TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail transit services in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. We connect people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution—making the Portland area a better place to live. More
How to Ride the Streetcar
Step-by-step directions for using the Portland Streetcar
The Portland Streetcar connects Northwest Portland, the Pearl District, Portland City Center, PSU, RiverPlace, the South Waterfront District, the Rose Quarter, the Lloyd District, the Oregon Convention Center, the Central Eastside Industrial District and OMSI. Hours of operation vary, but streetcars run about every 14 minutes during the day (less frequently in the morning/evening and on weekends). The Streetcar is owned and operated by the City of Portland, but is integrated with TriMet service.
- You can buy a ticket at the station using a debit/credit card or on board the streetcar using cash or coins. Streetcars have ticket machines and validators on board. Learn more about Streetcar fares
- Signs at each station show when the next train is due. Signs on the front of each train display the streetcar's destination.
- Stay behind the bumpy tiles and wait for the train to come to a complete stop.
- Usually, the door will open automatically and you can board the train. If it doesn't, push the yellow button on the door to open it.
- The station name is announced before each stop and appears on a reader board overhead.
- Unlike MAX, streetcars do not stop at every station automatically. When you want to get off, push the yellow strip on the wall or the button by the door.
- Gather all your personal items and exit the train.
For your safety
- Stop and look both ways before crossing the tracks. Always use the designated pedestrian crossings.
- Never walk or ride your bike on the tracks, or ride your bike on the boarding platform.
- If you see suspicious behavior or a suspicious package, or if there is an emergency or unsafe situation on board, tell a Streetcar employee or call 9-1-1.