Portland Aerial Tram
Soar above Portland on a scenic aerial tram ride, offering panoramic views of the city, river, and mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best mountain and city views
Portland Aerial Tram
Best Time
Best mountain and city views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above Portland on a scenic aerial tram ride, offering panoramic views of the city, river, and mountains.
"Breathtaking views of the city and beyond make this a must-do Portland experience!"
🎯 Grab a Window Seat
Secure a spot by the windows for the best unobstructed views of Portland and beyond.
💰 Round Trip Fare
The round trip fare is around $8 per person, offering great value for the views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Vistas
During the tram ride
Soar above Portland for breathtaking views of the Willamette River, bridges, and downtown skyline.
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Distant Mountain Views
From the tram and upper terminal
On clear days, spot iconic peaks like Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Tabor.
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Unique Transportation Experience
The tram itself
Experience a unique mode of public transit, offering a fun and efficient way to ascend Marquam Hill.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Know Before You Go: OHSU Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab a Window Seat
Secure a spot by the windows for the best unobstructed views of Portland and beyond.
💰 Round Trip Fare
The round trip fare is around $8 per person, offering great value for the views.
⏰ Go Early on Weekends
Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, to avoid lines and enjoy a less crowded experience.
☕ Snack Before You Ride
Eat and use restrooms before boarding, as food and drinks aren't allowed on the tram.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab a Window Seat
Secure a spot by the windows for the best unobstructed views of Portland and beyond.
💰 Round Trip Fare
The round trip fare is around $8 per person, offering great value for the views.
⏰ Go Early on Weekends
Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, to avoid lines and enjoy a less crowded experience.
☕ Snack Before You Ride
Eat and use restrooms before boarding, as food and drinks aren't allowed on the tram.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning aerial perspectives of the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Portland Aerial Tram for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city, river, and distant mountains, calling it a unique and scenic experience. While the ride is short and the upper terminal primarily serves OHSU, the affordable round-trip fare makes it a worthwhile attraction for most. Some note that it's more of a scenic transit than a destination in itself.
"The views were amazing but the ride was very short- maybe 2 or 3 minutes at most. It’s like $8 a person for round trip so not bad. Many of the people that were on it used it for work transportation. If you do go on it, try to get a spot by the windows so you can see the views."
Jessica Hanneken
"Highly recommend taking a ride on the tram! It gives you the best views of the city! It's like $5 to go up and down. It's awesome! Great views from the top of downtown Portland and some historic views of the new & old - Mt. St. Helens, Rocky Butte, to Mt. Tabor (look for the sign/graphic of the "Past and Future" of Portland located at the top of tram)."
Chase
"The aerial tram runs every day except Sunday, departing every 5 minutes and offering breathtaking views of the city and mountains. For a round trip fare of $8 per person."
Oleksandra Synytsia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lower terminal is located in the South Waterfront district. You can reach it via public transit, including streetcar and bus lines, or by car. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, the tram is well-integrated with Portland's public transportation system. The Portland Streetcar's South Waterfront line stops near the lower terminal.
The Portland Aerial Tram has two terminals: the South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal and the OHSU Upper Tram Terminal on Marquam Hill.
The tram provides a direct and scenic route from the South Waterfront to the OHSU campus on Marquam Hill, ideal for hospital staff and visitors.
Yes, there are parking garages and street parking options available in the South Waterfront area near the lower terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The round trip fare for the Portland Aerial Tram is approximately $8 per person.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the station. It's advisable to check the official website for any updates on ticketing procedures.
The tram generally operates daily, with hours varying slightly. It's recommended to check the official OHSU or Portland Aerial Tram website for the most current schedule.
The Portland Aerial Tram operates as a separate fare system and is not typically covered by standard TriMet passes. A specific fare is required.
No, there is a fare for the round trip ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, typically around $8 per person.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll get panoramic views of downtown Portland, the Willamette River, bridges, and on clear days, distant mountains like Mount Hood.
While the top terminal is at OHSU, there are observation areas with great views. You can also explore the campus or nearby trails.
The ride itself is quite short, lasting only about 4 minutes each way, offering a quick but scenic journey.
The tram is enclosed and moves smoothly, but it does ascend quite high. If you have a severe fear of heights, it might be challenging.
Absolutely! The tram is a fantastic spot for photography, especially on clear days. Remember to be mindful of other passengers.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning cityscapes and mountain views.
The tram windows provide excellent vantage points. At the upper terminal, the observation areas offer wider perspectives of the city.
You can photograph the Willamette River, various bridges, downtown Portland's skyline, and on clear days, prominent mountains.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be respectful of other passengers and avoid intrusive flash photography.
Use a wider aperture for better low-light performance and consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the windows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, consider bringing snacks and drinks to enjoy before you board, as they aren't permitted on the tram. The observation areas at the top offer space to move around and take in the sights. It's a relatively low-cost activity that provides memorable views and a unique mode of transport.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your tram ride with a picnic lunch or snacks purchased from a local market to keep costs down. Since the primary attraction is the view and the ride itself, you can easily enjoy the experience without additional spending at the top, making it a great addition to a budget-friendly Portland itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for clear days to maximize visibility of distant landmarks like Mount Hood. Consider visiting during the golden hour for dramatic lighting. While shooting from inside the tram, use a wider aperture and a polarizing filter to combat glare and improve image quality. The observation decks at the OHSU terminal offer broader vistas for landscape shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
+1The tram cabins, or gondolas, are suspended from a continuously moving cable system. They depart every 5 minutes, ensuring a steady flow of passengers. The ride itself is a swift four-minute journey, providing breathtaking panoramic views that have become a signature experience for visitors and locals alike. The system is designed to operate efficiently year-round, even in inclement weather, making it a reliable mode of transport.
Beyond its functional purpose, the Portland Aerial Tram has become an iconic landmark and a popular tourist attraction. It's celebrated for its innovative design and the unparalleled vistas it offers, solidifying its place as a must-do activity for anyone visiting Portland. The experience is often highlighted on social media for its scenic beauty and novelty.
Capturing the Views: Photography Guide
+1To maximize your photographic opportunities, aim for a ride during the golden hour – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the light is soft and casts a warm glow over the city. Weekday mornings, especially when the weather is fair, tend to be less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. Look for signs or graphics at the upper terminal that help identify landmarks, adding context to your photos.
When shooting from inside the tram, try to position yourself near the windows and be patient. The cabins move smoothly, but slight swaying can occur. Consider using a wider aperture to manage the light conditions inside the tram and a polarizing filter to cut down on window glare. The observation areas at the OHSU terminal also provide excellent spots for wider landscape shots.
Navigating the OHSU Connection
+1For visitors, it's important to understand that while you can ride the tram up to OHSU, access to the hospital buildings and facilities is generally restricted to patients, their companions, and OHSU staff. This means that once you reach the top, your primary activities will be enjoying the views from the observation decks and perhaps exploring the immediate surroundings.
Many travelers opt for a round trip to simply experience the ride and the scenery. If you plan to spend time at the top, consider bringing snacks or planning to eat before your ascent, as dining options within the OHSU buildings may not be accessible to the general public.
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