Jazmin Li
Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, is a civil-military airport in Oregon, United States. It is the state's largest airport, covering 3,000 acres of land and accounting for 90% of Oregon's passenger air travel. PDX has been ranked as one of the best airports in the world by travellers and magazines like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. So, what makes it so nice?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Within Portland's city limits, 6 miles (10 km) by air and 12 miles (19 km) by highway northeast of downtown Portland |
| Size | Covers 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) of land |
| Accessibility | Easy light rail connection, bicycle lanes, and local transportation |
| Food | Street-priced, tax-free food from a variety of restaurants, food carts, and delis |
| Shopping | Local shops, including Made in Oregon, Tender Loving Empire, and Powell's Books |
| Entertainment | Free screening room by Hollywood Theater, showcasing short films by local filmmakers |
| Design | Streams of natural light, 70+ live trees, iconic carpeting, timber lattice ceiling, and video walls |
| Awards | Ranked as the best airport in the nation for seven consecutive years by Travel + Leisure, and the World's Best Domestic Airport from 2013-2019 |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport's design is inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest, with wooden features and over 70 live trees
- It has a unique, locally-inspired carpet that has become iconic
- PDX is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering about 500 scheduled daily flights
- The airport is conveniently connected to the city centre via the MAX Light Rail
- It has a variety of local food and drink options, including food carts, at street prices and with no sales tax
The airport's design is inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest, with wooden features and over 70 live trees
Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world by travellers and travel magazines alike. The airport is located within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County, and covers 3,000 acres of land.
In addition to its design, PDX offers a variety of local food and beverage options, including James Beard Award-nominated Country Cat, Tamale Boy, and Burgerville. The airport also boasts tax-free shopping, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient light rail connection to downtown Portland.
The airport is also known for its quirky features, such as the iconic PDX carpet, which has become a local icon and was even named the grand marshal of the city's annual Rose Festival Starlight Parade. PDX is also home to unique shops like Powell's Books and Tender Loving Empire, a record label and artisan gift shop.
With its forest-inspired design, local offerings, and convenient amenities, PDX has become a destination unto itself, providing travellers with a memorable and distinctly Oregonian experience.
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It has a unique, locally-inspired carpet that has become iconic
Portland International Airport, or PDX, has a unique, locally-inspired carpet that has become iconic. The carpet was initially installed in 1987, and its design was meant to stylize the criss-crossing north and south runways of the airport. In 2014, a new design replaced the original pattern, and the iconic carpet was removed. However, due to its popularity, the airport brought back the old-school carpet in 2024 as part of a massive renovation. The carpet is now located in 10 spots throughout the new main terminal, including lounging areas.
The carpet at PDX has become so famous that it was once named the grand marshal of Portland's annual Rose Festival Starlight Parade. Many residents created products to celebrate the carpet as a local icon, and it has even inspired a line of PDX carpet swag and souvenirs, available for purchase at the airport's gift shops.
The airport's renovation also included other locally-inspired features, such as a wooden roof sourced from ecologically managed forests in the region, a Northwest-sourced timber lattice ceiling, and multiple large video walls. The new design "set a new high bar for airport design," according to Fast Company magazine.
In addition to its unique carpet, PDX offers a variety of locally-inspired shops and restaurants, including Portland-themed souvenir shops, artisan gift shops, and local food carts. The airport also boasts a cozy bookshop, Powell's Books, which sells hardcovers, paperbacks, and Portland-themed souvenirs.
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PDX is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering about 500 scheduled daily flights
Portland International Airport, or PDX, is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering about 500 scheduled daily flights. The airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines, which also has a maintenance facility for its subsidiary Horizon Air. More than 60 U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Portland, including Atlanta, Orlando, New York, Boston, and Chicago. Internationally, travellers can fly directly to PDX from Amsterdam, Calgary, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, London, Puerto Vallarta, Toronto, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
PDX offers a variety of dining options, ranging from upscale sit-down restaurants to local food carts. The James Beard Award-nominated Country Cat, located near Concourses D and E, offers crispy cast-iron fried chicken and collard greens. For those seeking authentic Mexican fare, Tamale Boy in Concourse D serves breakfast chilaquiles, signature tamales, and refreshing aguas frescas. Foodies can also indulge in locally sourced burgers at Burgerville or opt for the Jewish-style deli Kenny & Zuke's in the South Lobby. PDX is known for its street prices and lack of sales tax, making dining a more affordable experience for travellers.
