A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store
i
MAX Light Rail connects downtown Portland to points throughout the city and region, including Portland International Airport (PDX).

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light-rail system connects the metro area and downtown core.

2 min read

At the heart of Portland’s world-class public transportation system is the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) Light Rail, with almost 100 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track connecting the city, airport and region. Find a stop nearest you with just an address or zip code on TriMet’s website — you’ll also find more information on fares, navigating the city and possible disruptions of MAX service.

Take MAX From PDX

The MAX Light Rail Red Line is the easiest way to travel to and from the airport, taking under 40 minutes.

Read more

MAX Lines

MAX has five lines, all of which run through downtown Portland. TriMet offers a downloadable MAX system map with a full list of stops on its website, but as a general rule, each of the five lines spread from the Portland city center to cover a different section of the city:

a simple map representing the MAX Light Rail system with colored lines
Portland’s convenient MAX Light Rail system allows locals and visitors alike to explore the city with ease.

MAX trains run about every 15 minutes most of the day, every day. Most lines begin service around 4 a.m. and finish before midnight. A wide variety of MAX Park & Ride locations allow you to leave a vehicle for up to 24 hours, free of charge.

A unique feature of the system, the MAX Orange Line uses Tilikum Crossing, Portland’s first new span since 1973 and the nation’s longest bridge dedicated solely to transit, bicycles and pedestrians. (The Orange Line connects downtown Portland to the Central Eastside, Sellwood and Milwaukie, a suburb to the southeast.)

a light rail train on a cobblestone road passes the historic Saturday Market entry arches
1 of 3
Portland's MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
a person gets off the light rail train at the Pioneer Square stop with its iconic red brick walkway
2 of 3
Portland's MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
two people board a MAX light rail train at Portland International Airport (PDX)
3 of 3
The MAX Red Line is the easiest way to travel to and from the airport, with the ride between downtown and the airport taking under 40 minutes.
Credit: Justin Katigbak

How to Ride MAX

Know Before You Go

Editor’s note: TriMet stopped offering and accepting paper tickets in 2019. Visit TriMet’s website for more service information, including:
– How to ride MAX
– Fares and how to pay

As of January 2024, fares to ride the MAX Light Rail are as follows:

  • Adult (ages 18–64): $2.80 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5.60 for a day pass
  • Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass
  • Youth (ages 7–17): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass

More About MAX Light Rail

How many MAX lines are there?

The MAX has five lines, all of which run through downtown Portland (also known as city center).

The Blue Line covers Hillsboro/City Center/Gresham; the Green Line covers Clackamas/City Center/PSU; the Red Line covers Airport/City Center/Beaverton; the Yellow Line covers Expo Center/City Center/PSU; and the Orange Line covers Milwaukie/City Center. For a more detailed list of stops, visit the Max Light Rail section of the TriMet website.

Does the MAX run all night?

While the MAX runs every 15 minutes or less every day, most of the day, it does not run 24 hours. Most lines begin service at 4 a.m. and end service around midnight. TriMet has information about the full schedules for each of the five lines (blue, green, red, yellow and orange) on its website.

How much does it cost to ride the MAX?

As of January 2024, for adults aged 18–64, it’s $2.80 to ride for 2.5 hours or $5.60 for a day pass. For youths aged 7–17 and “Honored Citizens” (passengers 65 and older, plus those on Medicare, those with disabilities and those who qualify based on income), it’s $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours or $2.80 for a day pass. Children 6 and under ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger.

The most recent fare information is available on the TriMet website.

How do you ride the MAX?

Riders can pay by using their contactless credit or debit card, mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay) or with a reloadable Hop card. There are also ticket machines at the light rail stations. Tap your form of payment on the green Hop readers every time you board.

Signs at each station indicate when the MAX is coming and which lines are due. The line is illuminated on the front of each train, so you’ll never get confused about which train to board. Trains stop at every station, so there’s no need to signal or inform the operator of your stop. For more information on riding the MAX, visit the TriMet website.

How fast can MAX trains go?

The top speed for MAX Light Rail is 55 mph (88.5 km/h).

Where to Stay Near MAX

For lodging that's easily accessible by MAX, explore hotel offerings in Portland's downtown, Northwest/Nob Hill and Lloyd neighborhoods.

Rest Your Head

Where to Go on MAX

Beyond downtown and Old Town Chinatown, you can ride MAX to all of these attractions.

Find Things to Do
roses bushes, climbing roses in large lush rose garden

Washington Park

The MAX Red and Blue lines serve this park, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, World Forestry Center and Hoyt Arboretum.

a red panda walks on a tree limb, surrounded by leaves

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

person walking through a museum exhibition of different trees

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about the importance of sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, with exhibits on local and global forests.

an exterior view of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) beside the Willamette River with a huge black submarine docked by a pier

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

The MAX Orange Line serves this kid-pleasing spot, which has a planetarium, giant-screen theater, retired navy submarine, traveling exhibits and more.

cheering fans waving flags and streamers in a crowded stadium

Providence Park

The MAX Blue and Red lines serve the home field for the beloved Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer clubs.

More Places to Go on MAX

Here are even more local destinations you can easily access via MAX Light Rail:

Trying to get somewhere that isn’t easily reachable by MAX Light Rail? Portland’s extensive bus system comprises more than 70 lines offering thorough service to the city and its suburbs — read more on TriMet’s website.

Getting Around

Along with MAX, these transportation options make it easy to navigate Portland.

More Transportation
A streetcar passes by a large, red sculpture in front of a building with a neon sign reading, \"Go By Streetcar.\"

Portland Streetcar

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

man sits facing Fremont Bridge next to pink roses in front of a big grassy field

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.

person with phone in hand stands with three electric scooters in front of a storefront

Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in Portland

E-scooter sharing lets users rent vehicles via an app for one-way trips. Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.