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The 5 Best Bus Tours in Portland for Every Kind of Explorer

  • Variety: We looked for buses that cater to different tastes and interests–may that be scenic routes to foodie tours.
  • Local expertise: We made sure the guides know their Portland history, hidden gems, and a few fun quirks to keep you entertained.
  • Experience: We considered customer reviews and firsthand experiences to highlight tours that are both fun and comfortable.
  • Accessibility: We evaluated whether the tours are inclusive for travelers of all ages and physical abilities.
  • Convenience: We chose tours that make booking, pickup, and schedules simple so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Exploring Portland is fun, but seeing it from the comfort of a lively, expertly guided bus tour? That’s next-level. 

From stunning views to quirky neighborhoods and foodie pit stops, bus tours give you a fun, laid-back way to experience it all.

Ready to hop on and discover your new favorite way to see the city? Let’s dive into the best bus tours Portland has to offer.

1. Vintage Tour Bus

vintage-tour-bus

Services: Bus tours and special events rental

Address: 204 SE 30th Ave

Phone: (503) 558-5779

Business hours:

  • Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Total reviews4.7/5
Score Consistency4.9/5
Variety4.3/5
Local expertise4.5/5
Experience4.4/5
Accessibility3/5
Convenience2.5/5

Vintage Tour Bus brings a lot of charm to exploring the region. They offer tours that range from wine-tasting escapades in the Willamette Valley to trips along the stunning Oregon Coast.

What sets the experience apart is Sean Kennedy, the driver, guide, and resident storyteller. His warm, easygoing personality and impressive knowledge of local history add so much depth to the journey.

Guests, particularly on wine tours, raved about Sean’s insights into the region’s vineyards and his ability to make the stories behind the wines come alive.

We also appreciated the company’s effort to accommodate groups of different sizes and needs, which makes their tours accessible to many.

However, the vintage bus design does come with some limitations for travelers with mobility challenges. 

Booking a tour is refreshingly straightforward, and their clear communication about pickup details is a nice touch.

One downside, though, is the requirement for a minimum group size of 10. It can make it difficult for smaller parties to join in on the fun.

Pros

  • Customizable tours
  • Diverse tour options
  • Engaging and knowledgeable guides
  • Unique vintage charm
  • Group-friendly 
  • Focus on scenic spots
  • Easy booking

Cons

  • May lack modern amenities
  • Mobility limitations
  • Minimum group size 

    His bus was cute and comfortable

    “10/10! Super fun experience wine tasting in Yamhill County. Sean (owner) was a wonderful tour guide and his bus was cute and comfortable. We appreciated his fun wit and trivia throughout the experience, and that he booked all of the wine tastings for us as part of the tour. We hope to make the vintage bus an annual tradition. Thanks again, Sean!”

    Jessica Robnett, Google Reviews

    The Vintage Tour Bus is an awesome, enjoyable and informative ride

    “The Vintage Tour Bus is an awesome, enjoyable and informative ride. Sip your way across the Oregon wine country with the amazingly informative Sean Kennedy. Highly recommend an excursion on the bus!”

    CDavid Cottrill, Google Reviews

    2. Gray Line of Portland

    gray-line-of-portland

    Services: Trolley bus and coach charters

    Address: 846 SW Park Ave

    Phone: (503) 241-7373

    Business hours:

    • Monday – Sunday: 8:10 AM – 4:10 PM

    Website

    Google score reviews4.1/5
    Total reviews4.7/5
    Score Consistency3.9/5
    Variety3/5
    Local expertise4/5
    Experience4.2/5
    Accessibility4.1/5
    Convenience2.9/5

    Our team had the pleasure of exploring Portland and beyond with the Gray Line of Portland and its popular bus tours certainly live up to their reputation. 

    Highlights like the breathtaking Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge tour showcase some of Oregon’s most stunning scenery, and Gray Line ensures the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

    We really loved the comfortable buses, which many of the customers we talked to also praised for making the rides pleasant. The detailed insights shared during the tours also really enhanced the experience. 

    However, some passengers have noted that the seating can feel tight for larger individuals, which might affect overall comfort.

