Fastest way from Seattle to Portland (Oregon): Flight, about 0h 55min (from €208). Cheapest: Bus, from €35 (about 3h 10min – 3h 40min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound; main departure point: University of Washington.
There are 2 ways to get from Seattle to Portland (Oregon)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Seattle Bus Station | €35 | 2 |
| FlixBus | Bus | University of Washington | €36 | 3 |
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Practical tips
Once you add the trip to the airport, check-in, security and the ride into the city at the other end, flying is often less of an advantage than it looks. For a city-to-city trip, the bus is usually the sensible choice.
Some US bus stops are simply a curb or street corner, not a station. Read your e-ticket carefully, look up the address on a map beforehand and note any landmark so you do not end up at the wrong stop.
Seattle-Tacoma and Portland International are the main airports, and both are outside the city centres. Confirm the airport on your booking and plan how you will reach it, so you do not lose your time advantage.
Traffic on the I-5 can cause delays, especially around rush hour and holiday weekends. Choose an earlier departure so a late bus does not leave you stranded or missing a connection or hotel check-in.
Fares are lowest when you book early, and flights in particular get pricier close to departure. Reserve online to get an instant e-ticket and keep it on your phone, ready to show the driver.
The journey experience
Seattle and Portland sit about 175 miles apart along the I-5 corridor, which makes this one of the easiest city pairs on the West Coast to compare. You have two realistic choices: the bus, which is the budget pick, or a short flight, which is the fast one. The comparison table on this page lays both side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The bus takes you from downtown to downtown, with no airport transfers, security lines or baggage fees to plan around. Seats are comfortable enough for a daytime ride, and many services offer Wi-Fi and power outlets. Flying is quicker in the air, but you still have to get to the airport, check in, clear security and then travel into the city at the other end, which eats into the advantage. It makes most sense if you are already connecting through Seattle-Tacoma or Portland International.
My advice: check exactly where your bus leaves from, because stops in the US can be a street corner rather than a station. Always confirm the departure point on your e-ticket before you head out. Book a few days ahead for the best fares, avoid the last departure of the day in case of delays, and you will arrive with no stress. Booking online gives you instant e-ticket confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Seattle → Portland (Oregon)
For most travellers, the bus is the best choice: it is far cheaper and runs from city centre to city centre. The plane is much faster in the air, but once you add airport transfers and security, the gap narrows. Choose the flight only if time matters more than budget.
By bus, the trip takes about 3 h 10 to 3 h 40, depending on traffic and stops. By plane, the flight itself takes roughly 55 minutes to 1 h 05. Remember to add time for getting to the airport, check-in and security when you compare the two.
Bus tickets start from €35, and typically go up to about €38. Flights start from €208, with typical fares up to around €209. The bus is clearly the budget option. Booking early usually helps you secure the lowest fare on either mode.
Bus departures generally serve the downtown areas of both cities, but the exact stop depends on the operator and can be a street corner rather than a station. Always check the boarding address on your e-ticket before you travel, and arrive a little early.
Many bus and flight options are offered between the two cities, and the booking results show whether a given departure is direct or involves a change. Check the details before you pay, and pick a direct option if you want the simplest trip.
Why visit Portland (Oregon)?
- ✓ Browse the aisles of Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, covering a full city block
- ✓ Explore the food cart pods and craft breweries of the Central Eastside and Hawthorne districts
- ✓ Hike the Wahkeena–Multnomah Falls loop in the Columbia River Gorge, just 30 minutes from downtown
- ✓ Stroll the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park
- ✓ Taste Willamette Valley pinot noir on a day trip to wineries around Dundee and Newberg
When to visit Portland (Oregon)?
MILD OCEANIC MEDITERRANEAN
July to September — warm, dry and sunny days, ideal for hiking, outdoor dining and wine tasting
What to do in Portland (Oregon)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Portland (Oregon)?
Allow 3 to 4 days to enjoy Portland at a relaxed pace. In 2 days you can cover downtown, Powell's Books, the food carts, Washington Park and the Japanese Garden; with 4 days add the Pearl District, Alberta Arts and Hawthorne neighborhoods. Rent a car for a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls or Mount Hood, and book it ahead in summer.
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