By Great question! Here’s your full guide to Hop-On Hop-Off tours in Portland, Oregon — with the real scoop on what’s available in this artsy, green, and food-loving city 🌲🚌☕.
🌿 Hop-On Hop-Off Portland – Quick Guide
❓ Does Portland have a classic hop-on hop-off tour?
Yes – but seasonally.
Portland has a seasonal hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, typically operating in spring through early fall, run by:
🟢 Gray Line / Pink Trolley Tours of Portland
🚌 What Is It?
A trolley-style hop-on hop-off bus that loops through downtown Portland, the Pearl District, the South Waterfront, and the Washington Park area.
You can hop off at any stop, explore, then hop back on when the next trolley comes through — it’s a great way to hit Portland’s top attractions without needing a car.
🕐 Operating Season & Hours
- Runs May through October (subject to weather and demand)
- Daily service (during season)
- First trolley: ~10:00 AM
- Last pickup: ~4:00–5:00 PM
- Trolleys arrive every 60 minutes
- Full loop (no stops): ~1 hour 45 minutes
🎟️ Ticket Prices
- Adult (1-Day): ~$39
- Child (6–12): ~$19
- Under 6: Ride free
- 2-Day Passes often available (~$49)
🎫 Discounts often available online or via hotel desks.
🗺️ Top Stops on the Route (13+ stops)
- Pioneer Courthouse Square (main pickup)
- Powell’s City of Books 📚
- Pearl District
- Lan Su Chinese Garden 🌸
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) 🔬
- Portland Art Museum
- Washington Park (includes:
- Oregon Zoo 🐘
- Portland Japanese Garden 🌸
- International Rose Test Garden 🌹)
- South Waterfront / Aerial Tram 🚡
- Portland Saturday Market
- World Forestry Center
🗺️ Route map: Usually posted seasonally at graylineofportland.com (check for current schedules)
🎧 Tour Features
- Live guide or audio narration (depending on the trolley)
- Covers Portland’s history, architecture, nature, and culture
- Trolley-style bus with open-air windows (weather permitting)
📱 How to Book
- Online: graylineofportland.com
- At hotels or downtown visitor kiosks
- On-site: Pioneer Courthouse Square ticket stand (seasonal)
🌧️ Weather-Friendly?
✅ Yes — tours run rain or shine (though may pause in extreme weather)
- Some trolleys have covered seating
- Portland weather is mild, but spring showers are common — bring a light jacket!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly?
Totally!
- Easy for families with kids
- Stops at OMSI, Oregon Zoo, gardens, and parks
- Stroller-friendly
- Under 6s ride free with an adult
💡 Why It’s Worth It
- Skip the rental car or parking hunt
- Visit Portland’s urban core + green spaces in one day
- Great for cruise passengers, weekend visitors, or first-timers
- Connects downtown with Washington Park (which is hard to walk to)
Want the FAQ version next? Or help building a 1-day Portland itinerary using the hop-on hop-off trolley? I’d love to help!
Absolutely! Here’s your Hop-On Hop-Off Portland – FAQ to help you explore this beautiful, laid-back city with ease — from Powell’s Books to the rose gardens 🌹🚌☕.
🌿 Hop-On Hop-Off Portland – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Does Portland have a hop-on hop-off bus tour?
✅ Yes — seasonally.
The main operator is Gray Line / Pink Trolley Sightseeing Tours (often referred to locally as the “Pink Trolley”).
It runs during the spring, summer, and early fall months — usually May through October.
🕐 What are the hours of operation?
- Seasonal: typically runs from May to October
- Daily service (during season)
- First departure: ~10:00 AM
- Final pick-up: ~4:30–5:00 PM
- Trolleys run about once every 60 minutes
- Full loop (without getting off): ~1 hour 45 minutes
🕐 Always check the Gray Line Portland website for current schedules.
💰 How much do tickets cost?
- 1-Day Pass (Adult): ~$39
- 1-Day Pass (Child 6–12): ~$19
- 2-Day Pass (Adult): ~$49
- Children under 6: Ride free with an adult
🎟️ Tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access for the day(s) of purchase.
🗺️ What are the main stops?
There are 13+ stops, including:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square (main boarding location)
- Powell’s City of Books
- Portland Art Museum
- Pearl District
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Portland Saturday Market
- OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry)
- Washington Park — includes:
- Oregon Zoo
- Portland Japanese Garden
- International Rose Test Garden
- World Forestry Center
- South Waterfront / Aerial Tram
🗺️ Printed maps are available onboard and at kiosks. You can also download it from the official website.
🎧 Is there narration?
Yes!
- Most trolleys offer live narration by knowledgeable local guides
- Some routes may include audio commentary
- You’ll hear stories about Portland history, bridges, parks, and neighborhoods
🌧️ Does the tour run in bad weather?
✅ Yes — tours run rain or shine
- Trolleys are partially covered and enclosed
- Portland has frequent drizzle — bring a jacket or light rain gear just in case
📍 Where can I board the trolley?
The main boarding point is:
- 📍 Pioneer Courthouse Square (downtown Portland)
But you can hop on at any official stop along the route.
📱 How do I buy tickets?
You can purchase:
- Online: graylineofportland.com
- In person: At the Pioneer Square kiosk (seasonal)
- Through local hotels and visitor centers
- On apps like Viator or GetYourGuide
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes — 100%!
- Great for kids, parents, and grandparents
- Stops include the zoo, science museum, gardens, and more
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids under 6 ride free
🔁 How long is my ticket valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for one calendar day
- 2-Day Pass: Valid for two consecutive calendar days
You can hop on and off as many times as you like during that time.
🧳 Can I bring bags or strollers?
- Small backpacks & totes: ✅
- Strollers: ✅ (please fold before boarding)
- Large luggage or coolers: ❌ not allowed
💡 Why take the hop-on hop-off trolley in Portland?
- Great way to see urban and nature highlights in one loop
- No need to drive or deal with parking at Washington Park
- Awesome for cruise visitors, weekend trips, or first-timers
- Connects you to local shops, museums, gardens, food trucks, and more!
Want help planning a 1- or 2-day itinerary using the trolley — with stops for books, parks, coffee, and views? Just say the word!
