How to make the most out of your layover in Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon, and Portland International Airport is an important hub for air travel on the West Coast of the United States. With connections across the US and beyond, particularly to Asia, Portland receives millions of visitors every year.

If you find yourself on a layover in Portland, it's tempting to head out of Portland Airport and explore a city that is known for its weird and countercultural atmosphere. Downtown Portland isn't too hard to reach from the airport itself, so if your layover is long enough, it's worth finding a place to store your things after the baggage claim area and enjoying the city.

Portland is famous for its combination of vibrant urban life and access to the great outdoors, including the mighty Columbia River. Even a relatively short layover at this airport will allow you to see at least some of what makes the city so special. Leave your bags behind with Bounce, and you can fully immerse yourself in everything Portland has to offer.

Bounce partners with local businesses around the world to make sure you always have access to a secure luggage storage location, including in major cities like Portland. We can store bags of any size for as long as you need, so whether you're layover is a few hours or an entire day, you don't have to be way down with your luggage after leaving PDX airport. Take advantage of the city's light rail system or the many rental car companies that can loan you a car to get into town and enjoy your Portland layover in the city center.

Things to know before leaving Portland Airport

Navigating the airport

PDX is frequently ranked as one of the best airports in the US, offering efficient navigation, excellent dining options, and local shops. If you have a short layover, staying at the airport is a comfortable choice, with great local food and tax-free shopping. However, if you have a longer layover, Portland is very well-connected to the city it serves thanks to the MAX Light Rail. So it's definitely an option to step out of the airport lounge and visit the city if you have a few hours to kill.

Remember, though, that you'll need to be eligible to enter the US first. If you carry a passport from countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or any of the countries in the EU, you can enter the US without applying for a visa. However, some other countries do require a visa before they will let you out of the airport. To avoid any unpleasant scenes, make sure you know your rights and have the appropriate paperwork to enter the US and explore.

Transportation to downtown Portland

PDX is about 20 minutes from downtown, and the city is well-connected with public transit:

• MAX Light Rail: The Red Line connects the airport to downtown Portland in about 40 minutes.
• Taxis and rideshares: Available outside baggage claim and take about 20 minutes to reach the city center.
• Car rentals: If you plan to explore further, renting a car is a convenient option. However, parking in downtown Portland can be tough to find sometimes. If you really want to explore the downtown area, given how easy it is to take the train, public transportation is probably your best option.

Minimum layover times in Portland

The city’s proximity to the airport makes it ideal for a layover:

• 2-3 hours: Stay at PDX to enjoy local food and browse shops.
• 4-6 hours: Venture downtown to explore key landmarks and enjoy a meal.
• 8+ hours: Dive deeper into Portland’s neighborhoods, see a movie at the historic Hollywood Theatre, or take a trip to nearby natural attractions.

What to do in Portland during a layover

Portland’s compact layout, vibrant culture, and proximity to nature make it perfect for exploring during a layover. Hop on the light rail connection to the city, and you'll find yourself right in the middle of the action shortly after leaving the airport. And if you want to go further and explore some of the incredible scenery surrounding the city, it's not hard to find a rental car so you can get out of the city itself and explore the Columbia Gorge or beyond.

There's so much to do in Portland that you're almost spoiled for choice, especially on a short layover. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Short layover (2-3 hours): Relax at PDX

If you have a brief layover, stay at the airport and enjoy its amenities.

• Activities: Explore shops featuring local products, like Made in Oregon, for unique gifts and souvenirs. Remember that Oregon has no sales tax, so shopping here can be cheaper than many other places. You can also relax in the comfortable seating areas or enjoy free wifi.
• Dining: Try local favorites like Deschutes Brewery for craft beer and pub food or grab a fresh cup of coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

Half-day layover (4-6 hours): Explore downtown

With a few hours, you can explore downtown Portland’s highlights.

• Activities: Take the MAX Light Rail downtown and start at Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as Portland’s living room. Stroll through Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. The crowded shelves of this bookstore are no place for heavy bags, so make sure you leave yours behind at a Bounce luggage storage before you visit. With your bags safely looked after, you can fill your arms with books instead before heading back to the airport to catch your connecting flight. You can also walk along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a scenic stretch by the Willamette River.
• Dining: Visit Food Cart Pods, such as the 5th Avenue Pod, to sample a variety of cuisines from Portland’s famous food carts. For a sit-down meal, try modern Indian fare at Mint Progressive near Pioneer Square.

Full-day (8+ hour) layover: Dive into Portland’s culture and nature

A longer layover allows for a deeper exploration of the city and nearby attractions.

• Activities: Start your day in the Pearl District, a trendy neighborhood with art galleries, boutique shops, and cafes. Visit Washington Park, which includes the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. Both offer stunning views and a peaceful escape. Next, explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, for a short hike or a leisurely walk. Whatever pace you choose to explore at, it will be a lot easier if you leave your bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage. Drop off your things with us so that you can make the most of your time in nature.
• If time permits, head to Alberta Arts District for street art, unique shops, and vibrant local culture. This is a great place to see the much-celebrated weird side of Portland and experience the unrivaled creativity of the city.
• Dining: Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Le Pigeon, a celebrated restaurant known for its innovative dishes. Grab a treat at Voodoo Doughnut, famous for its quirky, delicious doughnuts. There are often long lines at this famous donut shop, so leave your heavy bags behind with Bounce to make your wait time easier.

Tips for making the most of your Portland layover

• Plan for security: Allow at least an hour to return to PDX and clear security for your connecting flight.
• Weather: Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Transit: The MAX Light Rail is reliable and the best option for avoiding traffic. Leaving your bags behind with Bounce luggage storage makes it even easier to navigate the city's public transportation network and make the most of your trip.
• Local flavor: Portland’s food and coffee scenes are exceptional, so don’t miss the chance to indulge.

Whether you’re exploring Powell’s City of Books, enjoying fresh air at Washington Park, or savoring a meal from Portland’s famous food carts, a layover in Portland offers a blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. Even a short visit can give you a memorable taste of this vibrant Pacific Northwest city. Let us look after your heavy bags so that you can really explore the city and get to know it, even on a short layover.