Guide to Portland International Airport (PDX)
Quick insights
- Portland International Airport (PDX) features one terminal and four concourses: B, C, E and D.
- Passengers can check their boarding pass to determine which security checkpoint provides access to their gate.
- Notable amenities include light rail connection to downtown and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Traveling out of Portland International Airport? Located approximately 6 miles from downtown Portland, just south of the Columbia River, PDX serves as a gateway to Oregon. The airport embodies Portland’s unique charm with features such as complimentary bike parking, rotating art exhibits and its distinct carpet design, while offering many of the amenities you’d typically expect from an international airport.
Here are some things to know about PDX, including transportation and parking options and how early to arrive before a flight.
Navigating to and from PDX Airport
Some transportation options at PDX include:
- Taxi and rideshare: Head to Level 1 of the Short-Term Parking garage and follow airport signs to the “Transportation Plaza.” Rideshare apps will typically direct you to this designated pickup spot.
- Light rail: The MAX Red Line connects PDX to several locations in Portland, including downtown. The PDX airport stop is located near Concourse B, directly across the street from the Rental Car Center.
- Hotel shuttle: Some Portland area hotels may offer a complimentary airport shuttle. The hotel shuttle pickup location is on the lower roadway, outside of baggage claim.
- Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is situated just south of the Short-Term Parking garage, a short walk from baggage claim. Travelers returning rental cars can follow the signs on the lower roadway to Rental Car Return.
- Bicycle: Embrace Portland’s bike-friendly culture by using on-site secure bicycle parking at PDX. Bicycle parking is available at the north and south ends of the terminal building on the lower level.
PDX parking options
PDX offers provides both short-term and long-term parking options:
- Short-Term Garage P1
- Long-term Garage P2
- Long-term Garage P3
- Economy lot (parking shuttle runs every 7-9 minutes)
- Valet
- Bike
Visit the PDX website for more parking informationOpens overlay, including up-to-date garage and lot availability and a calculator to estimate your parking costs.
Clearing airport security at PDX
The airport features two security checkpoints:
- D/E security checkpoint: Serves concourses D and E and is open 24 hours.
- B/C security checkpoint: Serves concourses B and C and is open from 3:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You’ll need to clear the correct security checkpoint to access your gate. The checkpoint you should use is typically displayed on your boarding pass.
TSA wait times can vary, so airport officials recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Real-time TSA wait timesOpens overlay are listed on the PDX website, which may help you plan your airport arrival time.
Customs is located on the baggage claim level, opposite baggage claim carousel 9, with wait times generally ranging from 20 and 90 minutes.
How to get through security faster
Customs and TSA wait times can be unpredictable, but Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) designed to help expedite the passport and security screenings processes are available.
- TSA PreCheck®: Members can access designated lanes for security screenings at PDX and other participating airports, usually without needing to remove light jackets, shoes and belts.
- Global Entry: This membership allows travelers to skip the standard customs line. Instead, they can use a designated kiosk to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. With Global Entry membership, members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
Ticketed travelers at PDX can apply for TSA PreCheck without an appointment on the day of their departure. The process can take as few as 5 minutes to complete. Some travelers receive approval and their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in time for their return trip, though it could take up to 60 days.
Additionally, some credit cards reimburse TTP application fees when the card is used to pay the fee.
PDX Airport map
PDX offers an interactive mapOpens overlay on their website, where you can locate on-site parking, security checkpoints, lounges, restaurants, shops and more.
PDX Terminal
PDX features a single terminal with four concourses: B, C, D and E. The airport consists of two long concourse buildings with the main terminal situated between them. Concourse C is the largest. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for an inter-terminal shuttle.
Visit the PDX website for a list of airlines serving PDXOpens overlay.
In summary
PDX features a single terminal and four concourses (B, C, D, E). After passing through a security checkpoint, you are limited to the concourses associated with that checkpoint. The appropriate security checkpoint is usually indicated on your boarding pass.
A few options for accessing PDX include bicycle parking, light rail service to downtown Portland and short- and long-term parking garages and lots. Travelers are generally advised to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. TTP programs like TSA PreCheck help streamline the airport security screening process.
