Portland travel guide

Portland travel guide

National Airports

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the main airport serving Portland, Oregon. It is located about 12 miles northeast of downtown Portland and is the largest airport in the state of Oregon. PDX offers direct flights to many major cities in the United States, as well as several international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Other smaller airports near Portland include:

Hillsboro Airport (HIO): Located about 17 miles west of downtown Portland, Hillsboro Airport serves as a general aviation airport for the region.

Troutdale Airport (TTD): Located about 15 miles east of downtown Portland, Troutdale Airport serves as a reliever airport for PDX and is also used for general aviation.

Portland-Mulino Airport (4S9): Located about 20 miles south of downtown Portland, Portland-Mulino Airport is a small general aviation airport.

Aurora State Airport (UAO): Located about 25 miles south of downtown Portland, Aurora State Airport is a small general aviation airport.

Overall, PDX is the main airport serving Portland and offers the most flight options and services for visitors.

Trains in Portland

Portland is served by Amtrak, which provides train service to several destinations throughout the United States. The main train station in Portland is Union Station, located in the Northwest district of the city.

Amtrak’s long-distance trains that serve Portland include the Empire Builder, which runs from Chicago to Seattle and Portland; the Coast Starlight, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and Portland; and the Amtrak Cascades, which runs between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia.

In addition to these long-distance trains, Amtrak also operates the Amtrak Thruway Bus service, which provides connections to other cities in Oregon and Washington State.

Overall, train travel in Portland is a convenient and scenic option for those looking to explore other destinations in the Pacific Northwest or beyond.

Buses in Portland

Portland has an extensive bus system operated by TriMet, which provides public transportation throughout the metropolitan area. TriMet operates over 80 bus lines, serving the city of Portland and surrounding areas, including several suburban cities.

In addition to traditional bus service, TriMet also operates several other transit options, including:

MAX Light Rail: This is a light rail system that serves the Portland metropolitan area, including the airport, downtown Portland, and several other major destinations.

Streetcar: This is a streetcar system that serves the central city of Portland, running along a 3.9-mile loop.

WES Commuter Rail: This is a commuter rail system that serves the western suburbs of Portland, providing service between Beaverton and Wilsonville.

TriMet offers several fare options, including single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes. There are also discounted fares available for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth riders.

Overall, TriMet’s bus system provides a convenient and affordable way to get around Portland and the surrounding areas.

How to get to Portland

Portland is easily accessible by plane, train, or car.

By Plane: Portland International Airport (PDX) is the main airport serving Portland and is located about 12 miles northeast of downtown. PDX offers direct flights to many major cities in the United States, as well as several international destinations.

By Train: Portland is served by Amtrak, which provides train service to several destinations throughout the United States. The main train station in Portland is Union Station, located in the Northwest district of the city.

By Car: Portland is accessible by several major highways, including I-5, I-84, and US-26. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may need to take a combination of highways to reach Portland.

Overall, Portland is a well-connected city and is easy to reach by several modes of transportation.

What is the best time to travel to Portland

The best time to travel to Portland largely depends on personal preferences and interests. However, here are some general considerations to keep in mind:

Weather: Portland’s weather is mild and temperate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-70s (Fahrenheit) throughout the year. The summer months of June through August tend to be the warmest and driest, with average temperatures in the mid-70s. However, these months can also be the busiest and most expensive for travel. The fall months of September through November can also be a great time to visit, as the weather is mild and the fall foliage is beautiful.

Festivals and Events: Portland hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Portland Rose Festival in June, the Waterfront Blues Festival in July, and the Portland International Film Festival in February. These events can be a great way to experience the city’s culture and community.

Outdoor Activities: Portland is known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The summer months are a great time to enjoy these activities, while the winter months offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on nearby mountains.

Overall, the best time to travel to Portland depends on your interests and preferences. However, the summer months of June through August tend to be the busiest and most expensive, while the fall months of September through November can be a great time to visit for mild weather and beautiful fall foliage.

How to get around Portland

Portland is a highly walkable and bike-friendly city, with several options for public transportation.

Walking and Biking: Many of Portland’s neighborhoods are highly walkable, and the city has an extensive network of bike lanes and bike-friendly streets. Biking is a popular way to get around Portland, and the city has several bike-sharing programs, including Biketown, which allows you to rent a bike by the hour or day.

Public Transportation: TriMet operates an extensive public transportation system in Portland, including buses, light rail (MAX), and streetcars. TriMet offers several fare options, including single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes. There are also discounted fares available for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth riders.

Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft operate in Portland, and these services can be a convenient way to get around the city if you don’t want to use public transportation or walk/bike.

Car Rental: If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental options available in Portland. However, parking can be challenging in some areas, and there are often fees for parking on the street or in public garages.

Overall, Portland offers several options for getting around, and the best mode of transportation depends on your needs and preferences. Walking, biking, and using public transportation are all popular options for getting around the city.

Accommodations in Portland

Portland, Oregon, offers a diverse range of accommodations catering to different tastes and budgets. Here’s an overview of some popular options across various categories:

Luxury Hotels

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Elegant decor, rooftop dining at Departure Restaurant, luxurious amenities, close to major attractions.

The Heathman Hotel

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Historic charm, sophisticated design, in-house library, close to cultural landmarks like the Portland Art Museum.

Dossier

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Modern boutique style, pet-friendly, amenities like yoga mats and bike rentals, near Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Lucia

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Art-focused interior, comfortable rooms, complimentary beer hour, close to Pearl District and shopping areas.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Stylish decor, evening wine hour, pet-friendly, wellness-focused amenities, near Powell’s City of Books.

The Jupiter Hotel

Location: Central Eastside

Features: Trendy and hip, live music venue on-site, creative decor, ideal for young travelers, close to vibrant nightlife.

Budget Hotels

The Society Hotel

Location: Old Town Chinatown

Features: Historic building, affordable private rooms and bunk rooms, rooftop deck, community-focused atmosphere.

McMenamins Kennedy School

Location: Northeast Portland

Features: Unique setting in a converted school, onsite brewery and soaking pool, quirky decor, affordable rates.

Motel 6 Portland Downtown

Location: Lloyd District

Features: Basic but clean accommodations, pet-friendly, close to the Oregon Convention Center and public transportation.

Unique Stays

Caravan – The Tiny House Hotel

Location: Alberta Arts District

Features: Unique tiny house accommodations, communal fire pit, close to local art galleries and restaurants.

McMenamins Crystal Hotel

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Historic building with themed rooms, saltwater soaking pool, live music venue, eclectic atmosphere.

The Jupiter NEXT

Location: Central Eastside

Features: Modern and stylish, floor-to-ceiling windows, art-centric environment, connected to The Jupiter Hotel.

Extended Stay Options

Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/RiverPlace

Location: Downtown Portland

Features: Spacious suites with kitchens, complimentary breakfast, fitness center, near Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Staybridge Suites Portland – Airport

Location: Northeast Portland

Features: Full kitchens, free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, close to Portland International Airport.

Hostels

HI Portland Northwest Hostel

Location: Northwest Portland

Features: Dormitory and private rooms, communal kitchen, social events, close to Nob Hill and Forest Park.

Traveler’s House

Location: Northeast Portland

Features: Cozy atmosphere, communal kitchen, bike rentals, near local cafes and boutiques.

Portland’s diverse accommodations ensure that every visitor can find a place that fits their needs, whether they’re looking for luxury, a budget-friendly option, or something unique.