International Students

Transportation

PCC Shuttle

To attend any of the campuses at PCC, you can use the free shuttle service offered by Portland Community College. The shuttles travel from campus to campus; and from campus to Downtown Portland. Keep in mind that the shuttle does not operate during the Summer term.

Find more information here: www.pcc.edu/transportation/alternatives/shuttles

Bicycles

Portland is a very bicycle-friendly city and bikes are another inexpensive way to travel around Portland. Bike lanes and bike paths are marked throughout the city.

Bike Rental Program

PCC has a bike rental program! What is stopping you from riding your bike to school? Oh, you do not have a bike? Let us fix that! Rent one for $15 per term! Bikes may be checked out for the duration of one or a maximum of three consecutive terms.

  • All bikes come equipped with fenders, a rack, lights, a bell and a sturdy U-Lock
  • You also get a helmet which is yours to keep
  • Plastic seat covers to keep your saddle dry
  • Free advice, support, and repair by an experienced mechanic
  • That’s just $5 a month – or the price of two TriMet bus tickets!

Getting in shape and having fun is free. Need more information? You can sign up for the Cascade Bike Rental Program after orientation when you are registered for classes. Find more information on our website: www.pcc.edu/basic-needs/transportation-solutions/

TriMet

TriMet is the Portland public transportation system and the least expensive way to travel around the city. It provides various commuter services in the Portland metro area, including Buses, Street Car, Max Light Rail (red, blue, green and yellow lines), and WES (Westside Express Service). You can visit the TriMet website and plan your trips, check timetables and schedules at: trimet.org/

Where to Buy Tickets and Passes

  • On board the bus: Pay your fare or buy a 1-Day Pass on any TriMet bus. Just insert coins or bills (exact change only) into the fare box when you board. Operators cannot give change.
  • Neighborhood ticket outlets: Buy fares at neighborhood ticket outlets in the Portland area, including most Albertsons, Fred Meyer and Safeway stores.
  • Ticket vending machines at MAX and WES stations: Tickets and passes are available from the self-service ticket machines located at MAX and WES stations.
  • The TriMet ticket office at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Buy tickets or passes in person at the office downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
  • Online at the TriMet store or using the HOPfastpass app: Save time and order tickets and passes online using a credit card (a shipping-and-handling fee is charged for each order).
  • At any PCC Bookstore location.

Portland Streetcar

You can ride the Portland Streetcar from the South Waterfront to Northwest Portland and across the river to The Lloyd Center and OMSI on the East side. Visit the website for more information: www.portlandstreetcar.org/ 

Car Rental

Renting a car is a good option if you want to take a trip outside of the Portland metro area. Typically, you have to be at least 25 years old to rent a vehicle without having to pay for extra insurance.

Below is a list of some of the most common rental companies:

Personal Vehicle

If you are going to rent or buy a car, you must have the following:

An Oregon driver’s license

  • If you intend to stay in Oregon for more than six months (e.g., students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students), you may apply for an Oregon Driver’s License (ODL). Proof of residence and two forms of identification are required. More information is available at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV – click New to Oregon under Popular Links.

Insurance

  • Car insurance: Oregon law requires all drivers to have car insurance, which must be verified when registering a vehicle. You can find information about the minimum insurance requirements on the Oregon DMV : Insurance website. 
  • Liability insurance: The law requires that you have liability insurance on your vehicle. This insurance covers physical or property damage you or your car may do to another car and/or person in the event of an accident. Your license will be suspended if you do not have liability Insurance. 

Vehicle registration

Remember : Keep your current car insurance card and vehicle registration card in your vehicle in case you are pulled over by an officer or have a car accident.

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over by Police

You can request a translator if needed. If a police officer signals for you to pull over while driving, stay calm. To ensure a safe and respectful interaction, follow these steps:

Pull over safely

  • Stay calm, turn on your signal, and safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road before coming to a complete stop.

Prepare for the officer

  • Turn off your engine and any music or audio.
  • Lower your window so you can speak with the officer clearly.
  • Stay inside your vehicle unless the officer asks you to step out.
  • Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel or where the officer can see them.

During the stop

  • The officer will explain why you were stopped.
  • They will usually ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
  • If these items are not within easy reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for them to say it’s okay before reaching for them.

Stay calm and respectful

  • Listen carefully and answer questions politely.
  • The officer may give you a verbal warning or issue a ticket (citation).
  • If you disagree with the officer, stay calm—do not argue at the scene. You can explain or appeal the situation later through the proper legal process.

What to Do If You Get a Ticket!!