    The guides, like Brian, are another highlight. Their engaging storytelling and willingness to answer questions make the rides both enjoyable and informative. 

    Gray Line also earns points for being inclusive. We appreciate their efforts in accommodating a variety of travelers, including those with specific needs. 

    Their straightforward booking process and multiple daily departures add to the convenience, although we did notice occasional feedback about scheduling hiccups and pick-up delays.

    Pros

    • Generally comfortable experience
    • Clean and well-maintained buses
    • Informative guides
    • Straightforward booking process
    • Multiple daily departures

    Cons

    • Occasional scheduling and pick-up issues
    • Seating may feel cramped for larger individuals

       A bus with comfortable seating, driver cum guide explains everything in detail

      “Very well organised travels, it was very good experience booking tour with them to Columbia Gorge and Multnomah falls. A bus with comfortable seating, driver cum guide explains everything in detail and audio clippings also been played in the bus to get to know more details about the whole journey and places!! Go ahead to book tours with grayline to get best tour experiences:)”

      Sudha Rani, Google Reviews

      The bus that goes down the gorge is comfortable and large, the stops are adequate for taking bathroom breaks and photo taking

      “My family and I had the opportunity to go on both the city tour and the gorge bus, this was fantastic and fun! Just be prepared that in the trolley it’s open to the air and will be cool in the spring and fall months. The bus that goes down the gorge is comfortable and large, the stops are adequate for taking bathroom breaks and photo taking. Each bus driver was friendly and even being a native Portlander I learned some very fun and interesting fact about my own city!”

      R Y, Google Reviews

      3. EcoTours of Oregon

      ecotours-of-oregon

      Services: Private tours and large groups 

      Address: Serves Portland

      Phone: (503) 475-0226

      Business hours:

      • Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

      Website

      Google score reviews4.8/5
      Total reviews4.8/5
      Score Consistency4.7/5
      Variety3.5/5
      Local expertise4.7/5
      Experience4.5/5
      Accessibility4.8/5
      Convenience4.2/5

      EcoTours of Oregon is a solid choice for anyone looking to dive deeper into the natural wonders of the region. 

      Their tours, such as whale watching along the Oregon Coast or exploring the Mount Saint Helens area, are crafted to offer an engaging mix of scenery and learning. 

      The guides, especially the bus driver who often doubles as the resident expert, are a standout feature. Their impressive knowledge of marine life and local ecosystems, combined with fun facts and stories, bring the experience to life. 

      Many guests frequently mention that the guide’s enthusiasm makes the tours as entertaining as they are informative, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the region.

      We also really love their door-to-door services, where they pick you up from your preferred location and drop you off at your chosen spot after the tour. 

      That said, some travelers mentioned they wished for more time at certain stops, as the brief stays left them wanting more. 

      Pros

      • Tailored sightseeing experiences
      • Knowledgeable guide
      • Engaging storytelling
      • Offers door-to-door services
      • Easy booking process
      • Focus on education

      Cons

      • Limited availability for last-minute bookings
      • Short viewing times at some stops

        The views were absolutely breathtaking! If you are looking for a place to go Whale Watching

        “It was our first trip out to Portland, OR and Jeff really made our trip memorable! We were debating between Eco Tours and one other spot. We are VERY happy we chose Eco Tours. It was worth the $150. Jeff was very knowledgeable tour guide, and knows his music! He took us to the best spots before and after our Whale Watching. The views were absolutely breathtaking! If you are looking for a place to go Whale Watching, Eco Tours with Jeff is the place to go! THANK YOU, JEFF!”

        Sabrina Schuppe, Google Reviews

        We had the perfect amount of time at each destination

        “Jeff was an amazing guide and we had a great time! My husband and I were in Oregon for only a couple of days and stayed in Portland, but we wanted to try to fit in some time exploring the amazing nature Oregon has to offer. This was a perfect way to see as much as possible in a day! I’m usually not a big fan of group tours because you can often feel rushed, but the group was 7 people — the perfect size — and we had the perfect amount of time at each destination. Jeff was extremely knowledgable and I would definitely take another tour with him again.”

