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MAX Light Rail
Portland's efficient MAX train connects the metro area and downtown core via a light rail system.
At the heart of Portland’s world-class public transportation system is the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) Light Rail, with almost 100 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track connecting the city, airport, Amtrak station, and region. Find a route and stop nearest you with just an address or zip code on TriMet’s website — you’ll also find more information on fares, navigating the city and possible disruptions of MAX train service.
MAX Lines
Whether you arrive in Portland by plane, train or automobile, the MAX Light Rail system is ready to move you toward your final destination, with five lines running through downtown Portland. TriMet offers a downloadable MAX system map with a full list of route stops on its website, but as a general rule, each of the five lines spread from the Portland city center to cover a different section of the city.
- Blue Line (Hillsboro/City Center/Gresham)
- Green Line (Clackamas/City Center/PSU)
- Red Line (Airport/City Center/Beaverton)
- Yellow Line (Expo Center/City Center/PSU)
- Orange Line (Milwaukie/City Center)
A unique feature of the system, the MAX Orange Line uses Tilikum Crossing, Portland’s first new span since 1973 and the nation’s longest bridge dedicated solely to transit, bicycles and pedestrians. (The Orange Line connects downtown Portland to the Central Eastside, Sellwood and Milwaukie, a suburb to the southeast.)
Credit: NashCo Photo
Hours of Operation
Most MAX train lines begin service at 4 a.m. and end service around midnight, with trains running every 15 minutes or less. A wide variety of MAX Park & Ride locations allow you to leave a vehicle for up to 24 hours, free of charge.
Ticketing & Fares
TriMet encourages riders to use contactless bus fares through Hop Fastpass; here are the three ways to use the mobile app. After downloading the app to your mobile device, you can first pay with your phone using a credit or debit card in a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. A second option is to purchase a reloadable Hop card from a local retailer, supermarket or convenience store which can be added to the app to track rides and remaining fares. The last option is to purchase a virtual card, which is used similarly to the Hop card. Fares for the bus, MAX light rail and streetcar are:
Adult (ages 18–64): $2.80 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5.60 for a day pass
Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass
Youth (ages 7–17): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass
Where To Stay Near MAX
While Portland’s walkability is well documented, it is comforting to know you have easy MAX train access nearby when choosing a place to stay. The downtown and Lloyd districts feature numerous hotels that meet this criterion, but you’ll find a number of others across the city as well.
Starting downtown, it doesn’t get more convenient than The Nines, located within a block of a MAX stop and Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Ritz-Carlton is less than two blocks from a stop on the same line. Goose Hollow’s Hotel deLuxe is two blocks from Providence Park, which is served by multiple MAX stops.
With their central location and easy MAX train access, the hotels near the Oregon Convention Center are also a great choice for convenient transportation. Check out the Hyatt Regency, DoubleTree and Courtyard by Marriott for their proximity to MAX stops.
Where The MAX Can Take You
With five lines extending in unique directions from the city center, many of Portland’s top attractions are easily reached via MAX train. The home of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise and many big ticket concerts, the Moda Center is served by the Blue, Green, Red and Yellow MAX lines. The nearby Oregon Convention Center is served by the Blue, Green and Red lines.
Credit: Catalina Gaitan
Event attendees might ride the Yellow Line to the Portland Expo Center or take the Green, Orange or Yellow lines to Portland State University, home of a fantastic farmers’ market and the Viking Pavilion event center. Shoppers can start with downtown’s Pioneer Place, grab the Green Line to Clackamas Town Center or hop the Blue, Green or Red lines to Lloyd Center.
When it’s time to head out of town, Amtrak’s Union Stationis reachable via the Green, Orange and Yellow lines, while Portland International Airport lies at the end of the Red Line.
Trying to get somewhere that isn’t easily reachable by MAX train? Portland’s extensive bus system comprises more than 70 lines offering thorough route service to the city and its suburbs — read more on TriMet’s website.
Attractions Near MAX Stops
MAX makes it east to enjoy these things to do without a car.
Getting Around
Along with MAX, these transportation options make it easy to navigate Portland.
Portland Streetcar
The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.
Biking
One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.
Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in Portland
E-scooter sharing lets users rent vehicles via an app for one-way trips. Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.
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