PDX decoded: Portland airport code and travel guide
Portland, Oregon’s airport abbreviation is PDX. This guide also resolves the Portland, Maine PWM mix-up and covers terminals, security, parking, MAX Red Line, rideshare, international arrivals, accessibility and current PDX changes.
Check these live PDX pages before you leave
Flight times, TSA queues, parking occupancy and transit service can change within minutes. These cards therefore open the official source instead of copying a number into this article and pretending it is live.
What is the Portland, Oregon airport code?
PDX is the IATA airport code for Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon, USA. It is the three-letter abbreviation used on airline tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, booking systems and passenger flight-status screens.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
The four-letter ICAO code is KPDX, used in aviation operations and weather/flight-planning systems. The airport’s FAA location identifier is also PDX.
Why is Portland International Airport abbreviated PDX?
Portland once used the two-letter identifier PD. As U.S. airport identifiers expanded to three letters, an X was added as a placeholder, producing the familiar PDX. That is similar to how Los Angeles became LAX.
The older two-letter identifier
PD reflected Portland and was also associated with the local weather-station identifier used before three-letter airport codes became standard.
The third letter is not “international”
The X acts as a filler or placeholder. PDX does not mean “Portland Domestic X” or “Portland International X.”
PDX vs PWM, KPDX and the “blue” confusion
Several different searches sound like the same airport question but lead to different travel decisions. Use this section before booking a hotel, parking, rental car or transfer.
Portland, Oregon = PDX; Portland, Maine = PWM
| Detail | Portland, Oregon | Portland, Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger code | PDX | PWM |
| Airport | Portland International Airport | Portland International Jetport |
| State | Oregon | Maine |
| Address clue | 7000 NE Airport Way | 1001 Westbrook Street |
| Why the Maine code looks unusual | PDX developed from the older PD identifier with X added when U.S. codes expanded to three letters. | PWM traces to Portland-Westbrook-Municipal and early aviation beacon navigation. |
PDX vs KPDX: which code should a passenger use?
For normal travel bookings, luggage and airline searches, use PDX. KPDX is the ICAO form used by aviation professionals, operational systems and many aviation-weather products. Typing KPDX into a consumer airline booking site is usually unnecessary.
What does “blue” mean at Portland airport?
The airport rail line is Red
PDX is served by TriMet’s MAX Red Line, not the Blue Line.
The famous carpet is blue-green / teal
The iconic PDX carpet pattern is part of airport culture, not part of the IATA or ICAO code.
Economy parking has Blue and Red areas
FlyPDX lists accessible spaces in both Economy sections: Blue 53 and Red 33. Record the color and shelter before boarding the shuttle.
Use these PDX planning tools
These calculators do not replace airline cutoffs or live airport data. They convert common PDX decisions into a practical starting point and then point you to the official source for final confirmation.
Which Portland airport?
Choose the state or clue on your reservation.
Recommended terminal-arrival time
Enter the departure time in Portland local time.
PDX parking estimate
Is your passenger ready for curb pickup?
PDX terminal and concourse guide
PDX has one main passenger terminal with Concourses B, C, D and E. The post-security concourse connector is open, so a screened passenger can reach every gate from either checkpoint. That does not mean both checkpoints are equally convenient—use the checkpoint corresponding to your gate whenever practical.
Concourse B
South-side gates. Family restroom near B6; lactation room opposite Good Coffee; post-security pet relief is accessible from the B/C side.
Concourse C
South-side concourse with a broad mix of concessions. The Hollywood Theatre microcinema and airport art are among the distinctive PDX amenities.
Concourse D
North-side gates. Sensory Room near D10, family restroom near D4, pet relief across from D5 and Escape Lounge in the D8–D10 area.
Concourse E
North-side gates. Family restroom near E8 and a single-stall all-user restroom between E8 and E9.
PDX airport levels: where to go after you arrive
The current airport map separates key passenger functions by level. Knowing the level is often faster than searching for a business name while carrying luggage.
Baggage Claim
Bag carousels, MAX access, customer help and routes toward ground transportation. Standard Uber/Lyft and taxi pickup is reached from here via the tunnel to the Transportation Plaza.
