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  • Attractions
    • women dances with large fans outside on a city street surrounded by people in colorful dragon costumesView All Attractions
    • Museums
    • Parks & Gardens
    • Family Friendly
    • Shopping
    • On a Budget
    • EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
    • people sitting at tables eating foodView All Culture
    • Arts
    • Beer
    • Biking
    • Cannabis
    • Cultural Communities
    • Craft Spirits
    • Food
    • Makers
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Outdoors
    • Sports
    • Weird
    • Wine
    • MORE CULTURE
  • Neighborhoods
    • aerial view of downtown area with buildings and roadways, bridges crossing a river to a smaller set of buildings that expand into the distanceView All Neighborhoods
    • Alberta Arts District
    • Belmont
    • Central Eastside
    • Division/Clinton
    • Downtown
    • Hawthorne
    • Lloyd
    • Mississippi
    • Northwest / Nob Hill
    • Old Town Chinatown
    • Pearl District
    • St. Johns
    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
    • ALL NEIGHBORHOODS
  • Region
    • RegionView All Region
    • Near the City
    • Columbia River Gorge
    • Mount Hood
    • Oregon Coast
    • Willamette Valley
    • ALL REGIONS
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    • Light rail train car driving past people shopping at an outdoor marketView All Plan
    • Portland Maps
    • Where to Stay
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i
The Portland Streetcar in the Pearl District.
Plan

Transportation

Efficient public transit, miles of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly city streets make navigating Portland a breeze.

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The Portland Streetcar in the Pearl District.

On a visit to Portland, do as locals do and take advantage of the city’s miles upon miles of protected bike lanes, efficient public transportation system and many (and we mean many) walkable bridges to get around. Renting a car is never necessary for Portland, with plenty of budget-friendly ways to explore the city car-free (and avoid the hassle of finding and paying for parking). Read on to learn more about Portland transportation, then check out our events calendar to help you plan your next visit.

Getting to Portland

Home to a train station, international airport and bus hub, Portland makes getting here easy.

airport control tower with grey blue clouds and yellow grasses

Portland International Airport (PDX)

The Portland airport (PDX) boasts an easy light rail connection to downtown, free Wi-Fi, local food and drink, tax-free shopping with no markups — and 500 flights daily.

Union Station set against the backdrop of Portland\'s skyline

Amtrak / Union Station

Union Station, with its elegant architecture and iconic “Go By Train” neon sign connects passengers with the city by bus, car and of course by train.

The red and black bolt bus waits curbside for passengers

FlixBus and Greyhound

It’s easy to get to and from Portland by bus with the iconic Greyhound or German-based FlixBus.

Portland Public Transit

Know Before You Go

Editor’s note: TriMet does accept cash fares, though encourages riders to use contactless bus fares through Hop Fastpass mobile app. Learn more:
– How to ride public transit
– Fares & how to pay

TriMet manages the city’s public transportation system, which includes bus service, the MAX light rail and a streetcar. Public transit offers one of the best ways to get around Portland on a budget, as tickets for one mode of transportation apply to them all.

The bus system covers the city and its suburbs thoroughly. Each bus has full wheelchair accessibility, and most come equipped with bike racks. Frequent bus service on more than a dozen bus lines keeps things moving. Buses on these lines come every 15 minutes or less most of the day, every day.

Public Transportation

TriMet offers light rail, bus and streetcar service throughout the metro area.

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

A streetcar passes by a large, red sculpture in front of a building with a neon sign reading, \"Go By Streetcar.\"

Portland Streetcar

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

People entering and exiting a TriMet bus downtown

Bus Service

The TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs, offers low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility.

The MAX light rail is the heart and soul of the city’s public transportation system. It includes more than 90 stations, and its track stretches for 60 miles, connecting the city, airport and greater Portland region. All five lines (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow and Orange) run through downtown. The MAX is also a frequent service line, meaning it runs every 15 minutes or less.

More About Portland Transportation

How do you get around in Portland?

There are many ways to get around Portland. While locals often choose to bike, use the city’s extensive public transportation system or travel on foot, Portland also boasts ride-share and bike-share services. Electric scooters are another fun way to see the city. It’s really up to you!

