Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else. The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at Portland International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on some of the airport’s nonstop flights.
What to know
- TSA | According to the PDX website, travelers should arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight during the busy early morning hours, or three hours before an international flight. Use this handy tool to check security wait times.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | From Southern comfort food at Screen Door to craft beer at Deschutes Brewery, Portland International Airport is home to a plethora of acclaimed eatery outposts. We put together a list of restaurants and where to find them within the airport.
- Reminder | By May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Current airport updates
PDX is undergoing a $2 billion series of major construction projects, several of which have already been completed: an expansion of Concourse E, a new Concourse B, and a consolidated ground transit system. Big changes to the airport’s main terminal are currently underway — including a 9-acre wooden roof — with completion set for 2025. But don’t worry — it shouldn’t impact your arrival or departure in any way.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Each lot and garage costs $3 an hour; beyond that, the price per day is as listed:
- Short-term parking | $27/day
- Long-term lot | $24/day
- Economy lot | $12/day
Because Portland International Airport only has one main terminal, all of these parking options are either within walking or shuttle distance of TSA and your gate.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by PDX:
- Broadway Cab Company | Taxi | Taxis can be found on the lower roadway, outside of baggage claim, closest to the parking garage
- TriMet MAX | Light rail | Red Line trains depart every 15 minutes at the south end of the ticket lobby
- Caravan Airport Transportation | Buses and vans | Shuttles can be found on the lower roadway, outside of baggage claim
The rideshare pick-up/drop-off location is at Island 2 outside of baggage claim.
Nonstop flights
PDX offers 62 nonstop flights — 52 domestic, plus 10 international flights to six countries. Here are five nonstop flights to nearby locations.
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Boise BOI | Alaska Airlines | Daily
- Burbank BUR | Alaska Airlines | Daily
- Reno RNO | Alaska Airlines | Daily
- Redmond RDM | Alaska Airlines | Flight dates vary
- Vancouver YVR | Air Canada | Daily
Gates
Here are seven gates with popular stores and lounges nearby:
- Gate E8 | Nearby services: Calliope
- Gate C8 | Nearby services: Columbia Sportswear, Made In Oregon, Rich’s Cigar Store
- Gate C13 | Nearby services: Hollywood Theatre
- Gate C5 | Nearby services: Alaska Airlines Alaska Lounge, Jackson Shine Co.
- Gate C16 | Nearby services: Pendleton
- Gate D5 | Nearby services: Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club, Your Northwest Travel Mart
- Gate E1 | Nearby services: United Airlines United Club
Food and drink
PDX is a hub of eateries with 25+ restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen | Concourse E | Menu highlights: Banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls + pho
- Lardo | South Lobby | Menu highlights: Loaded grab-and-go sandwiches like bacon-egg-and-cheese + Italian subs
- Portland Coffee Roasters | Concourse C | Menu highlights: Full coffee menu and bags of whole beans
- The Country Cat | North Lobby | Menu highlights: Southern comfort food, breakfast items, and grab-and-go pastries, salads + sandwiches
- Hopworks Urban Brewery | Concourse E | Menu highlights: Local draft beers, cocktails, burgers, salads, pizzas, and starters
