, a state known for the absence of sales tax, coffee culture, and proximity to forests and volcanoes.
How to get to Portland International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PDX
Parking near Portland International Airport
The Economy Lot, the official most economical option, costs approximately 15-18 USD/day; other official rates go up to 45 USD/day; off-site affiliated parking starts from 6.95 USD/day.
How to get to Portland (OR) from PDX
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Portland International Airport
All major car rental brands have a desk in the terminal.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; useful for exploring the surrounding forests and volcanoes like Mount Hood.
Hotels near Portland International Airport
Cascade Station
On foot or with the free shuttle in 3-5 minutes from the terminals; the Cascade Station MAX Light Rail stop is two blocks away.
Best for: Dawn flights and overnight layovers, with check-in just minutes from the terminals.
- A few minutes on foot or by shuttle from the terminals, useful for dawn flights
- The same MAX line that reaches downtown, also handy for an evening in the city
- Around it only the Cascade Station mall: in the evening you dine there or at the hotel
- Noise from taking-off planes noticeable in rooms facing the runways
Recommended hotels
- Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel On the airport grounds, a minute from the terminals with a shuttle running 24 hours; indoor pool and gym. View availability
- Residence Inn Portland Airport at Cascade Station Suites with a full kitchen a few minutes from the terminals, convenient for multi-night stays; indoor pool and basketball court. View availability
- Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station The first Hyatt-branded hotel in Oregon, a block from the MAX station and 3 minutes by car from the terminals. View availability
Pearl District and downtown
MAX Light Rail direct to the terminals in about 40 minutes, with stops in the Pearl District and downtown; no change needed.
Best for: Galleries, restaurants and Portland's liveliest neighborhoods, for those who have time for the MAX ride to the airport.
- Within walking distance of galleries, restaurants and breweries in the Pearl District
- A direct MAX link to the terminals with no changes, handy even with luggage
- Over 30 minutes by MAX separate these areas from the airport
- Hotel parking often comes with a high additional cost
Recommended hotels
- Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District The first Canopy property on the West Coast, with evening tastings of local spirits from Distillery Row. View availability
- Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Pearl District Suites with a full kitchen near Union Station, convenient for families or long stays in the neighborhood. View availability
- The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland Occupies the top nine floors of the historic Meier & Frank building, right in the heart of Portland. View availability
Jantzen Beach, on the Columbia River
By car 10-15 minutes from the terminals along Interstate 5; no direct MAX link from the island.
Best for: Those arriving by car who want to shop or stay away from downtown traffic, a few minutes from the terminals.
- A stone's throw from the Jantzen Beach mall, convenient for a meal or last-minute shopping
- Quieter than downtown, with views of the Columbia River from several rooms
- A car is always needed: there's no MAX and night taxis are less frequent
- Few restaurants besides those in the mall
Recommended hotels
- Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach Suites with a kitchenette on Hayden Island, with breakfast prepared on request and an indoor pool with a hot tub. View availability
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Portland-Jantzen Beach Connected to the Jantzen Beach mall, with free breakfast and an indoor pool. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The main terminal, with concourses connected by pedestrian paths, is also famous for the celebrated geometric-patterned carpet, a cult object among travelers.
A 2.5–3 hour advance is recommended for international flights.
Map of Portland International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the MAX Red Line from Portland Airport to downtown cost?
$2.80 for adults ($1.40 for seniors and youths), for a trip of about 38-40 minutes.
Q. Why is Portland Airport's carpet famous?
Its distinctive geometric pattern has become a cult object among travelers, to the point of inspiring merchandise and even themed socks.
Q. Does Oregon have sales tax?
No, it's one of the few US states without sales tax: the listed prices are what you'll actually pay.
Q. Is Portland Airport a good starting point for nature?
Yes, forests, volcanoes like Mount Hood and the Pacific coast can all be reached within a few hours' drive.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
