How Far is PDX From Downtown Portland? The Not-So-Great Debate (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Far, But We Can Still Debate It)
Ah, Portland. City of Roses, quirky neighborhoods, and...debates about the distance to the airport? That's right, folks. Here in Portland, we don't just argue about the best brunch spot (shoutout to Pine State Biscuits!), we also like to wrestle with the existential question: just how far is PDX from downtown?
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| How Far Is Pdx From Downtown Portland |
Is it a Stone's Throw Away?
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Maybe if you're Andre the Giant throwing a pebble. The truth is, PDX (Portland International Airport, for those not in the know) sits a comfortable 9-ish miles northeast of downtown. That's close enough for a quick Uber ride (with a decent playlist, of course) but far enough to avoid the constant rumble of airplanes overhead (unless you're into that kind of white noise).
But Wait, There's More! The Great PDX Distance Conspiracy
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Some folks, bless their hearts, will swear up and down that PDX feels further than 9 miles. Blame it on the crafty layout of our freeways, the lure of delicious donuts on the way (looking at you, Voodoo Doughnut), or maybe just a touch of Portland eccentricity. Hey, whatever helps you pass the time, right?
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The Verdict: It's Close Enough, But Feel Free to Embrace the Journey
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Here's the bottom line: PDX is close enough to downtown that you won't be spending hours in traffic (unless you hit rush hour, but that's a whole other story). But hey, if you want to pretend it's a daring adventure, who are we to judge? Pack your snacks, crank up the tunes, and get ready to conquer those 9 miles (or whatever distance feels most dramatic in your mind).
Bonus Tip: Download the Trimet app to see how long the MAX train ride will take. It's a scenic route, plus you can avoid the whole "how far is it?" debate altogether.
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How To FAQs:
- How to get from PDX to downtown Portland?
Easy! Take your pick: rent a car, hail an Uber/Lyft, or hop on the convenient MAX light rail. - How long does it take to get from PDX to downtown?
By car, it's about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The MAX takes around 35 minutes. - How much does a taxi cost from PDX to downtown?
Roughly $30-$40, but always check rates beforehand. - How can I avoid traffic getting from PDX to downtown?
Take the MAX! It's a reliable and affordable option. - How do I find the MAX station at PDX?
Look for signs or ask a friendly airport employee. It's well-marked and easy to find.
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