Portland International Airport [PDX] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: May 11, 2020

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

Full Disclosure: We may receive financial compensation when you click on links and are approved for credit card products from our advertising partners. Opinions and product recommendations on this site are ours alone, and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by the issuer. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details. We appreciate your support!

Next Article 101+ Virtual Tours of Popular Tourist Attractions Around the World [%%updatedyear%%]

Portland International Airport (PDX) transports nearly 20 million passengers annually and is the primary airport in the state of Oregon.

PDX is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the U.S. and took the number 1 spot. If you’re planning to fly in or out of PDX, then check out this in-depth airport guide.

Quick Info

Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)
Terminals: 1 terminal with 4 concourses – B, C, D, and E
Airport Address: 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218
Distance From Downtown Portland: 6 miles (10 km)
Website: flypdx.com
Phone Number: 503-460-4234
Passengers Served: 19.8 million annually
Destinations: 87 domestic and 58 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From PDX

PDX Airport Terminal

Portland International Airport has 2 long concourse buildings that are situated parallel to each other, with the main terminal in between.

The terminal consists of 3 levels – baggage claim on the lower level, ticketing on the upper level, and a mezzanine with a USO lounge and conference center. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants on the ticketing level, which is useful for waiting visitors or for passengers that have arrived too early to check-in.

Security checkpoints are located at either end of the terminal providing easy access to Concourses B and C or D and E. If passengers pass through the wrong security checkpoint, they can still access the other concourses via the concourse connector.

Ground transportation is located just outside of baggage claim, and the short-term parking garage and rental car center are opposite the terminal building. At the south end of the ticketing lobby is the TriMet MAX Light Rail station for connections to downtown Portland.

Concourse B

Concourse B is a tiny concourse consisting of just 2 gates – B1 and B2. There’s a Travel Mart selling travel necessities and Capers Cafe located next to gate B1. The south security checkpoint provides the quickest access to Concourse B.

Concourse C

Concourse C is the largest concourse with 26 gates numbered C1-C13, C15-C19, C20A, C20B, C20C, C21, C22A, C22B, C23A, and C23B. The south security checkpoint provides the most convenient access to Concourse C.

Concourse C has a good selection of shops and restaurants, including a food court located between gates C7 and C9. Moving walkways run most of the length of the concourse, and there is an Alaska Lounge across from gate C5.

Concourse D

Concourse D is located at the northern end of the terminal with the quickest access via the north security checkpoint. There are 15 gates numbered D1-D15 and a Delta Sky Club between gates D5 and D7. Concourse D has a reasonable selection of shops and restaurants.

Concourse E

Concourse E is another small concourse with just 4 gates numbered E1-E4. Located at the northeastern end of the terminal, Concourse E is best reached from the north security checkpoint.

There’s a United Club across from gate E1 and limited restaurants and shops, but passengers can utilize facilities at any of the other concourses.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Passengers are not required to use transportation to get around PDX as there is only 1 terminal and all the concourses are connected.

Once passengers have cleared security, they have access to the concourse connector that links Concourses B and C with Concourses D and E. Entrances to the connector are located near gates C2 and D1 and there are moving walkways throughout the connector.

For passengers that have parked in the economy parking lot, regular courtesy shuttle buses run between the terminal and the parking lots.

Security and Customs at PDX

PDX has 2 security checkpoints located at the north and south ends of the terminal. One provides convenient access to Concourses B and C and the other to D and E.

The checkpoints operate during these hours:

• Concourse B/C checkpoint (south): 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Concourse D/E checkpoint (north): open 24 hours

TSA PreCheck

PDX has TSA PreCheck lanes at both security checkpoints, open during these hours:

• Concourse B/C checkpoint (south): 4 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Concourse D/E checkpoint (north): open 24-hours (closed 2 p.m.-5 p.m.)

PDX does not have a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center and the closest is located around 3.5 miles away at 10350 N. Vancouver Way.

Hot Tip: Express lanes are available at both security checkpoints for qualifying mileage program cardholders, JetBlue Even More Space and Even More Speed passengers, or first and business class passengers. Passengers traveling from Portland to Seattle may use the express lanes at the B/C checkpoint.

Global Entry Program

PDX has Global Entry kiosks available for pre-approved travelers. The airport also has an enrollment center located on the mezzanine level in the main terminal. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enrollment on Arrival is also available daily at booth 11 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mobile Passport

PDX accepts Mobile Passport for eligible citizens arriving into the U.S. Passengers can submit their information via the app, rather than completing an arrival form, and present their electronic receipt to a CBP agent.

