Portland International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Portland International is connected to downtown by the MAX Light Rail in about 40 minutes, a direct link with no changes that makes the city a natural choice for anyone with a free evening. Those with a dawn flight or an overnight layover can instead stay at Cascade Station, a block from the terminals and already served by the same train. Those arriving by car who want to shop before or after the flight find it convenient to head to Jantzen Beach, on the Columbia River, a few minutes from the airport but away from downtown traffic.

Cascade Station

Airport area · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel: On the airport grounds, a minute from the terminals with a shuttle running 24 hours; indoor pool and gym.
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.
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.

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Pearl District and downtown

City centre · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

Over 30 minutes by MAX separate these areas from the airport
Hotel parking often comes with a high additional cost

Recommended hotels in this area

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District: The first Canopy property on the West Coast, with evening tastings of local spirits from Distillery Row.
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.
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland: Occupies the top nine floors of the historic Meier & Frank building, right in the heart of Portland.

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Jantzen Beach, on the Columbia River

Nearby town · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

A car is always needed: there's no MAX and night taxis are less frequent
Few restaurants besides those in the mall

Recommended hotels in this area

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.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Portland-Jantzen Beach: Connected to the Jantzen Beach mall, with free breakfast and an indoor pool.

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