7 Days in The Pacific Northwest: Seattle to Portland Road Trip Without a Car

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a region of moody mists, emerald forests, and coffee culture that feels almost cinematic. But for many travelers, the dream of exploring this corner of the USA hits a speed bump: the car rental. Whether it’s the anxiety of driving on the right side of the road or the skyrocketing cost of rentals (averaging $100+ per day in 2026), you might feel stuck.

Here is the good news: You do not need a vehicle. In fact, a Seattle to Portland road trip without car hassle is often better. You avoid expensive downtown parking fees ($40/night!), skip the traffic jams on I-5, and see scenery you’d miss while keeping your eyes on the road.

This 7-day itinerary covers the best of the PNW using only trains, light rail, and buses. From the Space Needle to the rugged Oregon coast, here is how to do it.

📌 Key Takeaways: The “No-Car” Snapshot

• Route: Seattle, WA (3 Days) ➔ Portland, OR (3 Days) ➔ Cannon Beach (Day Trip).
• Total Transport Budget: Approx. $150 – $200 USD per person (excluding flights).
• Best Time to Visit: July to September for sun; October for fall colors and lower prices.
• Apps to Download: CityMapper (Transit), Amtrak (Train tickets), Uber/Lyft (Backups), Hop Fastpass (Portland transit).
• Top Tip: Book your Amtrak Cascades train at least 3 weeks in advance for the best “Saver” fares.

Logistics: How to Get Around

Before we dive into the schedule, you need the “keys” to the city transit systems.

• In Seattle: Buy an ORCA Card ($3 fee) at any light rail station. Load it with about $30. It works on the Link Light Rail, King County Metro buses, and the Water Taxi.
• In Portland: Use the Hop Fastpass. You don’t even need a physical card! Just tap your smartphone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) on the reader. The system caps your spending at $5.60 per day—after that, rides are free.

Day 1: The Iconic Seattle Waterfront

Arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Skip the taxi line. Follow the signs to the Link Light Rail. For about $3.50, the 1 Line takes you directly into downtown Seattle (Westlake Station) in 40 minutes.

• Morning: Drop bags at your hotel (stay in Belltown or Downtown for easy walking). Walk to Pike Place Market. Watch the fishmongers throw salmon and visit the original Starbucks (just for a photo—the line is too long!).
• Lunch: Grab a bowl of chowder at Pike Place Chowder. Insider Tip: Order ahead online to skip the massive queue.
• Afternoon: Walk down the Pike Street Hillclimb to the Seattle Waterfront. Ride the Great Wheel for views of the Olympic Mountains.
• Evening: Dinner at The Pink Door in Post Alley (book months in advance) or grab casual tacos at specific stalls inside the market before they close.

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Needles

• Morning: Take the Seattle Monorail from Westlake Center. It’s a retro 1962 ride that drops you right at Seattle Center.
• Mid-Day: Visit the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. The glass art is spectacular, especially on a grey day—the colors pop against the clouds.
• Afternoon: Walk to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) if you love Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, or Sci-Fi movies.
• Evening: Take the bus to Capitol Hill. This is the cool, LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood. Grab a drink at a speakeasy like Needle & Thread or enjoy dinner at Oddfellows Café.

Day 3: A Ferry Ride to Bainbridge

You can’t visit Seattle without getting on a boat.

• Morning: Walk to Pier 52 and use your ORCA card to board the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island. It’s a commuter ferry, so you just walk on. The view of the Seattle skyline from the back of the boat is the best in the city.
• Lunch: Walk from the ferry terminal into the town of Winslow (10 mins). Eat at Proper Fish for fish and chips.
• Afternoon: Browse the bookshops and boutiques. If you like wine, there are several tasting rooms within walking distance of the ferry.
• Evening: Return to Seattle. Enjoy a final sunset dinner near the waterfront.

Day 4: The Scenic Journey to Portland

Travel Day: Seattle to Portland.

Today you head south. You have two main options: Train or Bus.

