How to book reliable transportation from Portland International Airport? PDX is the largest airport in Oregon, with hundreds of thousands flying in and out every month. The most common way for all those passengers to get from and to this large airport is public transportation, and in Portland, that includes buses and light rail. Public transportation can be a good or bad choice, depending on how important it is for you to arrive quickly or enjoy the ride. In this article, we’ll cover some pros and cons of using public transportation to reach or leave Portland International Airport.
Pros
Let’s focus on the positive side of taking a bus or a train from PDX. There are many advantages compared to other transportation options.
Affordable
Of course, you can save money. The price of public transportation is lower compared to taxis or private cars. If you’re not rushing and don’t prioritize comfort, this option might be perfect.
Well-Connected with Downtown
MAX light rail will take you from the airport to the city center and vice versa in about forty minutes, and you’ll pay only 2.5$ for the service. So, if you’re staying anywhere close to downtown, light rail might be OK.
Non-Polluting
Compared to driving your car, choosing public transit is a more environmentally friendly choice since it lowers emissions and minimizes traffic congestion.
No Parking Fees
Driving to the airport has some downsides. One of them is parking fees. People initially don’t think about these charges, but they can add up and change your final cost. Of course, you can eliminate this cost by using public transit or taking a taxi.
Cons
Portland, OR, has pretty good and well-functioning public transportation. People can choose between TriMet buses, MAX Light Rail, and Portland Streetcar. But sometimes things are not so great. Let’s check out the list of things that can turn your airport transfer into a stressful experience.
Crowded and Uncomfortable
Especially during peak hours, buses and light rail can be pretty packed with passengers. That can lead to exhaustion, especially after a long flight or if you’re dragging a lot of luggage.
Time-Consuming
While the central area of the city is quite well connected with PDX, traveling time can be significantly longer for those staying outside of downtown Portland. If you need a lift to South Portland or Alberta Arts District, for example, you’ll need to do some planning first.
Small Luggage Space
Travelers who carry large or multiple bags should think twice before using MAX or getting on an airport bus. You won’t find enough room for your belongings, and carrying bags around can be tiring and stressful.
Unpredictable and Unreliable
You don’t want to miss your flight or arrive late to the meeting or event, do you? Sometimes public transportation can become chaotic and unpredictable. That usually happens during peak hours. If you appreciate the accuracy and have a place to be at a scheduled time, consider booking a taxi in advance or finding another option for your airport transfer.
Long Travel Times
Your ride to or from PDX with any form of public transportation will last longer than a cab ride, especially if you need to make connections to reach your final destination. Make sure to have a flexible schedule before you use MAX or a bus.
Pro Tip
Even though we saw some clear points of why you should or shouldn’t use public transit from and to PDX, deciding how to travel might still be difficult. Taxis and private cars are not always better options for people who want to arrive on time and relax after or before the flight. Choosing a dependable taxi company that won’t break the bank isn’t easy. However, relying on an established taxicab that has been serving Portland since 1946 makes sense. Radio Cab is a driver&veteran owned taxi company that takes airport transportation seriously, providing timely, comfortable, and wallet-friendly rides to any place in Oregon or neighboring Washington. Once you book a taxi ride, you can be sure to have a car waiting for you on time, with a friendly driver and plenty of space for your luggage.
Conclusion
Public transportation in Portland is affordable and quite convenient, especially for people going to and from the downtown area. However, things don’t always function perfectly, especially if you arrive at the airport during busy hours or you need a ride between PDX and a local neighborhood outside the city center. Travelers who carry large bags or appreciate convenience, comfort, and promptness shouldn’t rely on MAX and buses every time.
Choose your transportation according to your current needs and preferences, and enjoy beautiful Portland and its stunning surroundings. Welcome!