Exploring Pdx Airport: Activities And Attractions

what to do at pdx airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 9 miles (14.5 km) northeast of downtown Portland, Oregon. It is owned and operated by the Port of Portland and has been named the best airport in the United States by Travel + Leisure multiple times. The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, as well as unique experiences and convenient transportation options. With ongoing renovations, PDX aims to enhance its functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. In this topic, we will explore what PDX airport has to offer and provide suggestions for travellers on what to do during their time there.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Portland International Airport
Airport Code PDX
Location Portland, Oregon, USA
Owner and Operator Port of Portland
Airlines Served Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Condor, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris, WestJet Encore
Gates 60 total (10 in Concourse B, 23 in Concourse C, 15 in Concourse D, 12 in Concourse E)
On-time Departures (2020) 88.3%
Renovation Two-phase, $2 billion renovation led by ZGF Architects
Renovation Goal Make the airport bigger, more attractive, more sustainable, and more resistant to earthquakes
Renovation Status Phase 1 completed in 2024, Phase 2 expected completion in early 2026
Transportation to/from Airport MAX Light Rail, taxi, ride-sharing services, shuttles
Travel Time to Downtown Portland 20-40 minutes by car, 38-45 minutes by MAX Light Rail
Dining Options Capers Cafe et Le Bar, The Country Cat, Laurelwood Public House and Brewery, Portland Coffee Roasters, Loyal Legion, Flying Elephants Deli, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Starbucks, McDonald's, Peet's Coffee and Tea
Shopping Options Hello From Portland, Orox Leather Co., Missionary Chocolates, Paper Epiphanies, Powell's, Tender Loving Empire
Other Amenities Free Wi-Fi, Global Entry kiosks, PreCheck security screening, Dragontree Spa, Shoe-shining services, Art installations, Pet relief area

shunhotel

Eat and drink at local spots like Flying Elephants Deli, Portland Coffee Roasters, and more

If you're looking for a bite to eat before your flight, Portland International Airport (PDX) has a variety of local spots to choose from, including Flying Elephants Deli and Portland Coffee Roasters.

Flying Elephants Deli is a convenient spot with healthy options, friendly service, and affordable prices. They offer a range of sandwiches, soups, and desserts, including a vegetable beef stew, oatmeal cookies, and jerk chicken. The Prosciutto panini and green chile chicken enchilada are also popular choices.

Portland Coffee Roasters, located at the end of the C Concourse next to Gate C17, is the perfect place to get your caffeine fix. They offer a range of coffee blends, including light and medium/dark roasts, freshly brewed with milk steamed to perfection. If you're looking for something cold and refreshing, their Nitro Cold Brew is a popular choice, with chocolatey and creamy effervescent flavours. They also offer a variety of food options, such as the Impossible (TM) Sausage, JUST Egg (TM), and vegan roasted garlic aioli on an English muffin, or a golden ciabatta bun topped with cage-free eggs, bacon, and white cheddar cheese.

In addition to these local spots, PDX also features a mix of old favourites and new businesses to explore. The airport is currently undergoing a two-phase, $2 billion renovation to make it bigger, more sustainable, and more resistant to earthquakes. The first phase was completed in the summer of 2024, with the second phase expected to be finished in early 2026.

shunhotel

Shop at Powell's, Tender Loving Empire, and Hello From Portland

If you're looking for some retail therapy at PDX Airport, look no further than Powells, Tender Loving Empire, and Hello From Portland.

Shop at Powells

Portland's iconic bookstore, Powell's, has returned to PDX Airport with a temporary kiosk in the new main terminal, and a larger 1,940-square-foot retail space is planned for Phase 2 of the construction. This will be Powell's fourth Portland location and will offer a wide selection of new and used books for travellers looking to pick up a read for their journey.

Tender Loving Empire

Tender Loving Empire is a unique boutique that showcases the work of local artists, musicians, and designers. With a focus on supporting the local creative community, the store offers a carefully curated selection of handmade goods, including jewellery, art prints, clothing, and music. It's the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift that embodies the spirit of Portland.

Hello From Portland

Hello From Portland is your go-to shop for Portland-themed gifts and souvenirs. From quirky keychains to stylish apparel, you'll find a range of items that celebrate the city's unique culture and personality. Browse their selection of locally-made products, including artisanal goods and unique finds that will remind you of your time in Portland, even after you've returned home.

With no sales tax in Oregon, shopping at PDX Airport is even more appealing. So, whether you're looking for a book to immerse yourself in, a unique gift for a loved one, or a memento of your trip, these shops at PDX Airport have you covered.

shunhotel

Relax at the Dragon Tree Spa or get a haircut and shave at The Barbers

Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon offers a range of services and amenities to enhance your travel experience and make your time at the airport more enjoyable and relaxing.

