Jazmin Li
Portland International Airport (PDX) is a joint civil-military airport and the largest airport in Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel. It is within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County, and is often referred to by its IATA airport code, PDX. The airport boasts an easy light rail connection, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, and tax-free shopping. In this article, we will explore the neighbourhood that PDX is located in and the airport's design, which reflects the local culture and nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Portland International Airport |
| IATA Airport Code | PDX |
| ICAO Airport Code | KPDX |
| FAA LID | PDX |
| Location | Within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County |
| Distance from Downtown Portland | 6 miles (10 km) by air, 12 miles (19 km) by highway |
| Transportation | MAX Light Rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, shuttles, TriMet system, Oregon shuttle service |
| Airlines | Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, local food and drink options, tax-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, conference center |
| Recognition | Named the best airport in the United States in Travel + Leisure's survey in 2021 and from 2013 to 2019 |
| Renovation | Major renovation completed in 2024, with remaining work expected to finish by early 2026 |
| Design Features | Natural light, 70+ live trees, timber lattice ceiling, video walls, regionally sourced wood, local shops and restaurants |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Portland International Airport (PDX) is 12 miles from downtown Portland by highway (northeast)
- The airport has 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters (including McDonald's)
- PDX is the largest airport in Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo
- The airport offers tax-free shopping and free Wi-Fi
- PDX is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering 500 flights daily
Portland International Airport (PDX) is 12 miles from downtown Portland by highway (northeast)
Portland International Airport (PDX) is located within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County. It is about 12 miles from downtown Portland by highway, specifically in the northeastern direction. The airport is easily accessible via the MAX Light Rail, with the station located on the airport's lower level. The Red Line, in particular, takes riders directly from the airport to downtown in approximately 38 minutes.
PDX is the largest airport in the US state of Oregon, serving about 90% of the state's passenger air travel and over 95% of its air cargo. It offers around 500 flights daily, with direct flights to various cities across the United States and countries like Canada, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Iceland. The airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines, and it also has a maintenance facility for Horizon Air, an Alaska Air subsidiary.
The airport boasts a unique design inspired by the Pacific Northwest, featuring streams of natural light, over 70 live trees, a Northwest-sourced timber lattice ceiling, and multiple large video walls. The interior design, particularly the new concourses, heavily reflects the nearby Columbia River, creating a stunning visual experience for travellers.
PDX offers a range of amenities, including more than 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters, with options like Henry's Tavern and McDonald's. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi throughout the public areas and offers tax-free shopping without markups, as there is no sales tax in Oregon. Additionally, travellers can enjoy local food and drink options, including microbrews and craft spirits, further enhancing the Pacific Northwest experience.
Boxing Day Blues: Airports Packed Post-Christmas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters (including McDonald's)
Portland International Airport (PDX) is within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County, 6 miles (10 km) by air and 12 miles (19 km) by highway northeast of downtown Portland. It is the largest airport in the US state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo.
The airport has been named the best airport in the United States in a 2021 survey by Travel + Leisure, as well as every year from 2013 to 2019. It has been praised for its easy light rail connection, free Wi-Fi, great local food and drink, and tax-free shopping without markups.
PDX has over 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters, including McDonald's and Henry's Tavern. A good selection is located in the clock tower plaza (pre-security), with more options available in each concourse. The airport also offers local food and drink, including microbrews, craft spirits, and food carts.
The main terminal has three levels: baggage claim on the lower level, ticketing on the upper level, and a mezzanine with a USO lounge and conference center. The ticketing level features a variety of shops and restaurants, which are convenient for waiting visitors or passengers who have arrived too early to check in. The main terminal also houses 15-20 local shops and restaurants, offering the same prices as off-airport options without any sales tax.
In addition to the main terminal, there are two long concourse buildings situated parallel to each other. Concourse E, located at the northeastern end of the terminal, was extended in 2020 to include six additional gates for Southwest Airlines, for a total of 12 gates numbered E2 to E13. Concourse E features a United Club near gate E2 and a range of shops and restaurants.
The airport's design reflects a Northwest theme, heavily influenced by the nearby Columbia River, with streams of natural light, more than 70 live trees, and a timber lattice ceiling sourced from the Pacific Northwest. The iconic PDX carpet, leafy spaces, and green initiatives further enhance the airport's regional character.
Munich Airport: Masks, Are They Still Mandatory?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
PDX is the largest airport in Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo
Portland International Airport, commonly referred to by its IATA airport code, PDX, is the largest airport in the US state of Oregon. The airport is located within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County. It is about 6 miles (10 km) by air and 12 miles (19 km) by highway northeast of downtown Portland.
PDX is a joint civil-military airport, covering 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) of land. The airport handles 90% of Oregon's passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo. It offers around 500 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily, with direct flights to destinations across the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Iceland. The airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines and provides a maintenance facility for its subsidiary, Horizon Air.
