I’ve flown through a lot of airports. More than I probably should admit given how much I complain about air travel. But Portland International Airport — PDX — is the one I actually look forward to. First time I flew through was maybe eight years ago, connecting on a trip up to Seattle, and I remember thinking: wait, this airport has good food? And people are… smiling? Portland Airport has gotten complicated with all the hype flying around, but honestly, most of it is deserved.
How PDX Got Here
The airport opened in 1936, replacing Swan Island Municipal Airport, which the city had outgrown. In its early days it was a single-runway, modest-terminal kind of place. Then it grew. The 1950s brought expansion. The 1970s brought more. By the early 2000s, PDX had become a real regional powerhouse. Today it handles north of 20 million passengers a year and consistently ranks among the top airports in the country. Travel + Leisure readers have voted it best domestic airport multiple times. That’s not nothing.
Layout and Getting Around
PDX has a main terminal with five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air live on A and B. Southwest and United operate from C. Delta claims D. And E handles Alaska plus international flights. The design is open and intuitive — I’ve never once felt lost at PDX, and I am someone who has gotten turned around at O’Hare more times than I’d like to admit.
Probably should have led with this, but the airport just feels different from most. The ceilings are high, the signage is clear, and there’s natural light everywhere. It doesn’t have that fluorescent-dungeon energy you get at so many other airports.
Getting To and From the Airport
This is where PDX really stands out. The TriMet MAX Red Line runs a light rail connection straight from downtown Portland to the airport. About 40 minutes, trains run frequently, and the fare is cheap. I’ve taken it three or four times. You don’t have to deal with traffic, parking, or a $50 rideshare surge. Just hop on and go.
If you’re driving, Interstate 205 connects the airport to the highway system. Parking breaks down like this:
- Short-Term Parking: Right next to the terminal. Good for quick pickups or short trips.
- Long-Term Parking: A bit farther out but there’s a free shuttle running back and forth.
- Economy Parking: Cheapest option. Also has shuttle service to the terminal.
- Valet Parking: If you want curbside convenience and don’t mind paying for it.
And here’s a Portland touch — you can bike to the airport. Actual bike lanes lead right up to the terminals. I haven’t tried this personally, but I’ve seen people roll up with panniers and helmets looking completely unbothered. Very on-brand for the city.
The Food Situation
Okay, this is the part where PDX earns its reputation. The dining is genuinely good. Not just “good for an airport” — actually good. Burgerville is there, which is a Pacific Northwest fast-food chain that uses local, seasonal ingredients. Blue Star Donuts, if you know, you know. Country Cat does sit-down meals that you’d be happy to eat in downtown Portland proper. A lot of the restaurants focus on locally-sourced ingredients, which tracks with Portland’s whole food ethos.
I made the mistake once of eating a mediocre sandwich at my departure gate before I realized Blue Star Donuts was one concourse over. Self-correction noted for every trip since. Now I budget an extra 30 minutes specifically for food.
Shopping and Local Flavor
The shops at PDX lean local, which I appreciate. There’s a Made in Oregon store that’s perfect for last-minute gifts — Oregon wines, local chocolates, that kind of thing. You’ll also find artisan shops selling handcrafted jewelry and regional goods alongside the usual electronics and travel-essentials stores. It feels curated rather than generic.
Art, Music, and the Famous Carpet
PDX puts rotating art exhibits in the terminal featuring Oregon artists. I’ve seen some genuinely interesting pieces there — photography, mixed media, the occasional sculpture installation. They also have live music performances in the terminal. Last time I flew through, there was a guitarist playing near one of the gates and it genuinely made the wait better.
And then there’s the carpet. Yeah, the carpet. PDX had this teal geometric carpet for decades that became an unlikely cultural icon. People took selfies with it. It had its own Instagram hashtag. When they replaced it during renovations, people literally took scraps of the old carpet home. The new carpet pays homage to the original design. That’s what makes PDX endearing — an airport where people get emotionally attached to the flooring. You can’t manufacture that kind of loyalty.
Oh, and there’s a Hollywood Theatre micro-cinema in the terminal that shows short films by local filmmakers. Plus a library where you can actually borrow books. I grabbed a paperback once on a whim and read it on my flight to San Francisco.
Sustainability Efforts
Portland takes its environmental reputation seriously, and the airport follows suit. Energy-efficient lighting throughout the building. Water-saving fixtures. Solid recycling programs. Designated EV parking spots with charging stations. It’s not just greenwashing either — you can see the effort in the infrastructure. The whole place feels intentionally designed to minimize waste.
Security and Accessibility
TSA PreCheck is available, which helps during busy periods. The signage through security is clear enough that even first-time flyers won’t feel confused. For travelers with disabilities, PDX provides wheelchair assistance on request, elevators and ramps where you need them, Braille signage, and service animal relief areas inside the terminal. I’ve traveled with a family member who uses a wheelchair, and PDX handled it better than most airports I’ve been to.
International Flights
PDX isn’t just domestic. Airlines like Delta and others connect Portland to international destinations. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility processes arriving international passengers, and from there you’ve got the full range of ground transportation to get wherever you’re headed next.
Lounges and Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi across all terminals. It works well — I’ve done video calls from the gate without issues. Charging stations and workspaces are scattered around if you need to get actual work done. If you want something more private, the airline lounges offer extra comfort, drinks, and quiet space. Alaska Lounge is the main one and it’s a nice spot to decompress before a flight.
Sleeping at the Airport
Long layover or brutal early morning departure? PDX is considered one of the more sleep-friendly airports out there. There are designated quiet areas with seating that’s actually possible to sleep in. And if you want a real bed, there’s an airport hotel on the premises.
What’s Coming Next
PDX has ongoing expansion projects. Terminal upgrades, additional gates, improved transportation connections. The goal is to handle a growing passenger count without losing what makes the place special. Based on how they’ve handled growth so far, I’m cautiously optimistic.
Community Connection
The airport prioritizes local hiring and supports regional businesses. They actively seek community feedback on operations and development plans. There are partnerships with local organizations that foster a real sense of shared ownership. It’s not just an airport that happens to be in Portland — it feels like it belongs to Portland.
Tips From Someone Who’s Been There
Arrive early during peak times — the airport is efficient but lines still happen. Take the MAX if you can; it’s cheaper and less stressful than driving. Leave time to eat something good rather than grabbing the first thing you see. Check if there’s live music happening. And at least once, look down at the carpet and appreciate that you’re standing in an airport that people genuinely love. Not many places can say that.
PDX isn’t perfect — no airport is. But it gets closer than most. The combination of smart design, real food, local personality, and an attitude that treats travelers like people rather than cattle makes it something special. Every time I fly through, I leave a little bit impressed all over again.
