Pdx To Europe: Smooth Airport Navigation Tips

Planning a trip from Portland, Oregon to Europe? Portland International Airport (PDX) offers over 60 nonstop flights to destinations in the United States, as well as Europe, Canada, and tropical locales. There are 18 operators available for flights from Portland Airport to Europe as of March 2025. Direct flights to Europe are offered by Delta, Finnair, and Iberia, and take around 9 to 10 hours. If you prefer a flight with stopovers, you can fly with airlines such as Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, Icelandair, Scandinavian Airlines, British Airways, and Air France. To find the best prices, it's recommended to use travel search engines such as KAYAK and FareCompare, which allow you to compare prices across different airlines and dates.

Portland International Airport (PDX) facilities

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 9 miles (14.5 km) northeast of downtown Portland and is easily accessible via the MAX Light Rail Red Line. The airport is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering about 500 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily to over 60 U.S. cities and international destinations. PDX has been consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the United States, including being named America's Best Airport for six consecutive years.

The airport boasts a variety of facilities and amenities that contribute to a superior guest experience. These include friendly and knowledgeable staff, local and global shops and restaurants, currency exchange services, and even a unique Dog Therapy Program. PDX also offers free Wi-Fi, ensuring that travellers can stay connected during their time at the airport. The airport's design and renovation have been influenced by local communities, featuring regionally sourced wood, botanical elements, and iconic carpeting that celebrates the criss-crossing north and south runways.

Travellers can enjoy a range of dining options at PDX, including local food carts, microbrews, and craft spirits. The airport promises "street pricing," ensuring that prices for food and drinks are the same as those found in the city. For shoppers, PDX offers a selection of 100% local and global shops, all with tax-free shopping and no markups.

In terms of transportation, PDX provides several parking options, including valet, short-term, long-term, and economy parking. The economy parking option is serviced by a frequent shuttle bus service, complete with free Wi-Fi and an app to track the next bus's arrival. Additionally, the airport has fast-charging stations for rental cars and an easy light rail connection to downtown Portland.

PDX is committed to responsible conservation and has implemented a Zero Waste Plan to reduce landfill waste. They also prioritize protecting the water quality in the nearby Columbia River. The airport is undergoing a major renovation, with plans for further improvements and expansions to be completed by 2025.

PDX to Europe nonstop flights

Portland International Airport (PDX) offers more than 60 nonstop flights to destinations in the United States, Europe, Canada, and tropical locales. You can fly direct from Portland to Eastern European countries, including Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

There are 19 airlines with direct flights from Portland, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Sun Country Airlines. Alaska Airlines is the largest airline at PDX by the number of departures. PDX is an airport hub for Alaska Airlines, and the airline offers frequent flights to various European destinations.

Other airlines offering direct flights from PDX to Europe include Delta, Finnair, and Iberia. The route with the longest flight time from PDX is to Frankfurt (FRA), which takes about 10 hours and 20 minutes. The second-longest route is to London (LHR), with a flight time of 9 hours and 35 minutes.

When flying long-haul from Portland to European countries, you can consider airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic Airlines. These airlines offer complimentary meals on long-haul flights and discounts for students and young travelers. Additionally, British Airways allows Economy passengers to bring one piece of carry-on baggage and an extra personal item at no additional cost.

To find the best flight deals from PDX to Europe, you can use travel search engines like KAYAK and momondo, which allow you to filter flights based on various criteria such as price, dates, departure and landing times, airport, and airline.

PDX security checkpoints

Portland International Airport (PDX) has one terminal, split into two sides: North and South. There are two security checkpoints, one for the North gates and one for the South gates. Both security checkpoints are open 24/7 and offer TSA PreCheck lanes, which are available daily from 4:00 am to 4:00 pm. The TSA Pre-Check lane allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs to receive expedited screening benefits.

PDX is currently undergoing a $2 billion redevelopment project, which includes expanding its concourses and security checkpoints, developing a new rental car facility, and improving airside facilities. This construction work has impacted the security checkpoints, as travellers can no longer go through whichever checkpoint has the shorter line and still get to the right gate. Instead, they must go through the checkpoint for their specific gate. For example, the north security checkpoint provides access to Concourse D, while the south security checkpoint provides access to Concourse B.