🚆 Amtrak Cascades vs BoltBus Review (2026 Update)

Many travelers search for an Amtrak Cascades vs BoltBus review, but there is a catch: BoltBus shut down in 2021. It has been replaced by FlixBus and Greyhound. Here is how they compare in 2026:

My Recommendation: Take the Amtrak Cascades. Sit on the right side of the train leaving Seattle for ocean views. The scenery alone is worth the extra $15.

• Arrival: You will arrive at Portland Union Station, right in the city center.
• Evening: Take the Portland Streetcar or walk to the Pearl District. This former warehouse district is now full of breweries and art galleries. Visit Powell’s City of Books—it covers a whole city block!

Day 5: Donuts, Roses, and Japanese Gardens

• Morning: Skip the Voodoo Doughnut line (it’s a tourist trap). Go to Blue Star Donuts or Pip’s Original instead.
• Mid-Day: Take the MAX Light Rail (Red or Blue line) to the Washington Park shuttle. This free shuttle connects you to the International Rose Test Garden (free entry) and the Portland Japanese Garden.
• Afternoon: The Japanese Garden is considered the most authentic outside of Japan. It is steep, so wear good shoes.
• Evening: Cross the Burnside Bridge to the Eastside. This is where the locals hang out. Eat at a “Food Cart Pod” (like Cartopia or Hawthorne Asylum) to try 5 different cuisines for under $20.

Day 6: The Coast – How to Visit Cannon Beach Without a Car

This is the trickiest part of a 7 day PNW itinerary non-driver, but it is 100% possible.

• The Solution: The NorthWest Point Bus.
• Schedule: Departs Portland Union Station approx. 9:00 AM. Returns from Cannon Beach approx. 6:00 PM. (Check oregon-point.com for current 2026 schedules).
• Cost: ~$20 USD each way.
• The Experience: The bus is comfortable and has Wi-Fi. It drops you right in downtown Cannon Beach.
• What to do:
  • Walk to Haystack Rock (The “Goonies” rock).
  • Explore the tide pools at low tide.
  • Grab coffee at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters.
  • Wander the cute, shingled shops.
  • Note: The town is very walkable. You do not need a taxi once you are there.

Day 7: Last Bites and Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a classic Portland brunch. Screen Door is famous for chicken and waffles (expect a wait).
• Mid-Day: Take a final stroll along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River.
• Departure: The MAX Red Line takes you directly from downtown Portland to PDX Airport for about $2.50.

🤫 Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

1. The “Free” View: Don’t want to pay $35 for the Space Needle? Go to the Columbia Center (Sky View Observatory). It’s taller, cheaper, and actually includes the Space Needle in your photos!
2. Secret Garden: In Seattle, look for the Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square. It’s a tiny, hidden park with a massive waterfall right in the middle of the city. Great for a quiet lunch.
3. Portland’s Movie Theater Pubs: Portland loves “McMenamins.” These are old schools or hotels turned into pubs/movie theaters. Visit the Kennedy School in Portland to drink a beer in a renovated classroom or watch a movie on a couch.

❓ FAQ: Planning Your Non-Driver Trip

1. Is it safe to use public transport in Seattle and Portland at night?

Generally, yes. The Light Rail and Streetcars are safe until late. However, like any major US city, stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid 3rd Avenue in downtown Seattle late at night, and stick to well-lit areas in Portland’s Old Town.

2. Can I use Uber/Lyft if I miss a bus?

Absolutely. Rideshare is very popular in both cities. A ride within the city center usually costs $12-$20.

3. What if it rains?

It probably will! Locals don’t use umbrellas (it’s mostly a light mist). Pack a good waterproof rain jacket with a hood.

4. How much luggage can I bring on the Amtrak Cascades?

You can bring two carry-ons and two checked bags for free. It is much more generous than airlines.

5. Can I see waterfalls without a car?

Yes! In Portland, the Columbia Gorge Express (bus) runs from the Gateway Transit Center to Multnomah Falls. It is cheap ($10 round trip) and easy.