PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting to Washington Park by Public Transit

Taking transit is the easiest way to reach Washington Park. TriMet's MAX Light Rail and bus service connect you directly to the Park's attractions.

TriMet Trip Planner

Why Choose Transit

  • Save Money

    A single transit fare can cost less than parking for a couple of hours, especially for families, with free and reduced fares for kids.

  • Skip the Search for Parking

    Parking is limited and lots fill quickly, especially on sunny days and during special events. Arriving on transit means you can get to the main attraction sooner.

  • Arrive with More Certainty

    Transit gets you here on a set schedule—no circling, waiting, or uncertainty about where you’ll end up parking.

  • Keep the Park Moving for Everyone

    Fewer cars mean faster buses, safer crossings, and less time stuck in traffic, so more people can get here and enjoy the Park without barriers.

  • Reduce Emissions

    Transit reduces pollution in and around the Park, helping preserve this shared space and improve air quality for the people, plants and animals here.

TriMet MAX & Bus Stops

TriMet MAX light rail and several bus lines stop in and near the Park, helping you connect easily to all of the major Park attractions.

How to Ride TriMet MAX Light Rail to Washington Park

The MAX Blue Line and Red Line stop at Washington Park Station, located near the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center entrances.

  • Use the TriMet Trip Planner to find the best route from your neighborhood to Washington Park.

    • Enter your starting address and choose either Washington Park (ID 10121) or Oregon Zoo (ID 10299) as your destination. 

    • Edit the Travel Options section if necessary. This section defaults to buses and trains, but if you don’t live near a bus or train stop, you can edit it to include biking, e-scootering, or driving to nearby Park & Ride locations.

    • MAX Blue and Red Lines stop at Washington Park, just outside the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center entrances. A MAX train arrives at Washington Park about every 8 minutes.

    Once you’ve found the best route, you can track your MAX train arrival using TriMet’s TransitTracker.

    • When you arrive at the MAX station, you can pay adult fare simply by tapping the green Hop reader with your phone or your credit/debit card. 

    • The screen will show a confirmation that you paid your fare, and you will hear an audible chime.

    To take advantage of reduced fares for seniors, youth, people with disabilities, people who qualify based on income, veterans and active-duty military, pay with a Hop card.

    How to get and pay with a Hop Card →

    • Wait safely as your MAX train approaches. The doors will open automatically. Let other riders exit first, then board the train. 

    • MAX stops at every station, so you don’t need to signal the operator to get on or off. The next stop is displayed on a sign on the ceiling and announced over the speaker. Wait for Washington Park/Oregon Zoo to display.

    • When you see Washington Park/Oregon Zoo on the display and the doors open automatically, you can exit the train. You’ll be in an underground station—the Washington Park transit station is the deepest in North America!

    • Find the elevators and press the button for street level. Your ears may pop as you ride to the top!

    • When you exit the elevator, look for signs directing you to the Oregon Zoo or World Forestry Center. If you’re visiting another attraction, you can get on the Washington Park Free Shuttle at the TriMet plaza, just outside of the elevator doors. The Free Shuttle loops through the Park and stops at every major attraction.

Transit Tip

Planning Your Trip

You can use TriMet’s Trip Planner to find your route. The planner shows:

  • Real-time arrivals and departures

  • Route options with transfers

  • Accessible route alternatives

  • Nearby Park & Ride locations

TriMet Trip Planner

More Transportation Options