Nervous about traveling from Portland for the first time? Airports and navigating through them can be a nerve-wracking process especially when you are not familiar with the surroundings. Worry not, here we have covered everything that you need to know about Portland International Airport, making your journey easier.
About PDX Airport
Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon’s largest and primary airport, is located 6 miles from Downtown Portland. PDX has one terminal with four concourses, B, C, D, and E, and serves nearly 20 million passengers annually.
It is also a hub for Alaska Airlines. PDX is continually ranked as one of the best airports in the US, serving 66 domestic and 11 international destinations. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines are some of the Airlines served by Portland International Airport.
PDX Airport History
Portland International Airport is the biggest airport in the US, and it is in the State of Oregon. Since the early days of taking a flight, the PDX airport has a rich history. It was just an airfield on Swan Field and was called Vanport Airport. After the flood in the 1950s, it was destroyed, and the Portland Municipal Airport was built.
It was renamed Portland International Airport (1960), seeing its global growth. The airport underwent significant development in the following years. In the 1990s, sustainability became a priority. They introduced MAX Light Rail and installed solar panels, and now it remains a major hub for the Pacific Northwest. PDX Airport has ranked high in terms of its environmental initiatives and warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Where is PDX Airport?
Portland International Airport is at 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218. It is inside Portland’s city limits, located just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah County, Downtown Portland.
Portland International Airport (PDX) Map
PDX Parking and Transportation
PDX Airport offers onsite short-term and long-term parking. However, since you can’t pre-book parking the chance of you getting a parking spot is low. For hassle-free parking and journey later, it would be better to reserve your parking spot near offsite lots in advance. Global Airport Parking provides secure Portland Airport Parking at affordable rates.
TriMet MAX Light Rail, Car Rentals, and Shuttles provide easy access to Downtown Portland and nearby regions. Since there is just one terminal, no inter-terminal travel is required. Transportation which can be easily accessed are Shuttles, Buses, Train, Limos and Town cars, Taxis and Rideshare
TriMet MAX Light Rail
The MAX Light Rail System connects the airport and the city. It departs roughly every 15 minutes. The station is located near the baggage claim, on the lower level of the terminal.
Limos and Town cars
Private transportation includes Limousine services and Town cars. They pick you up and drop you off on the lower-level roadway near the parking garage. You must book them in advance.
Taxis
Taxis are available 24/7 near the Baggage Claim level and on the lower roadway outside the terminal. The fares are metered, but you must confirm the fare with the driver before the journey. PDX Yellow Cab and Broadway Cab are some of the local taxi companies in Portland.
Rideshare
For an affordable option, Rideshare would be the best choice. Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are some of the rideshare services in Portland. Passengers can ask the driver to meet them near the lower roadway outside of the terminal. However, there is a probability of restriction based on the number of travelers and luggage allowed in each vehicle.
Car Rental Services
The car rental services are located near to the short-term parking. The authorized car rental companies at PDX Airport are below:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Zipcar
PDX Airport Hotels
Here are some of the best hotels near Portland Airport.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portland Airport
Address: 9189 NE Cascades Pkwy., Portland, Oregon
Distance – 2.0 mi to PDX airport
Super 8 Portland Airport
Address – 11011 NE Holman St., Portland, Oregon
Distance – 1.8 mi to PDX airport
Candlewood Suites Portland-
Address – 11250 NE Holman St, Portland, Oregon
Distance – 1.6 mi to PDX airport
Ramada by Wyndham
Address – 9707 SE Stark St, Portland, Oregon.
Distance – 5.0 mi to PDX airport
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Address – 11936 NE Glenn Widing Dr, Portland, Oregon
Distance – 3.0 mi to PDX airport
Hampton Inn Portland Airport
Address – 8633 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon
Distance – 6.5 mi to PDX airport
Best Western Premier Hotel
Address – 1500 SE 167th Ave, Vancouver, Washington, United States
Distance – 8.0 mi to PDX airport
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
Address – 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220
Distance – 0.8 mi to PDX airport
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Address -7025 NE Alderwood Rd., Portland, OR 97218
Distance – 2.6 mi to PDX airport
Embassy Suites Portland
Address – 7900 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220
Distance – 2.0 mi to PDX airport
PDX Airport Lounge
| Lounge | Location |
| Alaska Airline Club | Concourse C, across from gate C5 |
| Delta Sky Club (members only) | Concourse D, between gates D5 and D7 |
| United Club | Concourse E, across from gate E2 |
| USO Lounge (active military only) | Main terminal, mezzanine level (pre-security) |
PDX Airport Food and Dining
There are a variety of dining options at the PDX Airport Restaurants. You can check out these cafes and restaurants at the PDX Airport for a quick bite or a splendid dinner.