PDX has been recognised as one of the best airports in the United States, ranking first in Travel + Leisure's survey in 2021 and from 2013 to 2019. The airport offers various amenities, including an easy light rail connection, local food and drink options, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping, and around 15-20 local shops and restaurants in the main terminal. The airport's design incorporates natural elements, such as streams of natural light, live trees, and a timber lattice ceiling, reflecting the nearby Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest region.
PDX has a rich history, with the Portland City Council purchasing the present site in 1936. The airport's development faced challenges due to frequent flooding from the Columbia River, requiring extensive drainage and flood control measures. Over time, PDX has undergone renovations and expansions to meet the evolving needs of air travel, including the addition of new concourses, the Oregon Marketplace, and improvements to baggage claim and ticketing areas. The airport continues to undergo enhancements, with a major renovation completed in 2024 and the remainder expected to be finished by early 2026.
Memphis Airport: Best Places to Eat and Drink
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The airport offers tax-free shopping and free Wi-Fi
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the largest airport in the U.S. state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo. It is within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County. The airport is easily accessible 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.
PDX offers a superior guest experience, with friendly interactions, free Wi-Fi, great local food and drink, and tax-free shopping. The airport's major renovation, completed in 2024, has been praised for setting "a new high bar for airport design". The interior design reflects a Northwest theme, focusing on the nearby Columbia River, with streams of natural light, more than 70 live trees, and a stunning Northwest-sourced timber lattice ceiling.
The airport's unique sense of place is further enhanced by the local shops and restaurants in the main terminal, offering the same prices as off-airport options without any sales tax. The shopping experience at PDX is truly tax-free, with no markups on prices, allowing travellers to enjoy the same prices they would find in the city. With over 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters, PDX offers a diverse range of dining options, including local favourites like food carts, microbrews, and craft spirits.
The airport's design and amenities have not gone unnoticed, with travellers naming PDX the best airport in the United States in Travel + Leisure's survey in 2021, as well as every year from 2013 to 2019. The combination of easy transportation, guest-centric services, and a strong sense of local culture makes PDX a standout airport, offering a relaxing and efficient travel experience for visitors to Portland and Oregon.
Solberg Airport's Colorful Balloon Festival: When and What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Laminated World Map Poster - Map of the World Chart [Green]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81GkjEpOCNS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
PDX is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering 500 flights daily
Portland International Airport (PDX) is served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, offering around 500 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures each day. PDX is the largest airport in the US state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of the state's passenger air travel and over 95% of its air cargo. The airport is located within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County, and is easily accessible by various means of transportation.
PDX has direct flights to destinations across the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Iceland. It serves as a hub for Alaska Airlines, which also has a maintenance facility for its subsidiary Horizon Air. The airport features two long concourse buildings parallel to each other, with the main terminal in between. The terminal has three levels: baggage claim on the lower level, ticketing on the upper level, and a mezzanine with a USO lounge and conference centre.
Passengers can enjoy a variety of dining and shopping options at PDX. The airport boasts over 50 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters, including local eateries and well-known chains. There are also 15-20 local shops in the main terminal, offering a unique Oregon experience with no sales tax. The airport's recent renovations, which included the iconic PDX carpet, have been well-received, with PDX being named the best airport in the United States by travellers in surveys.
PDX offers convenient transportation options for travellers. The MAX Light Rail is a popular choice, with a station located on the airport's lower level. The Red Line takes passengers from the airport to downtown Portland in approximately 38 minutes. Other transportation options include taxicabs, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and scheduled or charter buses. The airport is easily accessible from both within and outside of Portland, with connections to other transit agencies and Oregon shuttle services.
With its range of airlines and flight options, PDX provides travellers with efficient and convenient air travel. The airport's focus on guest experience, local offerings, and accessibility has contributed to its reputation as one of the best airports in the United States.
Dulles Airport: Virginia's Gateway to the World
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Portland International Airport (PDX) is within Portland's city limits, just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County.
The MAX Light Rail's Red Line service runs between the airport and downtown Portland, taking approximately 38 minutes.
PDX has been named the best airport in the United States multiple times, thanks to its easy light rail connection, free Wi-Fi, local food and drink options, and tax-free shopping. The airport also boasts a stunning design inspired by the Pacific Northwest, featuring natural light, live trees, and a timber lattice ceiling.
PDX offers a wide range of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters. There are also 15-20 local shops and restaurants in the main terminal, offering tax-free shopping at the same prices as off-airport locations.
![2 Pack - World & USA Map for Kids [Illustrated] - 2 Poster Set (LAMINATED, 18" x 29")](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91iFZgi2OEL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
