Portland International Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is the portland oregon airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located in Portland, Oregon. The airport has one passenger terminal, composed of four concourses (B, C, D, and E) and a total of 60 gates. It offers an easy light rail connection to downtown Portland, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, and tax-free shopping. The airport is served by several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, which uses PDX as a reliever for overcrowding at Seattle–Tacoma. PDX also has a microcinema, a distillery, and unique shops showcasing local products, such as Pendleton and Columbia Sportswear.

Characteristics Values
Name Portland International Airport
Airport Code PDX
Location Portland, Oregon
Number of Terminals 1
Number of Concourses 4 (B, C, D, and E)
Number of Gates 60
Transportation MAX Light Rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, shuttles
Amenities Microcinema, distillery, local food carts, bicycle repair workstation, Oregon Welcome Center, currency exchange

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Portland International Airport's amenities

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 9 miles (14.5 km) northeast of downtown Portland, Oregon. It is the largest airport in Oregon, serving 90% of the state's passenger air travel and over 95% of its air cargo.

PDX has been named the best airport in the United States in several surveys, including Travel + Leisure's survey in 2021 and every year from 2013 to 2019. The airport offers various amenities that contribute to a superior guest experience.

One of the airport's notable features is its easy connectivity to the city centre. The MAX Light Rail Red Line provides a convenient and direct connection between the airport and downtown Portland, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes.

PDX also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, ensuring that travellers can stay connected during their wait. The airport boasts a bright and spacious main terminal, with a large wood-framed skylight and living trees, welcoming travellers to the Pacific Northwest.

When it comes to dining, PDX offers a variety of local food and drink options. Travellers can enjoy microbrews, craft spirits, and even food carts. The airport's concourses also feature a range of restaurants and cafes, including a food court located between gates C7 and C9.

For those looking to shop, PDX offers tax-free shopping without markups. The airport provides a selection of shops throughout its concourses, allowing travellers to make the most of their time before departure.

Additionally, PDX offers unique facilities such as free bicycle parking, and lounges like the Alaska Lounge and United Club, which can be accessed by purchasing a day pass.

The airport is also conveniently surrounded by various hotels, offering amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttle services, fitness centres, and more, ensuring a comfortable stay for travellers passing through Portland International Airport.

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Transport to and from the airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) offers various transport options for travellers to and from the airport. The MAX Light Rail is the most popular choice, with a station conveniently located on the airport's lower level. The Red Line takes passengers directly from the airport to downtown Portland in approximately 38 minutes, with trains running frequently throughout the day. The fare for this service is $2.80 for adults, $1.40 for honoured citizens and youth, and it allows passengers to easily roll their luggage onboard.

For those travelling to or from areas outside of Portland, there is the option to connect to Portland's Trimet system through other transit agencies or hire an Oregon shuttle service. The Green Line can also be accessed by taking the Red Line to any stop between the Gateway/NE 99th Transit Center and the Rose Quarter Transit Center and transferring. This line services Union Station, providing a convenient connection to the airport.

Other transport options include taxicabs, ride-share services, and shuttles. The shuttle services can be found at the bottom entrance of the terminal outside the baggage claim area, and many airport hotels provide free shuttle services. For a more luxurious experience, private car services such as Marquee Chauffeur, Portland Luxury Town Car, and Delta Town Car are available.

Portland International Airport also offers bicycle-friendly options, with a workstation and assembly area for repairing bicycles located near the TriMet MAX Red Line station. Additionally, the city of Portland boasts pedestrian-friendly streets and miles of bike lanes, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.

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History of the airport

Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, has a long history that dates back to the early days of aviation in the city. The airport has seen significant growth and development over the years, with a series of upgrades and expansions to accommodate the increasing demand for air travel.

The history of aviation in Portland can be traced back to as early as 1905, when early aviators first began experimenting with flight in the Rose City area. In the following decades, several airports appeared and disappeared, including Broomfield Aviation Field (1919), Lewis and Clark Field (c.1920), and Rankin Field (c.1925). However, Portland's first official airport was Swan Island Municipal Airport, which opened in 1927. The airport was constructed on a marshy, undeveloped island in the Willamette River, which was filled and levelled through a major dredging project. Charles Lindbergh, who had recently returned from his famous transatlantic flight, dedicated the new airfield in 1927, arriving in the Spirit of St. Louis.

By the mid-1930s, it became apparent that the Swan Island airport was becoming obsolete. In 1936, the City of Portland purchased 700 acres of land along the Columbia River to build a new and larger airport. The project was funded through a combination of bond proceeds and a grant from the Works Progress Administration. The new Portland-Columbia Airport, later renamed Portland International Airport, was completed in 1940, with its official opening ceremony on October 13. The original terminal, built by the Works Progress Administration in 1940, is now the general aviation terminal. During World War II, the airport was closed to most civilian traffic but remained active for lend-lease aircraft passing through to Canada.