Read your traffic ticket carefully. It will tell you what you must do and the deadline to respond. You usually need to pay the fine or go to court before that date. You can find official information on the Oregon Judicial Department’s website. 

Car Accidents

If you are involved in a car accident, it can be stressful. Follow these steps to help you ensure your safety and handle the situation properly. 

Stop your vehicle safely

  • If possible, move your car to a safe location near the scene e.g. the side of the road or nearby parking spot.
  • Do not drive away even if the accident seems minor.
  • Remain at the scene of the accident until everything has been properly reported and documented.

Check for Injuries

  • Check yourself and other passengers for injuries.
  • If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get help.
  • Even if injuries seem minor, it’s best to have them checked by a medical professional.

Get Information

  • Exchange information with the person who was involved in the accident.
  • If you can, take photos of the vehicles, licenses, insurance cards, damage, license plates, the road, and any visible injuries.
  • Avoid admitting fault. Do not apologize or accept blame, even if you feel unsure. Say, “Are you okay?” not, “I’m sorry.”

Call your car insurance company

  • Report the accident as soon as possible.
  • Provide them with the information and photos you collected.

Call the police if there are injuries

  • Follow their instructions, and be sure to obtain a police report if one is available.
  • Anytime you have an interaction with the police, it is a good idea to consult an immigration attorney.

Parking

Parking at PCC

  • You must have a permit to park on campus or you can pay per visit using the pay kiosk. If you do not pay for parking, you will receive a ticket and have to pay a fee. Learn about parking permits here.

Parking in Portland

  • There are several parking zones, sometimes it’s free to park on the street, sometimes you must pay. Look for signs and paint on the curb. Learn more about parking in the city here. 

Locals say:

“Do not leave any personal belongings in your car, or make sure they are kept in a place that is not visible!”

Approximate travel time to Sylvania campus:

Cascade to SY Rock Creek to SY Southeast to SY Downtown (PSU) to SY
Via Shuttle: 25-30 min // Cost: Free

Via Public Transit: 55-80 min // Cost: $2.80 each way (Maximum charge $100 a month)

Driving: 15-45 min // Cost*: varies

Biking: 85 min

 Via Shuttle: 45-55 min // Cost: Free

Via Public Transit: 95-115 min // Cost: $2.80 each way (Maximum charge $100 a month)

Driving: 25-60 min // Cost*: varies

Biking: 95 min

 Via Shuttle: 30-55 min // Cost: Free

Via Public Transit: 70-80 min // Cost: $2.80 each way (Maximum charge $100 a month)

Driving: 20-30 min // Cost*: varies

Biking: 90 min

 Via Shuttle: 15-25 min // Cost: Free

Via Public Transit: 30-35 min // Cost: $2.80 each way (Maximum charge $100 a month)

Driving: 15-20 min // Cost*: varies

Biking: 60 min
Travel Factors
  1. Students’ first term at PCC is often the hardest term to choose convenient classes, and to know at which campus most of their classes will be. After the first term, if there are no holds on your account, you can sign up for classes sooner, and will likely be able to take more classes at one campus. 
  2. Depending on your major field of study, some classes will be available only at certain campuses. When you read about each campus through the PCC website, you can see the unique programs held at each one. 
  3. Traffic can change travel times and is important to consider when planning transportation. If you are required to attend a class at a certain time, pay attention to morning and evening traffic patterns with highest traffic expected between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
  4. Public transit, including buses and the Max, is available to everyone in the city and can be used not only for getting around but also as a space to spend time for various reasons. While using public transit, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. If you ever feel unsafe or need help – on public transportation or anywhere else – you can call 911, the U.S. emergency number. Your phone will connect to 911 even if you don’t have service or data.
Resources

Google Maps and other platforms:

  • Give real time public transit updates, can customize routes, and give timing estimates for dates and times in the future
  • Provide information about services and shops in an area. When selecting an apartment, it is helpful to look for where the nearest grocery store is and other other important places for you and plan whether you will be able to walk or need to take transportation.

Shuttle Schedule

Shuttle Details: Shuttles do not operate on weekends, holidays, or during the Summer term.

TriMet: Portland Public Transportation includes busses, MAX Light Rail, Streetcar, and the WES Commuter Rail – one TriMet pass can be used for all forms of public transportation

*Driving costs include: Cost of vehicle, monthly insurance, gas (petrol), and vehicle maintenance. These costs are highly variable and require research. For 2023, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimated an average of more than $12,000 a year to own and drive a car 15,000 miles / 24,000 kilometers. It is also important to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get an Oregon Driver’s license.