Portland is a city that has become a very popular US destination, be it for its experimental food culture, its proximity to magnificent natural landscapes or its alternative music and art scene. This increased interest in the city has led to one of the easiest and most tourist-friendly public transport systems anywhere in the US.

Travellers wanting to transfer from Portland airport to downtown Portland have a two options to choose from. The public transport option involves taking the Max Light Train service (Red Line) run by TriMet. The Max Light Train station is located in the lower level of the airport building next to the south baggage claim area. The alternative and fastest way to get to downtown Portland from the airport (PDX) is to either take a Portland airport taxi or private shuttle service.

 

3 options to go from Portland Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€85 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€32 30min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Train
€4.70 40min 04:45–23:50
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Portland Airport PDX to Downtown Portland by taxi

A Portland taxi or shuttle service would be the most convenient and the least taxing method of travelling to downtown Portland from the airport. The downtown area is located  14.5km (9 miles) from the airport and the journey will take between 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.

​​Taxi fare from Portland airport to downtown Portland

A taxi fare from Portland airport PDX to downtown Portland will be approximately $35 (€32). This is based on a metered taxi fare so the final cost will depend on the total distance travelled to your destination. All transfers to and from Portland airport are subject to an extra charge of $3.50 (€3.30) and a $1.00 (€0.90) charge per extra passenger. For a flat rate fee with no hidden costs you can make an advance booking with a Portland airport shuttle.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis at Portland airport can be found outside of the baggage claim area, in the central section of the airport terminal’s lower roadway.

Convenience

The use of a taxi or private shuttle will always be the most convenient way to travel from Portland airport to downtown Portland, especially after a long flight. By pre-booking your taxi transfer in advance you simply have to step out of the baggage claim area, meet your driver and walk to your taxi that will take you straight to your destination.

Useful Tips

As with most US cities tipping a taxi driver in Portland is standard practise and can be anything between 10-15% of the fare depending on the services offered by the driver.
Most Portland taxi companies and private shuttle services offer fixed rate transfers from Portland airport. For a guaranteed low cost fixed rate fare contact Welcome Pickups.

How to get from Portland Airport PDX to Downtown Portland by train

The public transport option to get from Portland airport PDX to downtown Portland is by using the Red Line train of the Max Light Railway service. The Red Line train service is run by TriMet and travels from the airport through the downtown area of the city to Beaverton. The Max Light train station is located in the lower level of the airport, next to the south baggage claim area and this service runs about every 15 mins (less frequent early morning, midday and evening) from 04:45 to 23:50 daily. Travel time to downtown Portland is approximately 40 mins.

How much is the train from Portland Airport to downtown Portland?

An adult train fare from Portland airport to downtown Portland using the Max Red Line train service is $2.50 (€2.35). Youth (ages 7-17) and honoured citizen (over 65s) tickets cost $1.25 (€1.20) and tickets are available from the Max station at the airport.

Cost
$2.50 (€2.35)
Trip Duration
40 mins
This service runs every 15 mins but less frequently early in the morning and the evening.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Max Red Line service runs from 04.45 to 23.50 daily.

Where do I get the train from?

The Max train station for the Red Line service is located in the lower level of the airport, next to the south baggage claim area.

Convenience

The Red Line train service from Portland airport is a very affordable travel option to downtown Portland which you can access directly from the lower level of the airport and simply roll your baggage straight onto the train. This is not a 24/7 service, it runs from 04:45 to 23:50 daily.

Timetables

Max Red Line Train Service Schedules

Useful Tips

Tickets for the Max Red Line train service are available from the ticket machines at the station in the lower level of the airport.
Discounted tickets at a cost of $1.25 (€1.20) are available for youngsters (aged 7-17) and honoured citizens (65 and over).
The Max Red Line train service from Portland airport doesn’t just travel through downtown Portland but goes all the way to Beaverton.
All tickets on the Max Light train service are valid for 2.5 hrs, however if you are planning on using the Max light railway for numerous journeys in a day, there is also a day pass available at a cost of $5 (€4.75) for adults and $2.50 (€2.35) for over 65s and youngsters aged 7-17.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Portland airport from downtown Portland?

Portland airport (PDX) is 14.5km (9 miles) from downtown Portland and the journey will take about 30 minutes by taxi and private shuttle depending on traffic, or 40 minutes by light railway.

How do I get from Portland airport to downtown?

How much is a taxi from Portland airport to downtown?

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Transfer Options in Portland