Over the years, Portland International Airport has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades to accommodate increasing air traffic. In 1957, the present main runway was built and lengthened in 1966. The current terminal building opened in 1968 with the arrival of jet aircraft and has been expanded multiple times since. The airport experienced strong growth starting in 1983, with the influx of new airlines and improvements to infrastructure. In 2001, the MAX Light Rail system was extended to the airport, providing convenient public transportation for travellers.

Today, Portland International Airport continues to be a vital hub for aviation in the region, serving over 17 million passengers in 2016 with direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. The airport is committed to preserving its small-town feel while also embracing technological advancements and growth to meet the needs of travellers and the local economy.

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Shops and restaurants

Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon has a variety of shops and restaurants for travellers to explore. The airport's design pays homage to the Pacific Northwest landscape, with natural light, living trees, and native Oregon foliage. The airport's flexible interior spaces were designed with the future of travel in mind, providing travellers with plenty of comfortable spots to relax and recharge before their next flight.

PDX offers a range of dining options, including well-known restaurants and local favourites. Screen Door, located in Concourse B, serves Southern fare like chicken and waffles, along with brunch and dinner classics. Tillamook Market, a famous Oregon dairy company, offers cheesy comfort foods like fried cheese curds, cheddar cheeseburgers, and mac and cheese in Concourse E. Café Yumm!, an Oregon-based chain, offers rice bowls and wraps with their signature Yumm! sauce, a creamy and tangy chickpea-based spread. Mo's Seafood & Chowder, a family-owned Oregon institution, is beloved for its clam chowder, fried seafood, and seafood sandwiches.

For those looking for a quick bite, national chains like MOD Pizza and Potbelly Sandwich Shop are also available. Vino Volo, an airport wine bar, offers a selection of local Oregon wines, as well as national and international options. Loyal Legion, a local beer hall with an extensive tap list, operates one of the airport's anchor restaurants, located on the mezzanine level.

In addition to its restaurants, PDX also has a variety of shops, including local retailers and well-known brands. Blue Star Donuts, a popular Portland doughnut shop, offers unique flavours like blueberry bourbon basil and passionfruit cacao nib. Powell's Books provides a range of reading materials and gifts, while Portland Gear showcases locally printed apparel and accessories. The Hello From Portland Shop features products from local BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ makers, offering a unique shopping experience.

The airport also has a women-owned distillery, Freeland Spirits, which offers small-batch gins, whiskies, and cocktails. Steven Smith Teamaker invites travellers to experience tea tastings and purchase gifts for tea enthusiasts. With its combination of local and national brands, PDX provides travellers with a diverse range of shopping and dining options to explore.

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Local attractions

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 20 minutes northeast of downtown Portland, Oregon. The airport is known for its unique amenities, including a microcinema, a distillery, local food carts, and a work station for repairing bicycles.

  • Pearl District – Known for its great shops and dining options, the Pearl District is a vibrant neighbourhood worth exploring. It is home to Powell's City of Books, the largest bookstore in the city, as well as popular breweries like Deschutes and Rogue.
  • Willamette River Waterfront – Take a stroll along the picturesque Willamette River Waterfront, which showcases one of Portland's nicknames, Bridge City. Enjoy the lovely promenade and take in the views of the surrounding bridges and water.
  • Portland Japanese Garden – Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Portland Japanese Garden, known for its dense greenery, zen gardens, and traditional teahouse. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Museums – Portland is home to world-class museums, including the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon History Museum. Explore the cultural and historical exhibits that these museums have to offer during your visit.
  • Hawthorne, Alberta, and Mississippi – If you're interested in exploring Portland's art districts, head to Hawthorne, Alberta, or Mississippi. These neighbourhoods are known for their artistic flair and unique cultural offerings.
  • Bike Lanes – Portland boasts miles of bike lanes, making it a cyclist's paradise. Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the fresh air.
  • Breweries and Restaurants – Portland's dining scene is well-curated, offering a variety of options. Indulge in classic dishes, unique cuisines like Mexican, sushi, and Vietnamese, or local craft beers at breweries such as Capers Cafe et Le Bar, the Country Cat, and Laurelwood Public House and Brewery.

Frequently asked questions

Portland International Airport.

PDX.

The MAX Light Rail Red Line takes riders from the airport to downtown in approximately 38 minutes.

Portland International Airport offers a microcinema showing short films by local filmmakers, a distillery, local food carts, and Oregon Market, which sells Pendleton, salmon, hazelnuts, and ceramics.

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