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Transportation

Thanks to forward-thinking city officials and an economical, easy-to-use transit system, you can explore even the farthest reaches of the Portland metropolitan area while concentrating on enjoying the city - not navigating it.

For more information, visit the City of Portland Office of Transportation, which provides bicycle maps and other helpful information.

Bus and MAX Light Rail

Portland has long been known as a clean, green and friendly metropolis, with lots to do and even more to see.

Leading the "City of Roses" into the 21st century is its economical, easy-to-use public transit system, which every year transports millions of visitors and residents through the city and its surrounding neighborhoods.

On the TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs thoroughly, you'll find low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility. And since most buses are now equipped with bike racks, mass transit has become more user-friendly for the cycling set.

TriMet's MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) offers train-to-plane service, and door-to-door access to one of the richest collections of visitor attractions. A 10-minute ride from downtown will deliver you to Washington Park station, the deepest underground transit station in North America. The stop, 260-feet below the Earth's surface, provides nearby access to Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, the Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial, Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Children's Museum.

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Transit Mall

More than half of TriMet's bus lines run through the transit mall along Southwest Fifth and Sixth avenues, including ART, The Cultural Bus (Line 63), which stops at Portland-area attractions.

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Portland Streetcar

In July 2001, the Portland Streetcar began service linking downtown's Cultural District, the Pearl District and the Nob Hill/Northwest Neighborhood. The sleek Euro-designed streetcars progress along a newly constructed 4.8-mile loop that begins and ends at the Portland State University campus. The Portland Streetcar extended its reach in March 2005 to include the busy RiverPlace neighborhood. Overlooking the Willamette River and bordering downtown Portland, RiverPlace features two hotels, several restaurants, shops, galleries and a collection of waterfront condominiums. The area is also a popular bicycling route for visitors, connecting to both Waterfront Park and the Willamette River Greenway Trail. The fare for the Portland Streetcar is the same as those charged for buses and MAX light rail.

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Downtown on Foot

Portland's short blocks and street-level attractions make the city a pedestrian's delight. Voted one of "America's Best Walking Towns" by Walking Magazine, the downtown area is full of architectural landmarks both old and new.

The Visitor Information and Services Center, located in the heart of downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square, offers brochures, maps, itinerary-planning assistance and advice on restaurants and lodging, and perusing the calendar of local events.

For a perfectly lovely stroll — or ride — along Portland's downtown waterfront, follow the promenade in Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park to the historic Steel Bridge. On the lower deck of the bridge, visitors will discover a bicycle/pedestrian crossing that links the downtown side of the Willamette River to Portland's new Eastbank Esplanade. This 1.5-mile pedestrian/cycling trail offers a great view of the city skyline and features a 1,200 foot floating walkway as well as easy access to four of the bridges that cross the Willamette River.

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Downtown Parking

SmartPark is Portland's most affordable and conveniently located parking. Shoppers, business clients and visitors enjoy seven downtown City-owned parking facilities with nearly 4,000 public spaces. To help you pay nothing to park downtown, SmartPark partners with over 700 businesses to offer you two hours of free parking with qualifying purchases of $25 or more.

New to areas of downtown Portland are the solar-powered SmartMeters. At one meter you are able to pay for multiple parking spaces within a set area (usually one side of a street block is covered by one meter). You can pay by using coins, credit/debit card or smart card. Click here for more information about SmartMeters and how to use one of these state-of-the-art parking meters.

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Portland International Airport

Just 20 minutes from downtown, Portland International Airport (PDX) has earned awards for demonstrating that large-scale airports can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Currently, 17 passenger airlines serve PDX, with direct and nonstop service to more than 100 cities worldwide.

 

 

Helpful airport links:

 

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Portland Union Station – Passenger Train Service

Portland Union Station is served by three scheduled Amtrak intercity passenger trains.

With three daily departures between Seattle and Portland, as well as daily service to Vancouver, B.C., the Amtrak Cascades is a convenient link to the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Amtrak Cascades' European-style trains offer laptop computer outlets; bicycle, ski and snowboard racks; and regional food and drink. With service between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., Amtrak Cascades is perfect for both business travel and weekend getaways.

Amtrak's Coast Starlight operates daily, connecting the West Coast's most popular destination cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.

Amtrak's Empire Builder takes you on an exciting adventure through majestic wilderness, following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Empire Builder begins in Portland and heads east to Chicago with stops at the following destinations and more: Spokane, Whitefish, Glacier National Park, Minot, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.

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