Flying In
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Just 10 miles from the Oregon Convention Center, PDX is Portland’s main airport—and one of the most traveler-friendly in the country. It’s well-connected, easy to navigate, and offers plenty of nonstop domestic and international flights.
From PDX to Downtown / Convention Center:
🚆 MAX Light Rail (Red Line):
The easiest option. Catch the MAX Red Line directly from the airport to the Convention Center stop in about 35 minutes. It runs every 15–30 minutes and costs $2.80.
🚖 Rideshare & Taxis:
Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available just outside baggage claim. Rides to downtown or the Convention Center usually take 20–25 minutes and cost around $30–$40.
🚐 Shuttle Services:
Great for groups or those who prefer a scheduled ride. Several companies offer shared and private shuttle service from PDX.
🚘 Car Rentals:
PDX has easy access to rental cars, though you likely won’t need one unless you’re planning to explore outside the city.
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Getting Around Portland
Portland is super walkable, especially near the Convention Center, and the public transit system is clean, reliable, and easy to use.
🟪 TriMet Public Transit
Portland’s system includes:
MAX Light Rail (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange lines)
Buses throughout the city
Portland Streetcar (great for downtown, Pearl District, and Eastside)
A single fare is $2.80 and good for 2.5 hours across all systems.
🚌 Portland Streetcar
Loops around downtown, the Pearl District, and the eastside near the Convention Center. Great for quick hops between neighborhoods.
🚗 Rideshare & Taxis
Uber, Lyft, and taxis are widely available. Wait times are usually short, even at night.
🚲 Biketown & Scooters
Portland has a strong bike culture. Use Biketown (e-bike share) or grab a scooter (Lime, Spin) for short rides around town. Bike lanes are everywhere.
🚶 Walking
From the Convention Center, you’re steps from coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and parks. Downtown and Eastside districts are easily walkable.
⛴️ Portland Aerial Tram (for fun, not function)
If you want a scenic side trip, hop on the aerial tram for a view of the city and the mountains—especially pretty on clear days.
