Location & Parking
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is located at 2250 SE Water Ave. Portland OR 97214. We are open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
Parking
Our parking lot is located under the Highway 99 viaduct, across the MAX tracks from the front of our building (directions).
View the map below for more details.
Train Delays
Central Eastside train crossings can delay your arrival considerably. Consult the map below for our recommendations for avoiding trains.
Public Transportation
Tri-Met buses, the MAX light rail (orange line) and the Portland Streetcar (A and B Loop) all pass directly by the Center. Visit Trimet’s website for additional information.
General
Covid Policy
We will be following the Covid-19 requirements and guidance from the TSA, Multnomah County, Oregon Health Authority, and the CDC that are in place at the time the Holiday Express runs.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found items can be picked up at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center during our normal open hours. Call us at 503-233-1156 for lost and found.
Are souvenirs available for sale?
Yes! We have a gift shop with train concessions, t-shirts, videos, toys and trinkets for purchase.
Are restrooms available at the Center?
Yes.
Is The Oregon Rail Heritage Center handicap accessible?
Our Center is ADA-compliant. Train rides are not fully handicap accessible – see below.
Are train rides handicap accessible?
Due to the historic nature of the coaches, all passengers must be able to climb 7 stairs to board the coaches and walk approximately 85 feet to a seat. Due to limited aisle widths, wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers are not permitted on the railcars. Temporary storage for devices is provided in the Center. For this reason the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC section 12184) expressly exempts trains of this type from accommodating wheelchair devices. Should you have any questions regarding accessibility, please call the Office between 10am and 4pm, Monday through Friday, at 503-233-1156.
What is your cancellation or exchange policy?
Tickets may be refunded or exchanged up to 4 days prior to your travel date, subject to availability. If you wish you to exchange you ticket for another day or time, we will be happy to accommodate you.
Saturday Train Rides
When do you offer train rides?
We offer Saturday Train Rides on Saturdays from April through October. Visit the Saturday Train Rides page to learn more, view our current schedule, and purchase tickets.
Where do the train rides start?
Rides are round-trip from The Oregon Rail Heritage Center located at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Click the Location & Parking tab for important information about your arrival.
How do I get my tickets?
Tickets for all our currently scheduled rides are available at this link. You will receive a souvenir ticket at Will Call upon check-in.
When do I need to arrive?
Riders must be checked in 20 minutes prior to departure to be allowed onboard. Trains begin boarding 15 minutes prior to departure.
Can FREIGHT train crossings delay my arrival?
Yes! Central Eastside train crossings can cause considerable delay. View the map on the Locations & Parking tab for our recommendations for how to avoid them or download a printable copy here. If you are unable to avoid Central Eastside train crossings, be sure to allow extra time just in case!
What should I do when I arrive?
When you arrive at the Center, you need to check in at the Will Call desk. You will receive a souvenir ticket upon check in.
Are train rides handicap accessible?
Due to the structural features and historic nature of our passenger equipment, there is no safe way to accommodate and secure wheelchairs on the train. For this reason, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC section 12184) expressly exempts trains of this type from accommodating wheelchair devices.
You must be able to walk up 8 steps to board the train and approximately 60 feet to your seat.
Holiday Express Train Rides
When do you offer train rides?
The Holiday Express runs frequently during November and December. Visit the Holiday Express page to learn more, view our current schedule, and purchase tickets.
Where do the train rides start?
Rides are round-trip from The Oregon Rail Heritage Center located at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Click the Location & Parking tab for important information about your arrival.
When do I need to arrive?
Arrive at the Center at least 20 minutes before you scheduled departure time. Holiday Express trains depart at the advertised time.
How long are the train rides and where do they travel?
Each round-trip takes approx. 40-45 minutes. Trains travel on the Oregon Pacific Railroad along the Willamette River in SE Portland.
Is Santa on the Train?
Yes, Santa will be on each train to celebrate the season and the interior of each passenger car is uniquely decorated in festive holiday cheer.
Are the trains heated?
Yes.
How do I use my member promo code?
Patron Members of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation receive a unique discount code via e-mail which will get them a discount of 20% on Holiday Express tickets.
- A code may be used in only one transaction. Please purchase all discount tickets at one time.
- An individual patron member code is good for two discounted tickets.
- A family patron member code is good for up to four tickets.
- Codes were emailed to members in early September. Please call the ORHC office with any questions.
Is will call available?
All ticket holders MUST check in at will call 20 minutes prior to boarding. Ticket holders not checked in at least 10 minutes prior to departure will not be boarded. Will call is located inside the Center. Tickets will be available for pick-up on the day of your train ride.