Portland Airport (PDX) Flights & Information

As far as US airports go, Portland International Airport (PDX) isn’t one of the larger ones, but it’s still a major gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Almost as quirky as the city it serves, PDX may be most famous for its carpet patterns, which have gained a cult following and sparked endless conversations, but there are other things you should pay more attention to on your way through. Check out these expert tips for flying through PDX to maximize your time and minimize your stress here.

Getting to and from the airport by public transportation

There’s only one way to travel between Portland International Airport and Downtown Portland by public transportation, and that’s on light rail. The MAX red line from TriMet stops just outside the south end of the terminal and trains arrive every 15 minutes.

This is an inexpensive option that only takes around 40 minutes in either direction, and the design of both train and platform is supremely travel-friendly. I was impressed (and grateful) that there are no steps required to board, so it’s easy to roll luggage onto the train. There’s also plenty of space for bags off-peak, and usually sufficient space even during high occupancy periods.

Getting to and from the airport by car

Both rideshare services and taxis are available at PDX, and pick-ups for each are accessed at the Transportation Plaza on level 1 of the closest garage. You can expect the ride to take about 20 minutes during low traffic and closer to 40 during rush hour, and the cost for each service is fairly similar.

Because the taxis here don’t quote fares in advance, I tend to veer toward the rideshares so I know exactly how much I’ll have to pay, except during surge pricing when these costs can soar unnecessarily high. If taxis are present during surge pricing, you may catch me grabbing a cab instead. If I need to call for a cab, I’m still more likely to hire a rideshare because taxis tend to take longer to arrive on demand here.

Security lines

Security wait times at Portland International Airport can run slightly on the longer side of average, but not much. You can expect to wait up to 15 minutes during off-peak hours, and sometimes more than a half hour during the morning and evening rushes. There are two checkpoints at PDX and both have TSA PreCheck lanes for program members.

I’ve seen the TSA PreCheck line at PDX rival the general security line and even surpass it, but I still recommend sticking with PreCheck if you’re a member. Even when the line is longer, it moves much faster because the screening process for each passenger in this line is considerably quicker than those in general security, who need to remove their shoes and separate their electronics.

Even if you’re not a TSA PreCheck member, PDX offers additional Express Lanes for expedited security and it’s available to many people who don’t realize it. Most first and business class tickets allow entry, as does elite status in most airline loyalty programs, including all three major US carriers. Uniformed military personnel can also access this lane.

Connecting passengers are all welcome in the Express Lane too. This will only apply to you if you’re arriving from an international flight, since the US requires all passengers to collect and re-check bags before passing security again at their first point of entry in the country. Hopping into this line during a tight connection can make or break your ability to reach the gate on time, so remember this tip.

CLEAR members, take note – PDX doesn’t have CLEAR kiosks, so budget your arrival time accordingly. Your options here are limited to general security, TSA PreCheck, and Express, for those who qualify.

Things to do during a layover

For a medium-size airport, Portland International Airport is surprisingly well stocked with quality ways to pass your time during a layover, or before a flight. From art exhibits and live music to a Zen Room for de-stressing and escaping the commotion, you’ll find enough to keep you entertained just by aimlessly strolling the concourses. But there are a couple of key spots I recommend putting at the top of your list.

Eat local at PDX

Many airports strive to offer a taste or two of local flavors, but Portland International Airport excels at this. Among the 25 restaurants and bars within the concourses of PDX, there are multiple opportunities to eat and drink local. For the widest sampling of local products and prepared bites, I love stopping into Caper’s Market just after security in the North Lobby. This used to be a weekly pop-up but is now a full shop, open daily.

When I’m looking for a quintessential local lunch, I head to the PDX outpost of Elephants Delicatessen and grab a half sandwich with the local deli’s signature chicken and tomato soup – a unique combo unlike any other soup I’ve had elsewhere.

If you’re more inclined to sample some Oregon seafood, head to Mo’s Seafood & Chowder in Concourse C instead. It’s not from Portland directly, but it originated just down the coast in Newport Bayfront and is a state favorite. Or, if you only have room for dessert, visit Blue Star Donuts in Concourse E. My preferred treat here is the blueberry Bourbon basil doughnut.

Finally, you can also take advantage of Portland’s exceptional coffee and brewery scenes one last time before boarding. Stumptown Coffee Roasters has shops in Concourses C and E, and Deschutes Brewery serves craft beers in Concourse D, alongside a full restaurant menu. The elk burgers here are particularly good.

Catch a movie

You may notice a movie theater marquee as you roam the halls of Concourse C, and the great news is that it’s not just for decoration. The Hollywood Theater is an actual movie theater inside PDX and you don’t need two hours to appreciate it. This 17-seat micro-cinema shows an evolving series of shorts from Oregon filmmakers, and each one is under ten minutes. Best of all, it’s free to enjoy.

Bike amenities

Portland is famously one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, and even the airport supports this healthy pastime. For those traveling through PDX with their bikes, bicycle storage is available near the light rail station (MAX) just outside the terminal, and there’s even a bike assembly station complete with all the tools you’ll need to assemble or disassemble your bike for flying.

Parking

PDX has both short-term and long-term parking garages available near the terminal. As at any airport, be sure to park in a long-term garage if you’re staying overnight or you’ll end up paying double the price for taking up space in a short-term spot. Overnight parking is surprisingly expensive here, rivaling the airports in majorly congested cities like New York, so consider the economy lot and its free shuttle for considerable savings.

If you can budget a little extra time for an earlier arrival, I highly recommend skipping airport parking entirely and opting for one of the many budget alternatives in the area. Several airport hotels offer parking for at least 50% less than the airport and provide free shuttles, as do a handful of parking lots specifically serving airport passengers. You don’t need much more time and you’ll cut your bill in half with this method.

Free Wi-Fi

Portland International Airport offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers, and it’s among the most convenient I’ve found across airports in the US. Once logged in, you’re set for as long as you’re in the airport without needing to reapply, unless you go inactive for an hour or more. Even then, you just need to accept the terms and conditions again and you’re back in business.

The Wi-Fi is strong across all areas of the airport, from check-in and dining to each gate, but what I love most about this Wi-Fi is that it’s even strong outside. I’ve found this especially useful when heading to the MAX light rail service across from the terminal and finding that I was still connected with excellent strength.