Ticketing, security & gates
Airline counters, the B/C and D/E checkpoints, concession halls and the four concourses.
Mezzanine & lounges
Current map location for PDX Lost & Found plus lounges, art and additional public-space amenities.
Tunnels & Transportation Plaza
Pedestrian tunnels connect terminal/parking areas; standard rideshare and taxi pickup is on Short-Term Garage P1 Level 1.
Do you need to leave security during a PDX connection?
Usually no. Concourses B/C/D/E are connected post-security. Check the new gate and walk through the connector.
Yes, federal entry steps apply. Clear passport control, collect bags, clear customs, recheck eligible bags and pass TSA screening before the onward gate.
Do not assume bags will transfer or that the second airline protects a missed flight. Confirm bag collection, new check-in and the second carrier’s cutoff.
PDX TSA checkpoint hours, PreCheck and arrival-time planning
| Checkpoint | Best match | Published hours | PreCheck lanes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B/C | Concourses B & C | Closed 10:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m. | About 4:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| D/E | Concourses D & E | 24 hours | About 4:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
TSA ConfirmID if you arrive without acceptable ID
From February 1, 2026, travelers age 18+ who arrive without a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted identification may be offered TSA ConfirmID. FlyPDX currently describes a $45 fee valid for 10 consecutive travel days; the receipt must be presented to begin verification. Paying does not guarantee TSA will authorize access.
Security micro-tips that can prevent a missed flight
- Check the airline’s bag-drop cutoff, not only departure time.
- Use the live FlyPDX TSA wait before leaving.
- PDX says most passengers no longer remove shoes as of July 2025.
- Medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz may be permitted but should be declared for inspection.
- If a prohibited item is caught, PDX lists Mailsafe Express as a mailing option at checkpoints.
- Airline-issued gate passes are discretionary; the TSA desk cannot issue one.
Passport control, bags, customs and connections at PDX
For an international flight arriving at PDX without U.S. preclearance, do not calculate your pickup or connection from touchdown alone. The official airport says the full immigration/customs process plus the short terminal shuttle is typically about 20–90 minutes, and secondary inspection can extend it.
Passport Control
Follow federal inspection signs with passport and required entry documents ready.
Claim checked baggage
Collect checked bags before customs, including bags tagged to a final U.S. destination unless an official instruction for your itinerary says otherwise.
Customs and agriculture
Declare items when required. If uncertain, ask the CBP officer rather than guessing.
Recheck onward bags
Use the Baggage Recheck Center when your baggage tags match the final destination.
Re-screen or use the terminal shuttle
If the Federal Inspection Station checkpoint is operating, connecting passengers can re-screen there and enter Concourse D. Otherwise, use the airport shuttle to baggage claim, go to the ticket lobby and clear a regular TSA checkpoint.
Mobile Passport Control
PDX supports CBP Mobile Passport Control for eligible travelers. Use the current CBP app/instructions rather than third-party immigration apps.
Global Entry
Global Entry kiosks can expedite eligible members. Enrollment and eligibility are controlled by CBP.
Meeting an international passenger
After processing and the shuttle, international passengers reach the public baggage-claim level opposite carousel 9. Wait for the passenger’s message before approaching the curb.
PDX parking: rates, 7th-day free, EV charging and accessible spaces
| Parking | Rate | Best fit | Current useful detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | $4/hr · $30/day | Shortest walk / meeting someone | 3,750 spaces · 8-ft clearance · 24 EV chargers · Level 4 skybridges + tunnels |
| Long-Term | $4/hr · $24/day | Walkable multi-day stay | 5,300 spaces · 8-ft clearance · 10 EV chargers · North/South tunnels |
| Economy | $4/hr · $15/day | Lowest official daily price | 7,800 spaces · 36 EV chargers · shuttle · 7th day free |
| Valet | $10/hr · $45/day | Fast handoff | FlyPDX lists it as always open / never full; EV charging available |
Economy shuttle timing
Normally every 7–9 minutes from 4 a.m.–midnight and every 15 minutes midnight–4 a.m. The shuttle ride itself is about 7–9 minutes.
