Where can you book wheelchair-accessible airport transportation in Portland, OR?

Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Transportation in Portland, OR: Where to Book

You can book wheelchair-accessible airport transportation in Portland through PDX WAV, the city's accessible ride line at 503-865-4WAV (503-865-4928), or by requesting an accessible ride in the Uber or Lyft app. TriMet's MAX Red Line, TriMet LIFT paratransit, and the non-profit Ride Connection offer more options depending on your needs and schedule. This guide from American Town Car, a Portland chauffeured transportation company, explains each service and how to get to and from Portland International Airport (PDX) with a wheelchair or other mobility device.

Where Can You Book Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Transportation in Portland?

The main places to book wheelchair-accessible airport transportation in Portland are PDX WAV, Uber and Lyft, TriMet, and Ride Connection. Each one serves a different kind of trip.

Service	How to book	Vehicle	When it runs	Best for
PDX WAV (taxi)	Call 503-865-4WAV (503-865-4928)	Ramp-equipped taxi	24 hours, 7 days	On-demand rides, any time
Uber or Lyft accessible ride	In the app	Wheelchair-accessible vehicle	24 hours, 7 days	App users who want on-demand service
TriMet MAX Red Line	No booking; buy a ticket	Accessible light rail	Daily, except overnight	Travelers heading to stations along the line
TriMet LIFT	Register first, then schedule	Paratransit van	Within TriMet's service area	Eligible riders who cannot use MAX or buses
Ride Connection	Call 503-226-0700 to register	Partner vehicles, with help securing mobility devices	Mostly weekdays	Older adults and people with disabilities who can plan ahead

How Does PDX WAV Work?

PDX WAV is a City of Portland program that connects passengers who use a wheelchair or other mobility device with an accessible taxi, Uber, or Lyft. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) created it in 2019 so riders would not have to call around to find an accessible vehicle.

Here is how to use it:

Call 503-865-4WAV (503-865-4928). The line works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tell the dispatcher your pickup point and destination. For an airport trip, say whether you are at the airport or heading to it.
Get matched with an accessible taxi. The dispatcher finds a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from a permitted taxi company.

City rules require permitted taxi companies, Uber, and Lyft to provide accessible service in Portland around the clock. PBOT says drivers in the program receive extra training, including hands-on wheelchair securement. When the program launched, PBOT said fares for accessible taxis must match standard taxi fares.

Can You Get an Accessible Uber or Lyft at PDX?

Yes, you can request a wheelchair-accessible Uber or Lyft at PDX through each company's app. Choose the accessible ride option before you request, and allow extra time, because fewer accessible vehicles are on the road than standard cars.

If no accessible vehicle is available in the app, call PDX WAV as a backup. Having both options set up before you fly gives you a second path if one is busy.

Is the MAX Accessible From the Airport?

Yes. The MAX Red Line runs directly from PDX to downtown Portland, and MAX trains and stations are accessible. The airport MAX station sits at the south end of the baggage claim level.

An adult ticket costs $2.80, and Honored Citizen fares cost $1.40 for riders who qualify, including many people with disabilities. The MAX works well if your hotel or home is near a station. If you need door-to-door service from the station, combine it with a short accessible taxi ride.

What Is TriMet LIFT?

TriMet LIFT is a shared-ride paratransit service for people whose disability keeps them from using regular buses or MAX for some or all trips. You must apply and be approved before your first ride, so it suits Portland residents more than visitors arriving on a short trip.

Once approved, you schedule LIFT rides in advance. A LIFT single-ride fare costs $2.80. Check with TriMet for current eligibility rules, the service area, and how far ahead to book an airport trip.

Free Accessible Rides From Ride Connection

Ride Connection is a Portland non-profit that provides free door-to-door rides for older adults and people with disabilities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. Its drivers can help riders get in and out of the vehicle and secure mobility devices.

According to Ride Connection, rides can be requested for any purpose, but new riders must register first by calling 503-226-0700, and rides must be requested at least four business days ahead. Most service runs on weekdays, so check availability before planning a weekend or early-morning flight.

Where Are Accessible Pickups and Drop-Offs at PDX?

Accessible pickups and drop-offs at PDX depend on whether you are arriving or departing. The airport's own guidance explains both:

Departing flights: Drivers drop off on the Departures level. Passengers who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility can also ask to be dropped off on the Departures level inner roadway.
Arriving flights: Taxis depart from the Baggage Claim level outer roadway, which is wheelchair accessible.
Tell your driver. Say clearly when you book that you need mobility assistance, so the driver meets you at or delivers you to the right spot.

Inside the terminal, your airline can arrange wheelchair assistance from check-in to the gate and from the gate to baggage claim. Request it when you book your flight, and confirm it at check-in.

What If You Can Transfer to a Regular Car Seat?

If you can transfer from your wheelchair to a regular car seat, you are not limited to ramp-equipped vehicles. A standard sedan or SUV may work, as long as your folding wheelchair or walker fits in the trunk or cargo area.

This is where a private car service can help. American Town Car provides door-to-door airport transportation in Portland, OR, 24/7 with a reservation made ahead of time, and its drivers greet arriving travelers and help with luggage.

You can browse the vehicles in the American Town Car fleet, from sedans to SUVs and vans.

Before you book any car service, describe your needs clearly: the size and type of your mobility device, whether you can transfer on your own, and how much help you need. If you need to ride while seated in your wheelchair, book a ramp- or lift-equipped vehicle through PDX WAV, Uber, Lyft, or LIFT instead.

Tips for an Accessible Airport Trip in Portland

Book early and confirm. Accessible vehicles are fewer than standard cars, so book as early as each service allows and confirm the day before.
Share your device details. Give the width, weight, and type of your wheelchair or scooter when you book.
Plan your connections. Line up your airline wheelchair assistance and your ground ride at the same time.
Keep two options ready. Save the PDX WAV number and set up an app as a backup.
Allow extra time. Give yourself more time at the airport for assistance, security, and boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What number do I call for a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Portland?

Call PDX WAV at 503-865-4WAV (503-865-4928), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do wheelchair-accessible taxis cost more in Portland?

When PDX WAV launched, the City of Portland said accessible taxi fares must be equivalent to standard taxi fares.

Can I take my wheelchair on the MAX to PDX?

Yes. MAX trains and stations are accessible, and the Red Line runs directly to the airport.

How far ahead should I book an accessible ride to the airport?

PDX WAV and the Uber and Lyft apps are on demand, but book as early as you can. Ride Connection needs at least four business days' notice, and TriMet LIFT requires approval before your first ride.

Where do I get picked up at PDX if I use a wheelchair?

Taxis pick up on the Baggage Claim level outer roadway, which is wheelchair accessible. Tell your driver you need mobility assistance so they meet you in the right place.

Plan Your Portland Airport Ride

Getting to and from PDX with a wheelchair takes a little more planning, but Portland has strong options at every hour. If you can transfer to a vehicle seat and would like a private, door-to-door ride, contact American Town Car or call (503) 530-9199 to talk through your trip.