Get Ready to Love Portland

MAX Light Rail is at the heart of Portland’s award-winning public transportation system, which connects Portland International Airport (PDX), the Oregon Convention Center and downtown hotels. It’s easy, inexpensive and convenient.

How can I ride the MAX Red Line to and from PDX?
From your arrival gate, follow signs for “Baggage Claim”. Take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim and follow signs for “MAX Light Rail”. You can purchase ride fare on the platform and board any train after tapping your form of payment on the green Hop Readers located at the end of the platform.

All trains leaving PDX will be RED Line trains heading toward the Convention Center and Downtown. Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes. On your way back to PDX, board any RED Line Train at designated RED Line platforms. Don’t forget to tap your form of payment on the green Hop Readers.

How much does riding the MAX cost and how do I pay?
Most convention center attendees will receive a complimentary TriMet Hop Fastpass at registration to help them get around the city during the conference. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes that can be used on our light rail, streetcars and buses. Learn more about how to use the cards here.

If you are not receiving a Hop Fastpass with your event registration, ride fares can be purchased at the kiosks located on each stop platform, or by tapping a credit card on the green Hop Card readers located at the ends of each platform.

An adult ticket good for 2.5 hours costs $2.80.

Does the MAX run all night?
While the MAX runs every 15 minutes or less every day, most of the day, it does not run 24 hours. Most lines begin service at 4 a.m. and end service around midnight. TriMet has information about the full schedules for each of the five lines (blue, green, red, yellow and orange) on its website.

How long will my ride take?
Common trip times include: PDX to downtown Portland: 38–43 minutes // PDX to Oregon Convention Center: 30–33 minutes // Oregon Convention Center to downtown Portland: 10–13 minutes

You can utilize TriMet’s Trip Planner to get an accurate idea of trip length.

Max Light Rail Quick Facts and Tips
Signs at each station indicate when the MAX is coming and which lines are due. The color line of a train is illuminated on the front of each train car, so you’ll never get confused about which train to board. Trains stop at every station, so there’s no need to signal or inform the operator of your stop. Be sure to tap your form of payment on the green Hop readers before boarding. 

The Portland Bureau of Transportation offers great resources for cyclists. There are many maps for those who want to explore the city and region via their bike lanes. Cyclists who crave a journey off the beaten path should venture to the Columbia River Gorge, where there are easy, moderate and challenging rides for everyone to enjoy.

Check out our article on dining in the Lloyd neighborhood or read our article about our city’s world-renown foodie scene.

You can also download our Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map.

Take our quiz, use filters, or search our Food Cart Finder to explore over 500+ food carts and pods.

Portland is a shopper’s paradise. Read on to discover more about Portland’s shopping scene. You can explore the city’s vibrant maker scene and take home a made-in-Portland souvenir; go treasure hunting at one of the city’s many antique stores or vintage clothing shops; or spruce up your style at one of the specialty stores featuring iconic brands that call the City of Roses home.

Nightlife in Portland doesn’t mean just hitting the club. Portland comes to life after hours with open mic nights held throughout the city, nationally acclaimed karaoke spots, delicious late-night eats, adult-friendly gaming spots, and plenty of alcohol-free fun. Check out our events calendar to discover more things to do at night on your next trip to Portland.