Portland · airport guide
Portland Airport (PDX) guide
Portland International Airport has one terminal with Concourses B, C, D and E. The quickest way from PDX to downtown Portland is the MAX Red Line light rail (about 40 minutes, $2.80).
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
MAX Red Line light rail, $2.80
about $40–$50
Domestic to domestic, same terminal
Layover you need to visit the city
Quick answer
The quickest way from PDX to downtown Portland is the MAX Red Line light rail (about 40 minutes, $2.80). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Alaska, American, Delta, United and Southwest.
- Terminals
- One terminal with Concourses B, C, D and E
- Taxi
- 20–35 min, about $40–$50
- Distance
- About 12 miles to downtown Portland
- Connecting
- At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
- Lounges
- Alaska Lounge (top of Concourse C, new in June 2026); Escape Lounge (Priority Pass)
Getting from PDX to downtown Portland
Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.
- MAX Red Line light railto downtown Portlandabout 40 min$2.80
- Taxi or rideshare20–35 minabout $40–$50
Inside PDX
Terminals and connections
The rebuilt main terminal opened in 2024. Its south checkpoint serves Concourses B and C and its north checkpoint D and E, but both lead into one secure area, so you can walk to any gate without screening again. The longest gate-to-gate walks take 15–20 minutes.
How long a layover you need at PDXLounges
- •Alaska Lounge (top of Concourse C, new in June 2026)
- •Escape Lounge (Priority Pass)
Sleep, showers and hotels
- •No hotel inside the terminal; hotels along Airport Way run shuttles
Parking at PDX
- •Economy lot with shuttles, the cheapest
- •Long-term and short-term garages next to the terminal
Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check PDX's official site.
PDX tips
- •Alaska's new Portland lounge opened in June 2026 at the top of Concourse C.
- •The MAX Red Line light rail stops right at the terminal.
Can you leave PDX on a layover?
With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.
- Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
- To downtown Portland and back, the fastest way40 min
- Time in town worth the trip1 h
- Back through security to your gate1 h
- Layover you need3 h
Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.
Airlines at PDX
Major airlines that fly from PDX (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.
- Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
- JetBlue Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
- Allegiant Air Carry-on 22 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
- Sun Country Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 11 in Bag fees
- Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
- WestJet Carry-on 53 × 38 × 23 cm Bag fees
- Volaris Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
- British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
- Condor Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
- Icelandair Carry-on 55 × 40 × 20 cm Bag fees
- KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
PDX airport FAQ
The quickest option is the MAX Red Line light rail to downtown Portland: about 40 minutes for $2.80. A taxi takes 20–35 min (about $40–$50).
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.
- Portland International Airport official website
- Port of Portland: what's new at PDX
- Wikipedia: Portland International Airport (airlines, terminals and ground transportation)
- MAX Red Line light rail: official site
- Alaska Airlines: new Portland lounge opens (June 2026)
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