Accessible daily maximum
A valid state-issued disabled credential qualifies for a current $15/day maximum in Short-Term, Long-Term or Economy; use a staffed cashier for the discount.
Economy Blue vs Red
Accessible-space inventory is listed as Blue 53 and Red 33. Save the color and shelter letter before leaving the car.
Disabled veteran benefit
Qualifying service-connected disabled veterans can receive up to 14 consecutive days of validated Economy parking when required documentation is presented.
Free vehicle assistance
PDX parking staff provide free jump-start and flat-tire help 24/7. The parking assistance number is 503-460-4848.
Remember where you parked
Garage elevator QR codes can prefill your parking location in FlyPDX’s “Remember Where You Parked” tool and give directions back to the vehicle.
MAX Red Line, Uber/Lyft, taxi and rental cars at PDX
MAX Red Line to downtown Portland
The airport station is on the lower level near baggage claim. TriMet lists the airport-to-downtown ride at about 40 minutes, an adult fare of $2.80, and service every 15 minutes or less during much of the day.
Do not treat MAX as 24-hour service. Current published first/last times depend on day and destination; check your exact trip before an early flight or late arrival.
Uber, Lyft and Wingz pickup
Arriving passengers use the Transportation Plaza on Level 1 of the Short-Term Parking Garage. Follow the tunnel/signs and then the provider-labeled garage columns. Rideshare drop-off for a departing passenger remains outside the terminal on the departures level.
Taxi and wheelchair-accessible taxi
Standard taxi pickup also uses the Transportation Plaza. For wheelchair-accessible taxi service, PDX lists 503-865-4928 (PDX WAV), 24/7.
Rental car center without an airport shuttle
From baggage claim, follow Rental Car Center signs through the South Tunnel adjacent to carousels 3 and 4. The consolidated center removed the old need for circulating rental-car shuttles. For returns, use the designated Airport Way lane and company/garage signs.
Free bicycle and motorcycle parking
Motorcycle parking is free on Short-Term Garage Level 1 near the Transportation Plaza; free bicycle racks are provided at terminal roadway locations.
PDX pickup, drop-off and Cell Phone Waiting Area
Dropping off
- Confirm flight and airline counter availability.
- Use departures/terminal roadway as signed.
- Unload only while the driver remains with the vehicle.
- Do not leave a vehicle unattended at the curb.
Picking up
- Track actual arrival, not scheduled arrival.
- Wait for baggage collection.
- Ask the passenger for upper/lower roadway and meeting point.
- Enter the curb only for active loading.
Cell Phone Waiting Area
Near NE Airport Way and NE 82nd Avenue. It is free, intended for short waits, and roughly a three-minute drive from the terminal. FlyPDX describes a 30-minute maximum; the driver must remain with the vehicle.
PDX wheelchair, visual, hearing and hidden-disability support
The most useful distinction is who provides what: your airline handles flight-related wheelchair/boarding assistance; TSA Cares helps with screening; FlyPDX provides terminal accessibility, navigation, sensory and communication resources.
Wheelchair assistance
Reserve through the airline, preferably when booking or at least 48 hours before arriving at PDX. On travel day, call 503-460-4300 to connect with the wheelchair provider; FlyPDX warns arrival can take up to 30 minutes.
GoodMaps indoor navigation
Free audio + visual navigation covers the terminal and all four concourses, supports 18 languages and can calculate a step-free route.
Aira visual interpretation
Aira connects blind/low-vision travelers with a live visual interpreter who can describe surroundings, read signs or help navigate.
Visual paging
PDX supplements overhead announcements with visual paging so Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing travelers can receive important pages. International-arrival white phones can connect to paging assistance.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Sunflower materials are available at airline ticket counters or the Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim. The lanyard signals that extra time, understanding or assistance may be helpful.
Sensory bag and Sensory Room
Complimentary bags include hearing-protection earmuffs, fidgets, coloring materials, a Sunflower lanyard, Plane Spotter Guide and Emotional Thermometer. Pick one up at Travel Oregon or TSA supervisor desks; the Sensory Room is near D10.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and parking
Official printable resources for first-time and special-needs passengers
FlyPDX’s accessibility hub links a Resource Guide for first-time and special-needs passengers plus a printer-friendly terminal map. Because PDX is still updating baggage-claim areas, use the printable material for preparation and the interactive map for the final live route.