        Jessica, Google Reviews

        4. Blue Star Transportation

        blue-star-transportation

        Services: Wine tours, business groups, church groups, and more 

        Address: 8250 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

        Phone: (503) 249-1837

        Business hours:

        • Open 24 hours

        Website

        Google score reviews4.5/5
        Total reviews4.6/5
        Score Consistency4.2/5
        Variety2.5/5
        Local expertise3/5
        Experience4/5
        Accessibility4.5/5
        Convenience3.7/5

        Blue Star Transportation offers a premium way to explore Oregon Wine Country. Their minibuses are designed with comfortable seating and modern amenities.

        One of Blue Star’s standout qualities is its focus on accessibility. They go the extra mile to accommodate various passenger needs, providing ADA-accessible vehicles and equipping their buses with restrooms. 

        Plus, their upfront and user-friendly booking system adds to the overall convenience.

        Drivers like Greg, who frequently earns glowing reviews, elevate the experience with their professionalism and friendly attitude.

        However, there’s room for improvement. Some customers highlighted the limited vehicle sizes for larger groups, which could restrict options for bigger parties.

        Additionally, occasional communication issues around schedule changes have caused minor frustrations for guests.

        Pros

        • Focus on Oregon wine country tour
        • Modern minibuses
        • Comfortable seating
        • Accessible to various passengers
        • User-friendly booking system
        • Professional and friendly drivers

        Cons

        • Limited vehicle size
        • Occasional communication issues

          Very friendly, very professional, an excellent driver, and super flexible with our schedule

          “Blue Star Charter was perfect for our corporate event! The business staff was prompt and responsive during the booking and payment process. The bus driver, Jason, was one of the best bus drivers we have had. Very friendly, very professional, an excellent driver, and super flexible with our schedule. Would definitely recommend them for a tour.”

          America Mason, Google Reviews

          We have been using this company for the last two years and we have had positive experience every time

          “I would highly recommend Blue Star Charters & Tours, Inc. for your transportation requirements! We have been using this company for the last two years and we have had positive experience every time. Their staff is extremely punctual, friendly and professional. Our driver was Jason and he was so outgoing and personable.”

          Claire Corcoran, Google Reviews

          5. GOGO Charters Portland

          gogo-charters-portland

          Services: School trips, corporate events, and more

          Address: 7845 SW Capitol Hwy, Suite 5G

          Phone: (503) 419-6477

          Business hours:

          • Open 24 hours

          Website

          Google score reviews5/5
          Total reviews2.9/5
          Score Consistency4.8/5
          Variety4/5
          Local expertise2/5
          Experience4/5
          Accessibility4.5/5
          Convenience2.5/5

          GOGO Charters Portland specializes in long-term bus rentals for a wide range of events, from corporate outings to big cross-country trips. 

          We really love their coast-to-coast tours. They cover destinations like Seattle, California beaches, and other locations across multiple states.

          They’ve also got a solid fleet of buses with modern perks like Wi-Fi and comfy seating, making even the longest journeys more enjoyable. 

          Plus, the company really tries to meet the needs of each group they serve. They ensure their buses are ready for passengers with special needs.

          However, we’ve seen some feedback that communication around last-minute changes could use some work. 

          Additionally, a few customers have raised concerns about the reliability of scheduling. They’ve complained about delays or changes to their planned itineraries, particularly during the busy late spring to summer.

          Pros

          • Diverse fleet
          • Comfortable long journeys
          • Coast to coast tours
          • Professional drivers
          • Focus on accessibility
          • Straightforward booking
          • Competitive pricing
          • Good for corporate tours
          • Modern amenities

          Cons

          • Communication issues with last-minute changes
          • Scheduling challenges during peak seasons
          • No fixed routes

            Extremely easy and efficient

            “Booking our charter bus with GOGO was extremely easy and efficient. Great service and the staff were very responsive”

            Relo Reloris, Google Reviews

             Fast service and the price was exactly what I was looking for.

            “Excellent bus services locally based in Portland. Called them a few days ago and they setup our bus charger for my team. Fast service and the price was exactly what I was looking for. Overall very pleased with the experience”

            QuezSelfPaid, Google Reviews

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