PDX Airport Lounges

PDX has 3 airline lounges located in Concourses C, D, and E — 2 are available for passengers to purchase access and 1 is for eligible passengers only.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Check out these credit cards that include free airport lounge access, and avoid paying the day pass fees.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members are not permitted access to any of the airline lounges, but they can receive money off their bill at the following cafes and bars:

• Capers Cafe Le Bar, Concourse C
• Capers Market, Concourse D
• Westward Whiskey, Concourse C

If you’re considering membership, read our Priority Pass guide and check out the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Dining and Drinks at PDX

PDX has 27 cafes, restaurants, bars, and fast-food counters, from Henry’s Tavern to McDonald’s. A good selection is located in the clock tower plaza (pre-security), with more located in each concourse.

PDX Wi-Fi and Charging Points

PDX provides free Wi-Fi in all of the public areas of the airport, pre- and post-security. To connect, select “flypdx” from the available connections and accept the terms and conditions. For any assistance, passengers may email [email protected].

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, think about investing in a mobile hotspot to keep you connected. 

PDX Airport Lost and Found

PDX has a lost and found office in the terminal on the mezzanine level. Passengers may visit the office Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or may call 800-547-8411 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For items that have been misplaced in the terminal or any of the public areas, passengers must contact the lost and found office. For items lost onboard an aircraft, passengers must contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Assistance is available from 2 staffed information desks located in baggage claim, or by calling customer service at 503-460-4234 (phones are staffed daily from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

Children’s Play Areas

PDX ranks number 2 in the top 10 most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. It’s easy to see why as the airport has multiple children’s play areas.

Some are located pre-security in front of the concourse entrances, and Concourse C and D both have play areas, too. There’s also a Hollywood Theatre showing films by local filmmakers.

Baby Facilities

PDX has 2 nursing rooms located at:

• Concourse B/C: across from Capers Café
• Concourse D: near gate D2

Traveling With a Pet

PDX has 2 pet relief areas located:

• At the main terminal, outside baggage claim at the north end
• At the south end of the concourse connector

Duty Free

There are no duty-free shops at PDX; however, with no sales tax in Oregon, all shops are required to charge the same as off-airport shops.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminal. There are no smoking areas once through security.

Money

Foreign currency services are available in Concourse D near gate D9 and in baggage claim near carousel 9.

ATMs are located throughout the airport, in the main terminal, and in the concourses.

Luggage Storage

Baggage storage is available on the baggage claim level at the north end. The company – Portland Provisions – can be contacted at 503-284-1292.

Important PDX Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 503-460-4234

Parking: 503-460-4234

Lost and Found: 800-547-8411

Travel to and From PDX

Transport Options

Shuttles and Buses

Scheduled and charter buses operate to and from PDX stopping outside the terminal on the lower roadway.

Train 

The TriMet MAX Light Rail station is located outside the terminal at the south end of the ticketing lobby. The red line service runs between the airport and the Beverton Transit Center, passing through the Rose Quarter Transit Center and downtown Portland. Trains depart every 15 minutes from the airport, costing $2.50 for 2.5 hours of ride time, or $5 for a day pass.

Limousines and Towncars

Limousines and town cars pick-up and drop-off on the lower level roadway near the parking garage. The airport recommends these companies.

Taxi

Taxis are available on the lower level roadway outside of the terminal near the parking garage. A taxi from PDX to downtown costs around $45, not including tip, and takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Rideshare

Lyft, Uber, and Wingz operate from PDX, and passengers may arrange to meet their driver on the lower level roadway outside of the terminal. Each rideshare provider is designated an area (seen on the map above) on the second island.

Directions by Car to PDX

Arriving From Downtown Portland

Take I-405 S and take the exit towards Seattle/The Dalles/Interstate 84 E/I-5 N. Merge onto I-5 N and take exit 300 for I-84 E/US-30 E towards Portland Airport/The Dalles. Continue onto I-84 EUS-30 E and take exit 8 for I-205 N towards Seattle/Portland Airport. Merge onto I-205 N and take exit 24A for Airport Way W towards Portland Airport. Merge onto NE Airport Way for access to the terminal.