PDX family restrooms, lactation rooms, gate passes and pet relief
Family restrooms
Post-security locations include near B6, D4 and E8. Pre-security, FlyPDX lists two just past the ticket hall plus another in the Rental Car Center.
Lactation rooms
Current published examples: pre-security behind Hello From Portland; Concourse B opposite Good Coffee; D beside D4; E opposite E8. Rooms include counter space, outlets, sink and chair.
Gate pass for a helper
Only an airline decides whether to issue a gate pass for someone assisting a child, older adult or traveler with special needs. The TSA checkpoint cannot issue it; verify airline ticket-counter hours first.
Pet relief
Pre-security: outside the south end of baggage claim. Post-security: on the B/C side near Stumptown Coffee and Concourse D across from D5. Both post-security areas are wheelchair accessible.
Animal pickup can be cargo or terminal
Call the airline before driving in. An animal shipped as cargo may be collected at an airline cargo office rather than baggage claim.
Medical liquids
Medically necessary liquids, gels and cooling items can exceed normal 3-1-1 quantities when permitted by TSA; declare items that require special screening.
PDX Wi-Fi, water, lounges, overnight rules and practical amenities
Free Wi-Fi
Free airport Wi-Fi is available through the terminal, Rental Car Center and MAX platform. Use the current official network shown by PDX.
Water refill
The current interactive map lists multiple water stations throughout passenger areas. Empty a reusable bottle before TSA and refill after screening.
Overnight rule
PDX is open 24/7 and allows an overnight stay when you have a boarding pass or reservation for a departure within 24 hours. Airline counters and most concessions keep separate hours.
No luggage storage
PDX does not provide general luggage storage. Do not build a long layover plan around leaving bags in the terminal.
No Oregon sales tax + street pricing
Oregon has no sales tax, and PDX is known for a street-pricing policy intended to avoid airport markups at shops and restaurants.
Mailing a prohibited item
If TSA finds a prohibited object, PDX lists Mailsafe Express as an alternative to surrendering it when the item can legally be mailed.
Hollywood Theatre microcinema
A small free cinema in Concourse C screens short films and is a useful low-cost layover activity.
Art + live music
The current map includes gallery/art and live-music locations; use the map to see what is near your gate rather than crossing the airport unnecessarily.
PDX Customer Service
Call or text 503-460-4234. FlyPDX lists staffed hours of 6:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m. daily.
Lounges: check access before walking across the airport
| Lounge | Current map area | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Lounge | South Concession Hall / Level 3 | Confirm membership, eligible itinerary and current hours. |
| Delta Sky Club | Concourse D / Level 3 | Delta access rules apply. |
| United Club | Concourse E / Level 3 | Verify current access and hours with United. |
| Escape Lounge | Concourse D / Level 3 | Common-use access may include eligible programs or paid entry; confirm first. |
Delayed, canceled or missed flight at PDX: who can actually help?
Contact the operating airline first. Airport customer service cannot change a ticket, issue airline hotel vouchers or protect a missed connection.
Use FlyPDX for airport conditions, TSA and construction; use the airline app for your individual flight. A normal-looking airport does not mean your aircraft/crew is on time.
Check TriMet service alerts or current road conditions before committing to the same ground route. Build a backup taxi/rideshare plan for the first/last train window.
Separate-ticket connection warning
If the onward flight is on a separate ticket, the second airline may not protect you after a delay. Confirm whether bags transfer, whether you need to check in again, and the second carrier’s baggage/check-in deadline.
What to save before a disruption
- Operating-airline confirmation number
- Boarding pass screenshot
- Bag-tag receipt
- Travel-insurance / card-benefit details
- Hotel cancellation terms
- Alternative MAX/rideshare route
Use FlyPDX virtual tours for routes that are easier to see than read
FlyPDX publishes visual walkthroughs for situations such as the international-arrival shuttle, parking and the Cell Phone Waiting Area. They are especially helpful for a first PDX visit, a driver unfamiliar with airport roads, or a traveler who wants to preview the route before arrival.
