Service Overview
Taxis at Portland International Airport (PDX) are a 24/7, curbside option for getting into Portland and the surrounding area without needing an app or advance booking. You’ll find a mix of licensed local providers, including Broadway Cab Company, Flat Cab, PDX Yellow Cab, LLC, and Radio Cab Company, plus other permitted local operators.
This is often the best choice for families with luggage, travelers arriving late, and business travelers who want door-to-door service with minimal walking. Reliability is generally strong because taxis are staged at the airport, but during peak arrival waves you may see a short queue (or a short wait for larger vehicles).
Route & Destinations
- Where taxis go: Direct, door-to-door service to Downtown Portland, the Pearl District, PSU area, Northwest Portland, and neighborhoods across the metro region.
- Typical time to city center: About 25–40 minutes to Downtown Portland (traffic dependent; the airport is roughly 8–10 miles away).
- Coverage: Most taxis will take trips throughout Portland and nearby cities; longer trips are possible but will cost more.
- Connections: If you’re heading somewhere well-served by transit, consider connecting to the MAX Red Line light rail from the terminal area for a traffic-free ride to downtown (about 39 minutes).
Pricing & Tickets
- Fares: Taxi pricing is metered and varies by distance, time, and traffic. Exact totals aren’t fixed, so expect higher costs than public transit.
- How to pay: Most airport taxis accept credit/debit cards and cash; confirm card acceptance with the driver before departing if you prefer not to use cash.
- Tipping: Customary in the U.S.; tip based on service (and consider extra for heavy bags).
- Alternatives for budget: The MAX Red Line is typically cheapest (adult fare noted at $2.80), while shared shuttles may start around $18/person.
Schedule & Frequency
- Hours: Taxis operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at PDX.
- Frequency: On-demand; vehicles are usually waiting at the stand. During peak periods, lines can form and waits may increase.
- Late night/early morning: Taxis are one of the most dependable options when transit frequency drops, especially for very early departures or late arrivals.
Practical Tips
- Pickup point: Follow signs to the lower-level roadway outside baggage claim for the taxi stand.
- Luggage: Standard sedans handle typical suitcases; if you have a large group or oversized bags, ask the starter/dispatcher for a larger vehicle if available.
- Accessibility: For wheelchair-accessible taxi service, request PDX WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) at 503-865-4928.
- Receipt: Take a receipt with the cab number/driver details—helpful for lost items or expense reports.
- Best alternatives: For predictable pricing, compare with Uber/Lyft (picked up from Level 1 of the Short-Term Parking garage). For the lowest cost and no traffic delays, use the MAX Red Line.