Portland University: Is There An On-Campus Airport?

Portland State University and the University of Portland are both located in Portland, Oregon. The closest major airport to Portland State University is Portland International Airport (PDX), which is 14 miles from the university. The University of Portland is also located near Portland International Airport, which offers transportation options such as the MAX Red Line light rail, Uber, and Lyft.

Portland State University is 14 miles from Portland International Airport

Portland State University is conveniently located just 14 miles from Portland International Airport (PDX). This proximity makes the university easily accessible for students, staff, and visitors travelling by air. The airport, purchased by the Portland City Council in 1936, has a rich history and has undergone several transformations over the years.

With two runways operational by 1941, the airport played a significant role during World War II, serving the United States Army Air Forces. By 1952, a new terminal and an extended east-west runway were constructed, and the airport continued to expand and modernize to accommodate larger aircraft. Today, PDX is a bustling airport, serving various airlines and offering direct flights to and from different destinations.

For those travelling to Portland State University, the airport provides multiple transportation options. Students and visitors can utilize services like Uber and Lyft, which operate in the area. Additionally, the Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) offer a free ride service for new PSU visiting scholars from the airport upon arrival. This service is especially helpful for those arriving late at night or adjusting to a new city.

The airport also provides local transportation options, including the MAX Red Line light rail, which conveniently connects the airport to downtown Portland and Beaverton. This makes it easy for individuals to navigate the city and explore the surrounding areas. Whether arriving or departing, Portland International Airport's proximity and transportation options enhance the accessibility of Portland State University, making it a convenient hub for students and visitors alike.

Transport options from the airport include the MAX Red Line light rail

The closest major airport to Portland State University is Portland International Airport (PDX/KPDX), which is approximately 14 miles from the university.

The MAX Red Line light rail service is one transport option from the airport. The Red Line connects Portland International Airport to downtown Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. The light rail runs every 15 minutes or less most of the day, every day. The trip to downtown Portland takes about 38 minutes and costs $2.80 for adults, $1.40 for honoured citizens, and $1.40 for youth. The first train to the airport arrives before 5 am, and the last train departs after 11 pm.

The Red Line opened in 2001, replacing bus route 12-Sandy Boulevard as the only service to and from the airport. In 2003, the line was extended to the Beaverton Transit Center. In 2017, TriMet announced the MAX Red Line Improvements Project, later renamed "A Better Red", which proposed double-tracking sections of the line to reduce delays. As part of this project, the Red Line was extended further west to the Hillsboro Airport and Westside Commons in 2024.

In addition to the MAX Red Line, other transport options from Portland International Airport include rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services. For new visiting scholars, Portland State University also offers a free airport pick-up service through the Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) program.

Students can get a free ride from the airport with the FOCUS service

Portland State University does not have its own airport. The closest major airport to the university is Portland International Airport (PDX/KPDX), which is located 14 miles from the university's campus in Portland, Oregon.

While the university does not provide transportation services to and from the airport, there are several options available to students and visitors. One notable option is the service provided by Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS). FOCUS offers a free ride from Portland International Airport to new visiting scholars of PSU. This service is particularly useful for international students who may not be familiar with the area or have other means of transportation upon their arrival.

To utilise the FOCUS service, students must make a reservation at least one week in advance through the FOCUS airport pick-up website. It is important to note that reservations are required, and walk-up services may not be available. When making a reservation, students should provide detailed information about their arrival, including any accompanying family members. This helps ensure that the FOCUS volunteers are prepared and able to accommodate their request.

The FOCUS service is operated by volunteers, and it may be challenging to schedule a ride during certain holiday periods. These periods include Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Day, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Therefore, students planning to arrive during these busy times are advised to make their reservations as early as possible and be aware that volunteer availability may be limited.

In addition to the FOCUS service, students can also utilise ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, which operate in the Portland area. These services require users to have a smartphone with the respective apps installed and an account set up. The cost of using these services from the airport is similar to that of a taxi service. However, it is important to note that Portland State University is not affiliated with or responsible for any of these transportation providers.

The airport was purchased by the Portland City Council in 1936

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest major airport to Portland State University, situated 14 miles from the university's centre. The airport was purchased by the Portland City Council in 1936. The council issued US$300,000 and requested that the Port of Portland sponsor a US$1.3 million Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant to develop a "super airport" on the site. The 700-acre plot, bordered by the Columbia River to the north and the Columbia Slough to the south, was prone to flooding. To address this, workers covered the area with over 4 million cubic yards of sand and built a series of dikes to control flooding.

The construction of the airport provided much-needed jobs during the Great Depression, employing over 1,000 men. It has been described by historian Neil Barker as "Portland's most significant public works improvement during the New Deal era". By 1941, the airport had two runways capable of serving modern aircraft of that time. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces utilised the airfield.

In 1948, the entire airport grounds were flooded during the Vanport Flood, causing scheduled airline services to divert to Troutdale Airport. The grounds remained underwater for several months. The airport's first jets were Pan Am 707-321s, which arrived in October 1959. A new terminal opened that same year and continues to serve as the present facility.

Today, Portland International Airport offers various transportation options for students and visitors travelling to and from Portland State University. The MAX Red Line light rail connects the airport with downtown Portland and Beaverton. Additionally, students can utilise services like Uber and Lyft, or reserve a free ride from the airport through the Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) programme.

The airport is also served by ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest major airport to Portland State University, just 14 miles from the university's campus. The airport has a rich history, with its construction in the late 1930s providing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression era. It was described as "Portland's most significant public works improvement during the New Deal era".

The airport has undergone several transformations since its early days, with new terminals and runways being added over the years to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of passengers.

The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options. For those arriving by car, the airport is connected to Interstate 205, which provides easy access to both Washington and many suburbs of Portland. Additionally, for those using public transportation, the MAX Red Line light rail conveniently connects the airport to downtown Portland and Beaverton.

When it comes to ride-sharing apps, both Uber and Lyft operate in the Portland area, offering convenient and flexible travel options to and from the airport. To use these services, you will need a smartphone with the respective apps installed and an account set up. The cost of using these ride-sharing services is similar to that of a traditional taxi service. It is important to note that Portland State University does not officially endorse or have any affiliation with these transportation service providers.

With the convenience of ride-sharing apps, students, scholars, and visitors can easily navigate their way to and from the airport, making their travel experience to Portland State University more seamless and accessible.

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