Security wait times at PDX vary by time of day and year, but they are usually under 20 minutes. The longest wait times at PDX are typically only about 30 minutes. The airport's website recommends arriving two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights. Passengers can check the TSA's website for the latest security wait times and PreCheck lane openings.

To pass through security at PDX, passengers will need a ticket, e-ticket receipt, or printed e-ticket confirmation, as well as a government-issued photo ID if they are 18 or older. Passengers with a gate pass who are picking up an unaccompanied minor must use the general lines to access the security checkpoints. It is also important to be aware of any prohibited items and declare any medications to TSA at the screening checkpoint if they are liquid, gels, or aerosols.

PDX shops and dining

Portland International Airport (PDX) offers a plethora of shopping and dining options for travellers. The airport's concessions programme includes a mix of familiar and new offerings, with a focus on local businesses and brands. As of 2024, there are 68 shops and restaurants at PDX, with more on the way.

PDX has a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, bars, and tasting rooms. Dining options range from grab-and-go to house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and sit-down dinners. Menus feature inclusive options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free travellers. Some notable dining options include:

• Grassa: This restaurant makes its own pasta and cooks every dish to order.
• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: A popular local eatery that makes its broths, sauces, and marinades from scratch and uses earth-conscious compostable or 100% recyclable takeout packaging.
• Cha Cha Cha: A longtime Portland standby for colourful Mexican food made with locally sourced produce and meats.
• Deschutes Brewery: Offers Oregon craft brews on tap with hearty pub grub, including elk burgers and cheesy flatbreads.
• Loyal Legion: A combination beer hall, speakeasy, TV viewing room, and kids' play area, with over 90 Oregon brews on tap.
• Pilot House Distilling: Serves cocktails and local seafood.

PDX also has a variety of shopping options, including local brands and businesses. There are five shops located pre-security, and 16 shops located post-security. Some notable shopping options include:

• Portland Gear: A shop that sells locally printed T-shirts, caps, and backpacks.
• Hello From Portland: A Portland-themed gift shop that showcases local BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ makers.
• The Country Cat: A deli and market that features classic deli sandwiches and burgers with a Northwest flair and local ingredients.
• Calliope: A shop focused on accessories and gifts, with creative and playful keepsakes.
• Tender Loving Empire: A shop that has been connecting people who create with people who want to live artfully since 2007.

PDX ground transportation

Portland International Airport (PDX) offers a range of ground transportation options to suit different needs and budgets. Here is an overview of the various choices available:

Light Rail

The MAX Light Rail Red Line provides a quick and convenient connection to and from the airport. It operates throughout the day, including early morning and late-night services to accommodate most flights. The trip to or from downtown Portland takes approximately 39 minutes and costs $2.80 for adults, $1.40 for honoured citizens, and $1.40 for youth. The MAX station and ticket machines are conveniently located near baggage claim on the lower level. This option offers the added benefit of being able to easily roll your luggage on board.

Taxi Services

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with a dedicated pick-up area in the centre section of the airport terminal's lower roadway outside baggage claim. The average fare from the airport to downtown Portland was around $50 before gratuity as of 2023, but the total cost can vary depending on traffic and the time of day. The trip typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes. Returning to the airport, you can easily arrange a taxi through the city's main operators or from a hotel with a dedicated taxi stand.

Ride-sharing

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also an option, offering both drop-off and pick-up services at Portland International Airport. Fares for these services are calculated based on factors such as distance, time, base rate, and vehicle choice.

Airport Shuttles

Several companies offer airport shuttle services to and from PDX, providing a hassle-free and often affordable way to travel. These include Portlandia Airport Shuttle, Oregon Express Shuttle (now Groome Transportation), Shuttlefare, and Adam Airport Shuttle. These shuttles cater to different areas, with some covering Oregon and Washington, and others specialising in specific regions like the Portland metro area. They offer door-to-door services, with options for shared rides, private vans, or direct trips.

Public Transportation

For those seeking a more economical option, public transportation is also available. The Portland Airport Shuttle provides connections to various destinations, and detailed information on schedules and rates can be found on their website.

With these ground transportation options, travellers can easily navigate between PDX and their desired destinations, whether it's the city centre or beyond. Each option caters to different preferences and budgets, ensuring a smooth start or end to your journey.

Frequently asked questions