One unique offering at PDX is the Dragon Tree Holistic Day Spa, located in Concourse C. This spa is a sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit, offering healing treatments, transformative self-care practices, and a peaceful atmosphere. With comfortable chairs and reasonable prices, it's the perfect place to unwind before or after a long flight. You can choose from various treatments, such as a head, neck, and shoulder massage, or a foot massage with a foot bath, to help you relax and rejuvenate.

In addition to the spa, PDX also features "The Barbers," a barbershop offering haircuts and shaves. Located at 7000 NE Airport Way, Suite 2202, it is a convenient option for travellers looking to freshen up their look or simply enjoy a relaxing shave. The shop is open seven days a week and accepts credit cards, making it accessible and accommodating to travellers' busy schedules.

Whether you're looking to unwind and pamper yourself at the Dragon Tree Spa or need a quick haircut and shave at The Barbers, PDX airport has options to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated during your travels. With a focus on passenger experience and well-being, these services add a unique and convenient dimension to your time at the airport.

shunhotel

Watch short films about the Pacific Northwest or download movies from a Digiboo kiosk

If you're at Portland International Airport (PDX) and looking for ways to pass the time, you can watch short films about the Pacific Northwest at the Hollywood Theatre's unique microcinema. This 22-seat movie theatre, located in the airport's C Concourse, showcases stories specific to the region and is free for travellers passing through. To be screened at the Hollywood Theatre, films must be 10 minutes or shorter, created by a local or regional artist, and appropriate for a general audience.

Alternatively, you can download movies from a Digiboo kiosk. Digiboo is a digital retail entertainment download service with interactive touchscreen kiosks located in various airports, including Portland International Airport (PDX). With over 800 movies and 300 television shows available, Digiboo offers a convenient and competitively priced way to access entertainment while travelling.

PDX has recently undergone a $2 billion renovation, resulting in a larger, more aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable space. The airport features an Oregon-inspired design with abundant natural light, towering trees, and plants, creating a strong connection to the region's natural environment. Improvements have also been made to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, making the airport easier to navigate.

While waiting for your flight, you can also explore the various food and shopping options available at PDX, including Portland favourites such as The Country Cat and Portland Coffee Roasters, as well as new businesses, many of which are BIPOC- and/or women-owned. So, whether you're watching films, downloading entertainment, or simply enjoying the airport's amenities and design, there's plenty to do at PDX Airport to make your travel experience enjoyable.

shunhotel

Explore downtown Portland via the MAX Light Rail, including the Willamette River Waterfront

Portland International Airport (PDX) is currently undergoing a two-phase, $2 billion renovation to make the airport bigger, more attractive, more sustainable, and more resistant to earthquakes. The airport's new Oregon-inspired aesthetic features towering trees and plants, huge windows, and skylights that use wood slats to create a "shadow-casting" effect.

One way to get from the airport to downtown Portland is by taking the MAX Light Rail, which runs every 15 minutes or less most of the day, every day. The MAX Orange Line connects downtown Portland to the Central Eastside, Sellwood, and Milwaukie, a suburb to the southeast.

Once in downtown Portland, you can explore the Willamette River Waterfront, which features lovely views, nice parks, and water views. Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches for blocks along the river and is a great place to walk, jog, bike, or walk your dog. The park is also the location of the annual Waterfront Blues Festival, one of the largest in the US. From the park, you can stroll along the river, passing under several bridges, and access the east side of the river by stairs. At the south end of the park, you'll find a boat marina, the Riverfront Hotel with a restaurant called 3 Degrees that offers outdoor dining and views of the marina, and several seafood restaurants. As you continue north along the waterfront, you'll pass tree-lined walks, geese, dragon boats, and dinner cruises or river tours on the Portland Spirit boat.

Frequently asked questions

The most popular way to get to and from the airport is 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. Other options include taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttles.

Portland record company and adorable-things shop Tender Loving Empire is a great place to spend time. Portland-themed gifts can be found at Hello From Portland, fine leather goods at Orox Leather Co., and cards and stationery at Paper Epiphanies.

The dining scene in Portland is well-curated. There are classic food options and unique, high-quality dishes. Several restaurants are locally owned and focused on locally sourced food and craft beers, including Capers Cafe et Le Bar, the Country Cat, and Laurelwood Public House and Brewery.

PDX airport has free Wi-Fi, so you can catch up on the internet. There is also a small, 17-seat theatre that plays short films about the Pacific Northwest. If you're looking for something more relaxing, the Dragon Tree Spa in Concourse C offers various spa services, including manicures, pedicures, and chair, foot, and full-body massages.

Portland has many attractions, including the Willamette River Waterfront, which showcases one of the city's nicknames, Bridge City. For a cultural experience, head to the Portland Japanese Garden, known for its dense greenery, zen gardens, and traditional teahouse.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment