Getting Around

Why have we chosen to dedicate an entire section of this site to something as pedestrian as mass transit?

Simple. We're extremely proud of ours.

Portland’s award-winning light rail system is one of the best it the country. Nicknamed "MAX," this 38-mile network of rails extends both east and west from downtown Portland and the Oregon Convention Center. The eastern link includes a convenient spur to Portland International Airport, while the western route can whisk passengers from downtown to the many attractions of Washington Park in just 10 minutes.

In 2001, Portland also added a brand new streetcar system. This sleek line connects downtown Portland's Cultural District to Portland State University, the art gallery-filled Pearl District and the Northwest/Nob Hill neighborhood, known for its outstanding restaurants and upscale shopping.

Best of all, Portland's mass transit – buses, light rail and streetcars – is free in a 330-square-block area known as "Fareless Square." Happily for convention attendees, this ride-free zone includes the downtown hotel core and the Oregon Convention Center.

Of course, we can also speed delegates around the city in a fleet of charter buses. Regardless of the mode of transport, however, most visitors are struck by how compact and manageable Portland is. We may be a big city, but your feet will never know it.

For more information about transportation in the Portland area, visit the "Transportation" section in this site's "Visitors" area.