The airport also boasts an array of locally inspired shops, including Made in Oregon, where travellers can find Beaver State goods and Portland-themed souvenirs. Powell's Books, a renowned bookstore, offers a cosy space to browse hardcovers and paperbacks. For unique gifts, Tender Loving Empire in Concourse D combines a record label with locally made jewellery, PDX carpet swag, stylish apparel, and vinyl records.
PDX provides a convenient and comfortable experience for travellers, with easy light rail connections, free Wi-Fi, and a relatively small size that makes navigation a breeze. It has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world and has won awards from Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. With its unique local touches and efficient services, PDX sets a high bar for airport design and functionality.
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The airport is conveniently connected to the city centre via the MAX Light Rail
Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, is located within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County. The airport is conveniently connected to the city centre, which is only 6 miles away by air and 12 miles by highway. The most popular way to travel to and from the airport is via the MAX Light Rail, which has a station on the airport's lower level. The Red Line takes riders from the airport to downtown in approximately 38 minutes, making it the easiest way to travel to and from the airport. The MAX Light Rail also travels further west to Beaverton.
Other options for getting to and from the airport include taxicabs, ride-sharing services, and shuttles. If you're coming from outside of Portland, you can connect to Portland's Trimet system through other transit agencies or hire an Oregon shuttle service. Portland is also a very bicycle-friendly city, and travellers can ride their bicycles to and from the airport via a network of multi-use paved trails. There is a bicycle workstation with attached tools on the airport's lower level, as well as bicycle racks adjacent to the workstation and near baggage claim.
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It has a variety of local food and drink options, including food carts, at street prices and with no sales tax
Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, is known for its wide variety of local food and drink options. The airport offers a range of dining choices, from upscale sit-down restaurants to food carts, ensuring that there is something for everyone's taste and preference.
For those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience, the James Beard Award-nominated Country Cat in the North Lobby offers a mouth-watering menu, including cast-iron fried chicken and collard greens. Another popular choice is Tamale Boy in Concourse D, serving up authentic Mexican fare such as breakfast chilaquiles and signature tamales.
However, if you're in the mood for something quick and casual, PDX has you covered with its selection of food carts. Flying Elephants, located in the ticket lobby, offers freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and soups that are perfect for a meal on the go. Nearby, you'll find a rotating cluster of Portland food carts, each offering their unique take on street food.
One of the most appealing aspects of dining at PDX is the absence of price gouging. Unlike many other airports, the food and drink options at PDX are sold at street prices, and there is no sales tax, ensuring that travellers get a fair deal.
In addition to its culinary offerings, PDX also boasts a range of local shops and boutiques. Made in Oregon, for example, offers a variety of Beaver State goods, while Powell's Books provides a cosy space to browse through a wide selection of titles.
PDX truly embraces its local culture and character, from its iconic carpeting to its regionally sourced wood ceiling. The airport is more than just a stopover; it's a destination that showcases the unique charm of Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
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Frequently asked questions
Unlike ordinary airports, all the tasty fare at the Portland International Airport is sold at vetted, street prices. The airport has a plethora of local food and drink options, including James Beard Award-nominated Country Cat, Tamale Boy, and Burgerville.
PDX offers tax-free shopping without markups. The airport has many locally-inspired shops, including Made in Oregon, Tender Loving Empire, and Powell’s Books.
PDX has a stunning design that "sets a new high bar for airport design," according to Fast Company magazine. The airport features streams of natural light, more than 70 live trees, the iconic PDX carpet, a Northwest-sourced timber lattice ceiling, and multiple 120-foot-long video walls.
PDX is relatively small and easy to navigate. It is well-connected to the city center via the MAX Light Rail, which takes approximately 38 minutes. The airport also has a network of multi-use paved trails for cyclists.