| Restaurants | Location |
| Blue Star Donuts | North Concession Hall |
| Burgerville | Concourse D |
| Café Yumm | Concourse C |
| Henry’s Tavern | Concourse C |
| Hissho Sushi | Concourse D |
| Juliett | Concourse E |
| Oven and Shaker | South Concession Hall |
| Potbelly Sandwich | Concourse C |
| Starbucks Coffee | Concourse C and E |
| Tillamook | Concourse E |
For the complete list of shops and restaurants, visit the official website of PDX Airport.
PDX Airport Amenities
- Art
- ATMs
- Conference Room
- Lounge
- Mail Services
- Medical Clinic
- Mothers Room
- Pet Relief Areas
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Sensory Room
- Shops
- White courtesy phones
PDX Airport Art and Sculptures
The PDX Airport has a permanent art collection displayed at its headquarters. It also has an art program, with a rotating art exhibition throughout the airport terminal. This exhibition has nearly nine rotating artworks, which define the culture of Portland and are the finest works of the city’s artists.
Things to See Near PDX Airport
Here are a few attractions near the PDX Airport for you to visit while having a long layover.
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Powell’s City of Books
- The Grotto
- Multnomah Falls
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Zoo
- Alberta Street
- Waterfront Renaissance Trail
- Whitaker Ponds Nature Park
- Portland Rose garden
PDX Airport Fun Areas for Kids
PDX is known to be one of the most kid-friendly airports in the US. There is a specific area designated for kids at the PDX Airport. One is the PDX Kids’ Play Area, which is located near Gate D7, and another is the Children’s Play area on Concourse C, which is located near Gate C18.
It is designed for children under the age of six, with special seating for parents and fun games for the kids to engage in.
Accessibility in PDX Airport
Portland International Airport provides various accessibility services. Please request a wheelchair or assistance during the booking process. you book the tickets. When you book the tickets, make sure you request a wheelchair or the assistance needed.
Security at PDX Airport
Portland International Airport has two main security checkpoints, which are open 24/7—one for each of the North and South gates.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at both security checkpoints. They are open from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Concourse B/C Checkpoint – 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Concourse D/E Checkpoint – 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PDX has a TSA PreCheck enrollment center inside. This is located after the north security checkpoint. This center is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
No appointments are necessary, but make sure you bring your government-issued Photo ID and proof of citizenship to enroll. Since it is located after the north security checkpoint, this facility can only be accessed by ticketed travelers.
Global Entry
Portland International Airport has a Global Entry kiosk available for travelers to make the process easier. When returning from international travel, Global Entry allows travelers to speed up their entry into the US. The travelers who have yet to be pre-screened must go through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screening.
There is also a Global Entry Enrollment Centre at PDX, located on the Mezzanine level in the Main terminal. Every day from morning 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., enrollments are available on arrival at booth 11. The office is open from Monday to Wednesday and Friday from morning 9 to 2.45 p.m.
Mobile Passport
Mobile passports are allowed at PDX. They can use the CBP’s official mobile passport app at PDX. This is a free-to-use app. It is available in Android and iPhone devices.
CLEAR
CLEAR is not available at PDX Airport
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at PDX
Portland International Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access to all the travelers. To connect, select “flypdx” from the connections available and accept the terms and conditions. Various charging stations are available around the airport
The network connection only lasts for an hour, after which it will be automatically disconnected. Make sure to log in again after each hour to use the Wi-Fi connection.
Here are some commonly asked questions about Portland International Airport.
Why is Portland International Airport called PDX?
PDX is the official Portland Airport Code, which is used by airlines and airports.
Where is Portland International Airport located?
It is located at 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218, USA.
How many terminals does PDX Airport have?
PDX Airport only has one terminal, which is divided into two sides - North and South.
How early should I arrive at PDX Airport?
The airport recommends passengers should arrive three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight.
Are there Restaurants inside PDX Airport?
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes available inside PDX Airport.