Arriving From Salem

Take I-5 N until exit 300 for I-84 E/US-30 E towards Portland Airport/The Dalles. Continue onto I-84 EUS-30 E and take exit 8 for I-205 N towards Seattle/Portland Airport. Merge onto I-205 N and take exit 24A for Airport Way W towards Portland Airport. Merge onto NE Airport Way for access to the terminal.

PDX Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

PDX has garages and uncovered lots suitable for short and long-term parking, with over 12,000 spaces available.

The short-term garage is adjacent to the terminal and is connected via a pedestrian bridge, offering the quickest access to the terminal.

The maximum vehicle clearance is 8 feet, and the garage has 6 electric vehicle charging points.

Parking fees are $3 per hour or $27 per day.

The long-term garage is situated behind the short-term garage and has direct access to the terminal via pedestrian tunnels. 3,000 spaces are available, and the garage has a maximum vehicle clearance of 8 feet.

Parking fees are $3 per hour or $24 per day.

7,900 spaces are available in the red and blue economy parking lots, located southeast of the airport near I-205. Courtesy shuttle buses run between the terminal and the parking lots every 7-9 minutes from 4 a.m. – midnight and every 15 minutes out of hours.

Parking fees are $3 per hour or $12 per day.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking

PDX offers free motorcycle and bicycle parking under the upper roadway on the arrival level. Motorcycle parking is not available at any of the other parking garages.

Ribbon racks are available to lock up bicycles free of charge. These are located at the north and south of the lower level outside of the terminal.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot is located off N.E. Airport Way and N.E. 82nd Avenue and enables visitors to park for free for up to 30 minutes. Once friends or family receive a call from the passenger, then they can drive the 3 minutes to curbside to pick them up.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Typically, you’ll find airport parking cheaper at external parking lots or hotels, but PDX has reasonably priced economy parking at $12 per day. When booking external parking with airportparkingreservations.com, the cheapest rate is $10.99 per day, so it makes sense to spend the extra dollar and use the economy lot, where shuttle buses are likely to be more frequent than with external parking sites.

If you’re looking for a hotel with parking combined, you might be able to get yourself a better deal that makes it worthwhile parking off-airport property.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Disabled parking is available within all airport parking lots, located closest to the elevators in the covered parking lots and nearest to the bus shelters in the economy lots. Disabled parking is charged at $12 per day at any of the parking garages.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 503-460-4848

Car Rental at PDX Airport

The rental car center is located on level 1 of the short-term parking garage. Passengers picking up vehicles should exit baggage claim to the tunnel and take the elevators to level 1.

The following companies are located on-airport property:

• Avis: 503-249-4950
• Dollar: 503-249-4792
• Enterprise: 503-252-1500
• Hertz: 503-528-7900
• National: 800-227-7368

These companies are available off-airport property and provide courtesy shuttle buses to their nearby offices:

• Alamo: 800-462-5266
• Budget: 503-249-6331
• Thrifty: 503-254-6565

Hot Tip: Avoid excessive rental insurance fees with these credit cards that include rental insurance as a benefit.  

PDX Airport Hotels

The Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel is located on-airport property, just under a mile from the terminal building. All hotels surrounding the airport are 2- or 3-stars, so you would need to venture to downtown Portland for a more luxurious stay.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Just 5 minutes from Portland International Airport, the Embassy Suites offers travelers free made-to-order breakfast, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, 24-hour fitness center, on-site restaurant, and a free on-demand shuttle to the airport. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect award nights to cost around 50,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Place Portland Airport offers free daily breakfast, 24/7 dining, a fitness center, a pool, and a shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is also minutes from downtown Portland and attractions like Providence Park, the Oregon Convention Center, and The Moda Center. As a category 3 property, award nights will cost 12,000 points per night.

The Aloft Portland Airport is close to several attractions like the Portland Art Museum, Washington Park, and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Guests staying at the hotel can take advantage of the on-site restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, and airport shuttle. Award nights at the hotel cost 20,000 points on off-peak nights, 25,000 points on standard nights, and 30,000 points on peak nights.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton points, World of Hyatt points, or Marriott points.

Final Thoughts

PDX ranked number 1 in our best airport study due to its on-time performance, access to public transport, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, and overall passenger satisfaction with facilities.

Although the airport is a consistent favorite with passengers, it’s still focusing on enhancing the experience further. PDX is in the midst of a $2 billion redevelopment project to expand its concourses and security checkpoints, develop a new rental car facility and additional parking, and improve airside facilities. Phased development will see completion staggered until 2025.