Getting Around Astoria
Astoria sits on the Columbia River in Oregon, and its compact downtown and riverfront make it easy to explore on foot or with a handful of local transport options. The information below covers the practical ways a visitor can move around town and reach it from the surrounding region.
Arriving by Car
If you are driving, U.S. Route 101 runs north–south through the city, and the Astoria–Megler Bridge to Washington terminates near downtown at W Marine Dr. U.S. Route 30 provides access from the east, including from Portland. From the north — Longview/Kelso, Woodland, or the Puget Sound area — you can take Exit 39 from I-5 in Longview and cross the Columbia River to reach U.S. 30.
Another route from Portland is to take U.S. Route 26 (the Sunset Highway) northwest to its western terminus at U.S. 101, south of Seaside, then continue north on U.S. 101 into Astoria. Alternatively, you can leave U.S. 26 at OR-103 and go north to Jewell, then take the scenic OR-202 north into Astoria. OR-202 enters the south side of town as Cherry Ave alongside the Youngs River, ending at U.S. 101 in Smith's Point; travelers can also go north on 7th Ave into town from Cherry. Note that U.S. 26 leaves Portland as a multi-lane freeway and narrows to a two-lane road, so be prepared for cross-traffic entering and leaving the highway.
Arriving by Bus
The central bus station is the Astoria Transit Center on Marine Dr & 9th St in downtown Astoria. Several services use it:
- Oregon Point (Northwest Point, operated by MTR Western) — runs up to Astoria from Portland via Beaverton, Elsie along U.S. 26, and Seaside, Cannon Beach, Gearhart, and Warrenton along U.S. 101. It picks up from Northwest Union Station and Sunset Transit Center in the Portland area, and is also an Amtrak Thruway bus. Connections to Greyhound, Cascade Point (to Eugene), Amtrak, and other bus lines are available in Portland.
- Pacific Transit — goes up to Ilwaco on Routes 24 or 50. The #50 bus continues toward Raymond from Ilwaco. Schedules are infrequent, so check them closely. Route 24 goes to Ilwaco Port via Chinook Store; Route 50 goes to Raymond via the Rocket Diner in Naselle, Dock of Bay Center, and South Bend, and in the other direction to Ilwaco via Chinook Store. Passengers can connect with Wahkiakum on the Move at the Rocket Diner to continue toward Longview/Kelso by bus.
- Wahkiakum on the Move — bus from Longview and Kelso to the Rocket Diner in Naselle, WA via Cathlamet along WA-Hwy 4. Connections to Greyhound, Amtrak, and other bus lines are in Kelso.
- Sunset Empire Transportation District — operates local public transportation in and around town and down to Seaside and Cannon Beach from the Astoria Transit Center on Route #101 (weekdays) and the Pacific Connector (weekends).
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Cruise ships stopping in Astoria typically dock at Pier 1, near the Astoria–Megler Bridge.
Getting Around Town
The Astoria Riverfront Trolley runs along the riverfront between Basin St and 39th St (the Pier 39 Retail complex). Fares are $1 for a round trip or $2 for a full day. The schedule changes seasonally and is subject to weather. The 9th Street stop is the nearest stop to the Transit Center, making it a convenient link between the central bus station and the riverfront.
For local public transportation in and around town, the Sunset Empire Transportation District operates services from the Astoria Transit Center, including connections down to Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Practical Tips
- Start at the Astoria Transit Center on Marine Dr & 9th St for regional and local buses.
- Use the Riverfront Trolley for a low-cost, scenic way to move along the waterfront; buy a round-trip or day ticket on board.
- Check schedules closely for Pacific Transit and other regional services, as they can be infrequent.
- If arriving by cruise ship, you will dock at Pier 1 near the Astoria–Megler Bridge, within reach of the riverfront and downtown.