Portland's city center including Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pearl District, and the waterfront.

About Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is a compact, walkable urban center known for its progressive culture, thriving food scene, and commitment to sustainability. Pioneer Courthouse Square, dubbed Portland's "living room," is the central gathering point surrounded by retail, restaurants, and the Pioneer Place shopping center. The city's famous food cart pods — clusters of dozens of cuisines in converted lots — can be found throughout downtown.

Portland's cultural institutions are concentrated downtown, including the Portland Art Museum (the oldest art museum on the West Coast), the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and the Oregon Historical Society. The waterfront Willamette River parks provide green space and connect to the Eastbank Esplanade for walking and cycling along the river.

The city is renowned for its independent spirit, encapsulated in the unofficial motto "Keep Portland Weird." Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, occupies an entire city block in the nearby Pearl District. The craft beer revolution thrives here with over 70 breweries in the metro area, and the city's coffee culture rivals Seattle's. Saturday Market, running under the Burnside Bridge, is the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the U.S.

Nearby Landmarks

Pioneer Courthouse Square Powell's Books Waterfront Park Portland Art Museum Saturday Market

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $30-40
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $22-32
Time 20-30 minutes

Lower level arrivals, follow signs to Rideshare area

Train (MAX Red Line)

Cost $3
Time 40 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the MAX Red Line directly from the airport station to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Trains run every 15 minutes. Buy tickets at the platform vending machine or use the Hop Fastpass app.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $30-40 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $22-32 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 40 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

MAX Red Line runs until approximately midnight, with the last train from PDX around 11:45 PM. After that, taxis and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are available curbside, costing $25-35 to downtown. TriMet bus line 272 provides some additional evening service. Portland is generally safe for late-night transit.

Luggage Tips

MAX trains have open floor areas and some overhead racks suitable for luggage. PDX has been consistently voted America's best airport and its MAX station is easily accessible from baggage claim. Downtown Portland is flat and walkable with luggage from MAX stops to most hotels.

Accessibility

PDX and the entire MAX light rail system are fully ADA accessible with level boarding, wheelchair ramps, and audio announcements. Pioneer Courthouse Square and downtown sidewalks are well-maintained and accessible. Portland is generally one of the most accessible cities in the U.S.