 |
 |
Airport Basics.....
Oregon’s largest airport PDX deals with 90% of the state’s passenger air travel and more than 95% of its air cargo. The airport is a joint civil and military airport, operating as the Portland Air National Guard Base as well as an international civilian airport. As a hub for Alaska Airlines and it’s sister carrier Horizon Air, as well as United Express affiliate SkyWest Airlines the airport offers direct flights to airports across the U.S. and internationally. Five times winner of Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s top airport for business travelers PDX is a great place to start your visit to the Pacific Northwest.
Airport Car Rental.....
When renting a car from the Portland Airport, you will first notice that you do have choices. 'On Airport' rental car companies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz. 'Off Airport' choices include Alamo, National and Thrifty. These three choices will shuttle you from the airport to your car, and then back to the airport when you return.
In addition to Airport affiliated car rentals, we have heard before that the Portland airport is pretty pricey in comparison to its downtown counterparts. So, when making your booking request on our booking engine, try a couple of Downtown Portland locations (not really considered an off-airport location) and compare the price against the Airport location. When using the relatively cheap Tri-Met Max you may find that you can get to downtown car rental pickup locations pretty cheaply, then save on the actual rental car used during your journey. It's free to run quotes thru our booking engine, so you can't lose.
Airport Amenities.....
If you’re in need of a few holiday essentials, or not‐so‐essentials, PDX is a great place to buy them. Oregon has no sales tax and airport stores offer the same prices as their off‐airport counterparts. There are some great local stores from Made In Oregon to an outlet of the famous Powell’s Books. Plus big name locally based companies such as Columbia Sportswear and NIKE, which boasts a solar panel powered store in the airport’s Oregon Market shopping area.
Need to check your bank balance before you set off on a shopping spree? PDX has free Wi‐FI available across 70% of the main terminal including the food court and the Oregon Market. For some sustenance after all the shopping and surfing the airport has a selection of restaurants and fast food joints, although there’s no McDonald’s here. Pizza Scmizza, Panda Express, and Wendy’s cater to the fast food hungry while Big Town Hero and Flying Elephant Deli offer sandwiches and deli food. For a sit‐down restaurant meal you can’t beat local favorite Laurelwood Brewing Co. which offers a selection of Oregon micro brews along with hearty pub‐style food, though as both the company’s PDX restaurants are located on the concourses you’ll need to eat before you leave the air-side section of the airport.
If it’s a caffeinated pick‐me‐up you need before you hit the road the airport boasts four Starbucks, one of which is conveniently located in Baggage Claim, or, if you prefer to eschew the global chain, Coffee People offers a caffeine‐filled alternative. Get your coffee to go and stretch your legs a little before hitting the road by taking a stroll around the airport’s light and airy interior or cross the bridge to the parking garage and climb to the seventh floor to enjoy views of the Columbia river and Cascade mountains, or get an up close look at the NIKE store’s solar panels.
Finally, if you’re traveling with little ones get them ready for the road by letting them burn off excess energy in the small playground near the security checkpoint where there are also water fountains, and plenty of seating for parents. Family restrooms are located nearby with baby changing facilities and a private room for nursing mothers. With all the basic facilities travelers need and a nice selection of local shops and restaurants mixed in with the expected chain stores PDX is a welcoming place to start your Pacific Northwest journey.
Car Rental Driving Distances.....
We have identified some local attractions and nearby towns that may be of interest to Portland travelers. We also put in the estimated driving distances to those locations. Remember, if you are looking for exact distances, you might want to reserve a GPS to acquire exact driving distances. Here are a few areas - with distances from the Portland Airport.
Oaks Amusement Park, 16 Miles.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 13 Miles.
Portland Japanese Garden, 16 Miles.
Portland Art Museum, 13 Miles.
Pittock Mansion, 16 Miles.
Ainsworth State Park, 31 Miles.
Beaverton OR, 21 Miles.
Olympia WA, 114 Miles.
Tacoma WA, 142 Miles.
Salem OR, 57 Miles.
Eugene OR, 122 Miles.
Tillamook OR, 85 Miles.
Rental Cars Available.....
Many types of vehicles will be available to you out of the Portland Airport. Included, you will find SUV's, compacts, intermediate, luxury cars (think Mercedes) and even Minivans. One note of caution - the more expensive the car, the more quickly the rental companies may run out. This is simply because car rental companies don't keep as many on stock (mostly because of less demand). So book early and get what you want - at the price you want. Renting a car at the Portland Airport is a great idea!