I will be travelling around Oregon for about two weeks flying in from NY. Spending the first 2 days in Portland. Is it easy to get around Portland without a car, or should I rent the car at the airport for the entire trip?
2007-01-23 05:50:38 · 7 answers · asked by ecoblens 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Portland
The main section of Portland does have a great public transportation system but for any towns outside the hub, a car is needed.
The most relavant reason for renting a car is because the rates are better by the week than by the day. If you rent the car for a full 2 weeks the two days you were trying to save money on will most likely not cost you anything extra (the 5 days would be more than a week rental). And there is very good parking (free) in most of Portland, so having the car is always a good idea.
2007-01-23 07:19:19 · answer #1 · answered by An Oregon Nut 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. If you plan on ONLY staying in the downtown Portland area, then NO, you don't really need a car because of walking, the max and bus system. But, if you want to actually get OUT of the downtown area and truly SEE what Oregon is all about, ie: Multnomah Falls (ya gotta see that) the coast, wine country (we have lots of wineries out here and you can go wine tasting) up to Mt Hood or a myraid of other places, NOT accessible by foot or bus...then I highly recommend getting a car.
Now, if you are going to be quite happy just going around downtown, the Chinese Gardens, the zoo, OMSI, the Art Museum, the Pearl District, Powell's Books, Pioneer Place Mall, etc, then No, you don't really need a car.
2007-01-26 03:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by lauriegirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends, if you are just wanting to stay in Portland, then no you don't need a car. The public transportation there is some of the best around. But, if you are wanting to travel any distance away from Portland, rent a car. Hope that helps!
2007-01-23 06:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by bldenotes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your destination is the city of Portland or any of the nearby suburbs, there is no need for a car at all. The downtown area is very walkable, the MAX light rail is one of the best public transit systems anywhere, and if you're willing to ride a bus you can easily and conveniently get absolutely anywhere in the metro area. Get an all-zone day pass, and you're good to go.
The only reason to have a car is if you wanted to visit nearby attractions in rural areas, such as Multnomah Falls or Mt. Hood. There are even buses to some of those attractions, but schedules can be inconvenient.
2007-01-23 11:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by dmb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a tremendous desire to visit Portland. While I realize basing that desire totally on travel shows I've seen on TV may be shallow, I seriously want to visit Portland and from there try to learn nore about Oregon I should know. I live in the deep south and have never even been to that part of the country.
2016-03-28 22:56:00 · answer #5 · answered by Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a forever Oregonian, not telling age here lol!
Every time I go myself to Portland I always give two hours to being lost. Seattle I feel is easier then Portland to drive through. I do not drive much anymore but when I did OMG!
I would use public transportation if I were you, or a taxi.
Anyhoo I get lost....
2007-01-27 05:02:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A car would help. Portland is on a grid system and is very easy to get around.
2007-01-23 05:59:07 · answer #7 · answered by royal h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