Alternatives to the Tram
When the Tram is not in service, plan for a longer trip between South Waterfront and Marquam Hill. This is the very reason a tram needed to be constructed initially. However, alternatives do exist.
Public transit
Service hours: Early morning through evening. No overnight service. Varies by route and day.
Average trip time: 45 minutes.
Portland Streetcar, TriMet’s Orange MAX light rail line and several bus lines can connect you to downtown, Portland's transit mall and other destinations.
Biking
The Tram is among Portland’s most popular biking destinations. Plan a bike trip in Google Maps to Marquam Hill or South Waterfront.
Average trip time: 27 minutes
BIKETOWN - Portland's e-bike share system allows for one way or roundtrips around the Portland metro area. Recommended for biking between South Waterfront and downtown, where you can connect to transit or walk.
Walking
South Waterfront to Marquam Hill is walkable.
Nature trails: Note that you'll cross busy intersections and the trails to Terwilliger are unpaved, occassionally steep and may be slippery depending on weather. Elevation gain of 300 feet in 1.2 miles.
Paved route: Terwilliger boulevard has a wide sidewalk and more modest incline than the nature trails. Access Marquam Hill via SW Campus Drive from the north or SW US Veterans Hospital Drive from the south. Sam Jackson Park Road is not walkable (no shoulder, blind turns and steep inclines).
Average trip time: 30 minutes.
Hailing a ride
A number of taxi services offer service coverage between Marquam Hill and South Waterfront.
Service hours: 24 hours a day.
Average trip time: 12 minutes to 45 minutes depending on service and wait times.
Broadway Cab - Taxi cab service.
Lyft - Ride hail service by smartphone.
Uber - Ride hail service by smartphone.
Radiocab - Taxi cab service.