How much does it cost to ride public transportation in Portland?

TriMet bus, MAX light rail and streetcar fares are as follows:

Adult (ages 18–64): $2.50 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5 for a day pass
Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass
Youth (ages 7–17): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass

These fares are subject to change. Visit the TriMet website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Do I need a car in Portland?

There are plenty of ways to travel around Portland without renting a car. In addition to car- and ride-share services, the city also has an extensive public transportation system that includes bus service, the MAX light rail and a streetcar. There’s also the option to rent a bike or electric scooter or simply hoof it.

The Portland Streetcar was built in 2011. The original line, now known as the NS line, travels downtown from Portland State University to the Nob Hill neighborhood. The line goes directly through the Pearl District, a popular shopping and dining area.

The A Loop and the B Loop provide service over Tilikum Crossing, the only bridge in the country dedicated exclusively to pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation traffic. The A Loop runs clockwise and connects the east and west sides of the city through the Pearl District, Broadway Bridge, Lloyd, OMSI, Tilikum Crossing and Portland State University. The B Loop passes through the same stops but moves counter-clockwise.

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): $2.50 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5 for a day pass
Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass
Youth (ages 7–17): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass

Biking in Portland

Bike lanes, a popular bike-share program and wacky rides make Portland a cyclist's paradise.

Let’s roll

Biking in Portland

Exploring Portland on two wheels is east in this purposefully bike-friendly city. The City of Roses boasts miles of protected bike lanes, plenty of places to rent bikes and a treasure trove of bike maps to help you get from point A to B. Portland’s bike-share program, Biketown, offers access to 1,000 bright-orange, electric bicycles. Once you have a bike, you may want to enjoy a free guided bike tour. Portland By Cycle from the Portland Bureau of Transportation offers them on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August, while Friends on Bikes hosts regular group rides that cater specifically to women, trans and gender non-conforming people of color. However, you choose to ride, be sure to read through these bike safety tips before you hit the road.

E-Scooters in Portland

Electric scooters are the latest mode of transportation to arrive in Portland.

Hop aboard

Other Ways to Get Around Town

Alternatively, visitors have the option to rent bicycles or electronic scooters (e-scooters) throughout the city. Ride-share services Lyft and Uber both operate in Portland. Those who wish to explore points of interest beyond the city limits, however, might consider renting a car to get from place to place.

If you’re looking to get out of town without renting a car, there are regional buses, like Gorge Pass that offer many routes to see the sites, hike the waterfalls and experience the Fruit Loop in the scenic Columbia River Gorge; the Mt. Hood Express that runs from Sandy all the way to Timberline on Mount Hood; or the Columbia County Rider connecting you to outdoor adventures just outside of Portland.

Portland by Car

Traveling on four wheels? Use these resources to help you get around by car.

two people next to an orange truck with a canoe strapped to the top

Driving in Portland

While Portland prides itself on being a city that’s easy to get around without a car, these tips will help you tour the city in four-wheeled fashion.

exterior of Pioneer Place

Parking in Portland

These tips will help you find parking in Portland's central city.

Portland Chinatown Museum

Car- and Ride-Sharing

Car- and ride-sharing services in Portland make it easier than ever to get around the city without bringing your own vehicle.

Portland On Foot

Last but not least, one of the most enjoyable means of getting around the City of Roses is on foot. With many walkable neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District and Hawthorne, as well as a bustling downtown, those traveling on foot have plenty of places to see and explore. Tilikum Crossing, the only bridge in the country dedicated to light rail, buses, bicycles and pedestrians — without automobile traffic, is a scenic way to explore. The bridge connects the South Waterfront to the Central Eastside.

Plan, Transportation

Walking in Portland

Explore the city by foot on these gorgeous hikes and walks in and near the city.

a couple walks their dog in Forest Park

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

a pathway with railings in nature

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

A city park in autumn with yellow leaves on the large trees and the ground

Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color

Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

a woman walking on a pathway Irving Park

Winter Walks in Portland

Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

Portland Aerial Tram with Mt. Hood is visible in background horizon

4T Trail

The 4T trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car.

three cyclists ride on a muddy gravel path in Forest Park

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

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