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There are MAX transit ticket kiosks that will take cash and credit cards at every stop. You can purchase a single ticket for all-day having unlimited trips for a nominal price. The tickets for the MAX train are also good for the Metro bus routes. ($2.50 for 2-hours, $5.00 for all day)
Wanted - Is it easy to find the MAX stop at the airport? Do we just wander down to the platforms and buy our tickets there, or do we need to get them elsewhere in the airport first?
It is very easy to get to the MAX stop. Coming down the escalators to the baggage carousels, turn right and go to the end. Ticket machines are on your left. Proceed outside and the MAX trains are about 50 ft away. This is by far the easiest and usually fastest way to get downtown.
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The Amtrak Cascades train service links Portland with Seattle, Vancouver and Eugene. (There are 3 services per day between Eugene and Portland, and 5 services per day between Vancouver/Seattle and Portland). Details and timetables are on the Amtrak Cascades Timetable site. Tickets from Seattle start at $24, and rise to about $100 for a ticket from Vancouver bought on the day. (As with planes, book early for a better price!)
Wanted - How do you get from To get between the Amtrak station to the hotel?: I haven't tried it but walking to the MAX stop at NW 5th and Glisan and taking MAX to Pioneer Place/SW 5th looks best. If you go to the MAX stop on 6th and Hoyt you will have a very long trip over the river and eventually back again.
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