The $2.15B PDX main terminal project is complete; baggage-claim work continues
On June 30, 2026, the Port of Portland announced completion of the 11-year, $2.15 billion main-terminal reconstruction. The project finished on time and on budget without closing the airport for a day, while improving passenger flow, seismic resilience and the terminal’s environmental performance.
Pacific Northwest mass timber
The signature roof was designed around regional materials and identity, which is why this page uses a PDX-specific timber-canopy animation instead of a generic airport hero.
Biophilic terminal
The finished main terminal incorporates living trees/plants and natural light to create a strong Pacific Northwest sense of place.
What is still changing
Baggage-claim improvements continue. Temporary walls, meeting points or walking routes can change even though the main-terminal reconstruction is formally complete.
Lost a phone, bag or ID at PDX? Start with the place it disappeared
| Where it was lost | Best first contact | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft / airline-controlled area | Operating airline | Use the airline’s lost-item process; include flight, seat, date and item detail. |
| Public terminal / airport area | PDX Lost & Found | Submit the official free inquiry and give the exact area/time. |
| Checked bag missing | Airline baggage service | Report before leaving when possible; keep the baggage-tag receipt. |
| You believe it was stolen | Police report | Lost & Found handles lost property; suspected theft follows the police process. |
Where is PDX Lost & Found now?
The current official location is Level 3 (mezzanine) in the main terminal. Walk through the trees toward the large stadium staircase, then go up by stairs, escalator or elevator. This replaces older search results that place the office near baggage claim.
Drop boxes and an urgent essential item
PDX has Lost & Found drop boxes across concourses, checkpoints, baggage claim, ticket hall and the Rental Car Center. Items normally route to the office within 24 hours. If an essential item—such as a wallet, ID, medical supply, keys, phone or prescription glasses—was just placed in a drop box, call the PDX Communications Center at 503-460-4747 and identify the drop-box location.
PDX travel-day checklist
- Verify the ticket says PDX, not PWM.
- Confirm operating airline and gate.
- Check live flight status.
- Check live TSA wait and checkpoint hours.
- Review REAL ID / accepted identification.
- Check airline bag-drop cutoff.
- Review baggage size and battery rules.
- Check current baggage-claim construction.
- Check parking occupancy before driving.
- If using MAX, verify first/last train.
- Request wheelchair help in advance.
- International travelers: keep passport accessible.
- Drivers: wait for a curb-ready message.
- Save PDX Customer Service number.
- Keep medication and valuables in carry-on.
- Screenshot key reservations as backup.
Portland International Airport contact information
PDX Customer Service
503-460-4234
Call or text · staffed daily 6:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Toll-free information
Lost & Found
Wheelchair assistance
Accessible taxi
503-865-4928 · PDX WAV
Airport address
7000 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97218
Frequently asked questions about Portland airport codes and PDX travel
What is the Portland, Oregon airport code?
What is the Portland, Maine airport code?
Why is Portland airport abbreviated PDX?
What is KPDX?
Is “blue” the Portland airport code?
How many terminals does PDX have?
Can I reach every PDX gate from either security checkpoint?
What are the PDX checkpoint hours?
How early should I arrive at PDX?
What is TSA ConfirmID at PDX?
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at PDX?
Does MAX go to PDX?
Does the MAX Red Line run 24 hours?
How much is official PDX parking?
Can I reserve official PDX parking?
What is the PDX Economy 7th-day-free rule?
Where is PDX Lost & Found?
What happens during an international connection at PDX?
How long can international arrival processing take at PDX?
Is PDX open 24 hours?
Can I sleep overnight at PDX?
Does PDX have luggage storage?
What accessibility support does PDX offer?
Where are PDX family and lactation rooms?
What changed at PDX in 2026?
How this PDX guide was checked
This refresh compared live search-result competitors with current first-party airport/transit/federal sources. Where third-party pages conflicted with FlyPDX—especially rideshare pickup and Lost & Found—the current official PDX source was used.