The North Coast Express has launched just in time for summer, and visitors can now book round trip trips to and from the Oregon Coast!
This new seasonal transit option will connect Portland with some of the Oregon Coast’s most iconic destinations, providing scenic and flexible service to Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, and the Tillamook Creamery. Service will operate Fridays through Sundays through the end of August.
To celebrate the launch, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association held a press conference on Friday, May 23 at 9 am at the Sunset Transit Center in Portland.
Attendees of the conference heard from:
- Finn Johnson, North Coast Destination Stewardship Manager (Oregon Coast Visitors Association)
- Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
- Gustavo Guerrero representing Senator Jeff Merkley’s Office
- Ree Armitage representing Senator Ron Wyden’s Office
- John Garnder – Trimet Executive Director of Public Access and Innovation (TriMet)
- Allie Garnder – Industry Communications Manager (Travel Oregon)
Friday’s event also celebrated the departure of the first-ever passenger rides to the coast, carrying excited riders who are looking forward to this new transit option.
“It’s going to be wonderful to open up the North Coast to more people,” shared Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Everyone should be able to experience the coast. It’s part of who we are as a state.”
The project is a collaboration of forward-thinking organizations that are working towards a sustainable future for Oregon Coast tourism, including the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Travel Oregon, Ecoshuttle, and TriMet.
As Gustavo Guerrero said, on behalf of Senator Jeff Merkley, “This effort culminates the extraordinary partnership between multiple organizations. It’s the exact kind of forward-thinking infrastructure our communities urgently need.”
North Coast Express Logistics
Building on the region’s growing network of car-free travel options, the North Coast Express offers a new, stress-free way to experience the North Coast—no keys required. Riders can enjoy a full day of coastal exploration or plan a longer stay with flexible return-day ticketing.
Morning Departures and Coastal Connections
Each morning, two express routes will depart from the Sunset Transit Center in Beaverton:
Northbound Express: Seaside → Cannon Beach → Astoria
Southbound Express: Rockaway Beach → Tillamook Creamery
A midday connector service allows for hop-on, hop-off travel between coastal towns. Both express routes return to Beaverton in the evening, giving passengers ample time to enjoy local attractions, food, and the coastline.
Designed with Comfort in Mind
All buses are equipped with:
- Free WiFi and charging ports
- Onboard restrooms
- Panoramic windows and reclining seats
- Wheelchair lifts for accessible boarding
Limited storage is available for bikes, surfboards, coolers, and other large items.
A New Way to Experience the People’s Coast
Whether visitors are planning a spontaneous day trip or a weekend on the beach, the North Coast Express offers a relaxed, comfortable, and sustainable way to explore the Oregon Coast—at your own pace.
Tickets, schedules, and full route details are available at www.visittheoregoncoast.com/express