Getting Around Portland

Most visitors comment about how easy it is to get around Portland. The Willamette River is Portland's east-west dividing line. Burnside Street separates north from south. The city's 200-foot-long blocks make them easy to walk, but you can also explore the downtown core and Nob Hill by MAX light rail, the Portland Streetcar, or TriMet buses. Closer to the downtown core are the Pearl District and Old Town/Chinatown. Both the Pearl District and Nob Hill have a plethora of restaurants, specialty shops, and nightspots.

Aside from being pedestrian-friendly through inviting sidewalk sights and sounds, you can also explore the entire downtown for free through TriMet's "fareless square" system. Fare is not required when boarding buses, MAX light-rail, or streetcars when traveling within this designated area. Just say "fareless" as you board, and be sure to get off before you pass into a fare zone; drivers really do take note of who is riding for free, and may ask you to get off.

Taking advantage of the Zipcar car-sharing service is also a great way to get around Portland when you want a vehicle without major expense. Obtaining membership is easy: sign up online to become a member (www.zipcar.com) based on a few simple guidelines; once you've applied, it takes only a few days for approval. An individual annual membership fee is $50 and members have use of Zipcars in many other major U.S. cities.

Unlike a car rental agency, car-sharing vehicles are dispersed throughout the city rather than at a single location. Once your reservation is made, you go to your car's location and let yourself in without paperwork or extra charges. Rates start at $8 per hour or $56 per day, and are all-inclusive.