Facility Overview
Union Station Parking is the dedicated on-site surface parking facility serving Portland Union Station, situated at 800 NW 6th Avenue in the historic Old Town Chinatown and Pearl District transition zone of Portland, Oregon. The lot sits directly adjacent to the iconic 1896 Romanesque Revival rail passenger terminal, distinguished by its 150-foot clock tower and beloved neon 'Go By Train' sign. Arranged as an expansive, open-air grade-level lot, it provides immediate, ground-floor accessibility without the navigation challenges or tight turns common to downtown parking structures. Because this is a wide-open outdoor surface lot, there are no low ceiling clearances or overhead height bars, making it completely accommodating for full-size pickup trucks, passenger vans, overland rigs, lifted SUVs, and vehicles carrying roof racks, cargo boxes, or bicycles.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned on the northern perimeter of Downtown Portland, Union Station Parking serves as a versatile gateway to premier cultural, dining, and sports destinations:
- Portland Union Station & Wilf's Restaurant: Immediate access (0-minute walk) to the Amtrak passenger terminal, historic waiting room, and classic jazz supper club.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: An authentic Ming Dynasty garden oasis located just 4 blocks south in Old Town Chinatown (approx. 5 to 7-minute walk, 0.3 miles).
- The Pearl District: Renowned for boutique shopping, art galleries, artisanal coffee shops, and top-tier dining along NW 10th, 11th, and 13th Avenues (approx. 5 to 10-minute walk).
- Powell's City of Books: The world's largest independent bookstore on W Burnside St (approx. 10 to 12-minute walk, 0.5 miles).
- Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park & Willamette River: Ideal for scenic riverfront strolls, running paths, and seasonal festivals (approx. 6 to 8-minute walk).
- Moda Center & Veterans Memorial Coliseum: Home of the Portland Trail Blazers and major concert arena just across the Willamette River via the Broadway Bridge or Steel Bridge (approx. 15 to 20-minute walk or a 5-minute MAX Light Rail ride).
- Oregon Convention Center: Premier regional exhibition hall located across the Steel Bridge (approx. 8 minutes by MAX light rail or a short rideshare).
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicle entry and exit are straightforward, accessible via NW 6th Avenue and NW Station Way, connecting smoothly to NW Broadway and NW Glisan Street. The facility provides fast arterial connections to Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 405 (I-405 Stadium Freeway), and US-26, allowing motorists to bypass heavy core downtown gridlock when departing after events or train arrivals. For regional travelers, transit connectivity is unmatched: the Union Station/NW 6th & Hoyt and NW 5th & Glisan MAX Light Rail stations sit adjacent to the facility, serving Green, Orange, and Yellow lines. TriMet bus lines, the Portland Streetcar loop, Oregon POINT regional coach buses, and intercity long-distance buses all converge directly at this central multi-modal hub.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Lot: No height clearance restrictions; spacious layout accommodating oversized SUVs, high-top vans, and trucks.
- 24/7 Parking Access: Unrestricted round-the-clock entry and exit for both early-morning departures and late-night arrivals.
- Accessible Stalls: Designated ADA-compliant parking spaces positioned close to pedestrian curb ramps leading directly into the station terminal.
- Flexible Payment Options: Convenient self-service pay stations accepting credit and debit cards, with mobile payment integration via popular municipal and regional parking apps.
- High-Visibility Area: Exterior perimeter lighting and consistent foot traffic from transit patrons, station staff, and local commuters.
- Direct Terminal Proximity: Ground-level pedestrian sidewalks connect parking bays straight to the Amtrak ticketing concourse and train platforms.
Ideal For
- Amtrak Rail Passengers: Travelers departing on Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, or Empire Builder routes needing convenient same-day or multi-day station parking.
- Arena & Stadium Visitors: Rose Quarter, Moda Center, and Veterans Memorial Coliseum eventgoers avoiding high-density arena garage traffic.
- Pearl District Diners & Shoppers: Visitors seeking straightforward parking within easy walking distance of bustling restaurants, breweries, and boutiques.
- Regional Multi-Modal Commuters: Drivers connecting with MAX Light Rail, regional POINT coaches, or downtown workplaces.
- Chinatown & Waterfront Explorers: Tourists visiting Lan Su Chinese Garden, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, or Tom McCall Waterfront Park events.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because Union Station is an active regional rail hub, parking spots experience peak turnover aligned with passenger rail departure and arrival windows. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before scheduled train boardings to secure a parking space, pay at the kiosk or via mobile app, and check baggage smoothly. For multi-day or overnight stays, ensure your parking session is properly registered for your full duration through the payment kiosk or mobile parking app. To protect your vehicle, observe common urban safety habits: remove all personal belongings, luggage, electronics, and visible bags from vehicle seats prior to walking away. When using GPS navigation, input '800 NW 6th Ave, Portland' to route straight into the station's perimeter access drive.