
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Travelers love PDX for its welcoming feel, convenience and amenities including local shopping, food and drink.
Travelers named Portland International Airport (PDX) the best airport in the United States in Travel + Leisure’s survey in 2021, as well as every year from 2013–2019. Why do they love PDX? An easy light rail connection to downtown, free Wi-Fi, great local food and drink (including microbrews, craft spirits and even food carts), and tax-free shopping without markups are just a few of the reasons. That’s not to mention the superior guest experience travelers report having whenever they pass through the Portland airport.
Know Before You Go
While a majority of the airport’s major renovation was completed in 2024, the remainder is currently underway with an expected completion date in early 2026. See the website for more information and note that you may encounter modified routes and construction in progress.
In August 2024, PDX unveiled a massive renovation that “set a new high bar for airport design,” according to Fast Company magazine. Featuring streams of natural light, more than 70 live trees, the return of the iconic PDX carpet, a stunning Northwest-sourced timber lattice ceiling, and multiple 120-foot-long video walls, the project is a stunning sight to behold.
Learn More About PDX
What is the easiest way to get to and from PDX?
If you’re trying to get to the PDX airport from outside of Portland, you can connect to Portland’s Trimet system through other transit agencies or hire an Oregon shuttle service.
How do I get from Union Station to PDX?
Why is PDX one of the most popular airports?
Why is Portland referred to as PDX?
Portland International Airport (PDX) is currently served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines offering about 500 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily. More than 60 U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Portland.
Air Service
Portland International Airport (PDX) is currently served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines offering about 500 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily. More than 60 U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Portland, including Atlanta, Orlando, New York, Boston and Chicago. Internationally, you can fly direct to PDX from Amsterdam, Calgary, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, London, Puerto Vallarta, Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia. PDX offers more than 60 nonstop flights to cities near and far, including international destinations.
Getting To and From the Airport
The Portland airport is located 9 miles (14.5 km) northeast of downtown and is conveniently connected to the city center via MAX Light Rail.
Light Rail
The MAX Light Rail Red Line is the easiest way to travel to and from the airport. Here are some quick facts:
- The trip between Portland International Airport and downtown takes about 45 minutes.
- As of 2025, an adult ticket costs $2.80 (the youth and “Honored Citizen” fares are $1.40). Get the latest ticket and pricing information on the TriMet website.
- You can roll your luggage on board.
- The first train of the day arrives at PDX at 4:50 a.m. The last train departs PDX at 12:30 a.m.
- The MAX station and ticket machines are located on the lower level, next to the south baggage claim area (turn right at the base of the escalator). View the airport’s map for more detail.
- Trains arrive/depart every 15–30 minutes, depending on the time of day. For complete schedules and more information, visit the Red Line page on the TriMet website.
Taxicabs & Ride-Share Services
On average, the one-way trip from PDX to downtown Portland takes 20–40 minutes by car. The taxi fare is about $50 before gratuity (note that this can vary widely depending on traffic and time of day). Uber and Lyft both offer drop-off and pick-up services at Portland International Airport as well, with in-app fare estimators available before booking.
Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts are waiting inside Level 1 of the Short-Term Parking garage. To return to the airport from the city center, you can order a cab through the city’s main operators or from a hotel with a dedicated taxi stand.
Shuttles
When you leave the airport, you will find the shuttles at the bottom entrance of the terminal (outside the baggage claim area) on the other side of the second strip (“Island 2”) near the parking garage. Many airport hotels offer free services.
Private Car Services
For a VIP travel experience, several highly rated private car options are available, including Marquee Chauffer, Portland Luxury Town Car, and Delta Town Car.
Shopping at PDX
PDX offers travelers tax-free shopping from some of Portland’s most beloved brands.
Travel Resources
Review these helpful articles to simplify your time in Portland.
Transportation
Portland transportation options include efficient public transit, miles of bike lanes, ride-share services and pedestrian-friendly city streets. Getting around the City of Roses is easier than you think.
Airport Hotels
Stay near PDX and you’ll be close to lots of other things, too.
Resources for International Visitors
From currency exchange to where to do laundry, these helpful resources help international visitors explore Portland in comfort.
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