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

Transit to downtown Portland
40 min

MAX Red Line light rail, $2.80

Taxi
20–35 min

about $40–$50

Connecting here
50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover
3 h+

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.

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 PDX

Lounges

  • •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.

  1. Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
  2. To downtown Portland and back, the fastest way40 min
  3. Time in town worth the trip1 h
  4. Back through security to your gate1 h
  5. 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.

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).

Cheap flights from Portland (PDX)The latest fare drops we've found from PDX.

Cheap flights from Portland

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