Portland Streetcar vs. TriMet vs. driving downtown: at a glance
| Portland Streetcar | TriMet bus and MAX | Driving downtown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One trip | $2.00 (streetcar-only, 2.5 hours) | $2.80 (adult, 2.5 hours); also valid on the Streetcar | SmartPark garage: $2.35 per hour (weekdays, first four hours) |
| Reduced fare (Honored Citizen, youth) | $1.00 | $1.40 | n/a |
| Full day | Not listed on the fare page; kids 6 and under ride free | Adults capped at $5.60 per day when paying by phone or contactless card | Garage day rate: $13–$18 on weekdays, $7 on weekends |
| Monthly | $40 pass ($20 reduced) | Adults capped at $100 per calendar month when paying by phone or contactless card | SmartPark monthly pass: from $246 (Naito & Davis) to $287.75 (1st & Jefferson) |
| Where it goes | Central city: the NS Line (NW 23rd to the South Waterfront) and the A and B Loops (Pearl District, Broadway Bridge, Lloyd, OMSI, Tilikum Crossing, PSU) | Regional bus and MAX light rail network | Anywhere the roads go |
| How you pay | Tap a Hop card, Apple Pay or Google Wallet, or a debit or credit card on the green Hop validator | Same | Garage or meter |
For many trips around downtown Portland, the Streetcar can be a more affordable and convenient option than driving. A $2 fare provides 2.5 hours of travel, compared to downtown parking rates that can cost $3.20 per hour. While driving may be faster for some trips, the Streetcar eliminates the need to navigate traffic or find parking.
It depends on where you're traveling. Portland Streetcar connects destinations throughout downtown, the Pearl District, and South Waterfront, with frequent stops that make it convenient for shorter trips. TriMet MAX Light Rail serves a larger regional network and is often better suited for longer commutes. Both services can be used together to reach destinations throughout Portland.
Portland Streetcar operates on fixed rail routes through Portland's central city, while TriMet buses serve a much larger area with routes throughout the region. Both services accept Hop Fastpass, making it easy to transfer between them. TriMet fares are valid on Portland Streetcar, and riders starting with a Streetcar-only fare can pay the difference when transferring to TriMet bus or MAX Light Rail.
If you're planning to explore downtown Portland, the Pearl District, or South Waterfront, public transit is a convenient alternative to renting a car. Portland Streetcar connects many popular attractions, restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods without the added expense of parking. For destinations farther outside the city, such as the Columbia River Gorge or Oregon wine country, renting a car may be more practical.
A Portland Streetcar fare costs $2 and is valid for 2.5 hours. A Streetcar-only monthly pass is also available for $40.
You can purchase a Hop card at participating local retailers or visit myhopcard.com to manage your account and purchase fares.
Tap a Hop card, Apple Pay or Google Wallet, or a debit or credit card on the green Hop validator when you board. Keep your fare available to show Streetcar staff if asked.
Portland Streetcar generally operates from around 6 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Service hours may vary by route and day.
Yes. All Portland Streetcar vehicles feature low-floor boarding and are wheelchair accessible. All Streetcar stops are accessible as well.