North Coast Express
logo North Coast Express

Ride the North Coast Express

PORTLANDicon arrow green listASTORIAicon arrow green listSEASIDEicon arrow green listCANNON BEACHicon arrow green listMANZANITAicon arrow green listROCKAWAY BEACHicon arrow green listTILLAMOOK

Stress-Free Travel from Portland to the Coast. Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride!

LAUNCHING MEMORIAL DAY 2025.

The North Coast Express will connect Portland, Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach and the Tillamook Creamery via point to point express service. This service will also provide hop-on hop-off transportation along the coast between destinations. Experience the North Coast Express this summer during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Starting Memorial Day Weekend!

The pilot project aims to significantly reduce individual car usage, and create a long-term option for a more sustainable travel option to the coast. Learn more here.

Coming Soon

North Bound Loop

South Bound Loop

Should I Book on the “North” or “South” Express?

Tickets are only good for the Express they’re booked for (excluding midday travel*). That means, if you book an outbound and return ticket on the South Express, you cannot ride out to the coast, or back from the coast, on the North Express and vice versa. 

If you are interested in visiting Seaside, Astoria and Cannon Beach as your primary destinations, you should probably choose the North Express. If you are primarily interested in visiting the Tillamook Creamery or Rockaway Beach, the South Express may be the right fit!

  • North Express: Seaside, Astoria & Cannon Beach 
  • South Express: Tillamook Creamery & Rockaway Beach 

Passengers must plan according to the route stop schedule to make sure that they are able to take the Express aligned with their ticket home. 

*Passengers may take either Express during the midday schedule, as long as they have a valid ticket for one of the Expresses for that day.

How do I reserve luggage and large items?

With a Regular Ticket, Each passenger may bring:

  • one personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches, and 
  • one carry-on item, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

Passengers looking to bring a large item to stow in the luggage compartment of the Express may book via the “traveling with large items” ticket button. There is limited availability for large items and these must be booked in advance. Passengers who book a large item ticket may bring one item of up to the following dimensions: 

Large Items (1x with Large Item Ticket)

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs. and 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″ (of regular size) and non-folding scooters of the same dimensions. 
  • Large items up to 50 lbs. that do not exceed 8ft in length or 4ft in width. 

Passengers will be responsible for stowing their own luggage and will not be provided assistance by the driver or operator. Passengers bring and stow their luggage at their own risk of damage. 

How will I get around once I get to the coast?

Once on the coast, riders will be responsible for getting around and making it back to the express stops on time.

Here are some options for getting around once you make it to your destination:  

  • Tillamook County Bus System: We’re proud to partner with Tillamook County Transportation District to offer Express riders free access to their buses. Visit www.tillamookbus.com for up to date schedules and routes. Please note Tillamook County buses DO NOT run on Sundays.
  • Clatsop County Bus System: Sunset Empire Transportation District offers around town and intercity fixed bus services in Clatsop County. Visit https://nwconnector.org/agencies/sunset-empire-transportation-district/ for up to date schedules and routes. Please note SETD buses require $1.00 cash payment per ride.
  • Taxi & Uber Services: there are limited taxi services and almost no Uber or Lyft services available on the coast. If you are planning on using taxi services plan your trip in advance and confirm with operators prior to leaving for the coast.

 

Getting Around Town

  • Astoria: The Express stops right in Astoria’s downtown district at the Astoria Transit Center. Downtown shops and restaurants are conveniently walkable from the Transit Center. For more information on how to get around Astoria, visit our Astoria Car Free Page at https://visittheoregoncoast.com/car-free-resources/astoria/
  • Seaside: Express riders will get dropped off at the Seaside Visitors Bureau in town, half a mile from the beach and less than that to downtown Seaside. For more information on how to get around Seaside, visit our Seaside Car Free Page at https://visittheoregoncoast.com/car-free-resources/seaside/
  • Cannon Beach: The Express stops in Downtown Cannon Beach at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce. For more information on how to get around Cannon Beach, visit our Cannon Beach Car Free Page at https://visittheoregoncoast.com/car-free-resources/cannon-beach/
  • Rockaway Beach: Express riders will be dropped off at 398-300 S Anchor St, Rockaway Beach right behind the International Police Museum. This stop is 3 blocks from the beach and one block from Rockaway Beach’s shopping and restaurant scene. For those with accessibility needs please be aware that this stop will be loading and unloading on gravel.
  • Tillamook Creamery: The only stop in Tillamook is at the Tillamook Creamery. Riders interested in experiencing downtown Tillamook will have the option to take the Tillamook County Bus (see above) at no extra charge. However, please do be aware that this service will not be available Sundays. Downtown Tillamook is a 2 mile walk from the Creamery.
What happens if I miss my Express home at the end of the day?

It’s extremely important that you pay attention to timing in order to make it home at the end of the day. During the summertime, hotels and overnight opportunities are often fully booked on the coast on the weekend. Please refer to the timetables and live trackers on this webpage for real time route updates. You must be at the correct stop at the correct time, the Express will not wait for you after its scheduled departure time. 

Please contact us in advance at express@thepeoplescoast.com if you have questions about stops or timing, we would be happy to assist you in trip planning to ensure that you do not miss your ride! 

The evening Express is the last run for the day, if you miss that Express you will be responsible for finding accommodations and booking a return trip to Sunset Transit Center from your location. 

The Express does not run on Mondays-Thursdays, if you miss your Express home on Sunday night, please refer to https://nwconnector.org/ for car-free options back from the coast the following day. 

 

What towns does the North Coast Express stop in?

The Express ONLY stops in Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach and at the Tillamook Creamery. Passengers looking to explore other destinations should check out our “Care Free” page, and the above question on how to get around.

Can I hop on and off at different towns during the day?

Yes! The Expresses have a midday hop-on hop-off trip along the coast. During this midday segment you can feel free to use any valid ticket for that day on either the North or South Expresses. 


We cannot guarantee space on the Expresses during this Midday trip.

What if the Express is running late?

The live tracker on this webpage will share real-time updates on the Expresses. If a bus is delayed indefinitely, we will make sure a different bus is available to come pick you up. We will contact you via shared email, phone and via alerts on the live tracking map, please share correct contact information with us so that we can contact you in the event of a schedule or express change. 

Are children allowed? Is there a discounted fare for kids, students, or seniors?

Kids are more than welcome! Children under 2 years old who can sit on their parent’s lap do not need a ticket, all others do need to have a valid ticket to ride. 

We unfortunately do not have discounted ticket options at this time.

Are pets allowed on the Express?

Pets are not allowed on board the North Coast Express. Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are welcome onboard. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not permitted unless authorized in advance.

I’m missing my ticket, where can I find it?

You should have received an email with the subject line “North Coast Express Reservation”.

What time does the Express depart and return?

North Express

  • Depart: 9:30 AM
  • Return: 8:30 PM

 

South Express

  • Depart: 10:00 AM
  • Return: 8:00 PM

 

Please note that these Expresses may be subject to delays. Find out live tracking above the FAQ on this website.

Can I stay on the coast longer than the weekend?

Yes! Express tickets can be purchased for a one way trip or for trips that allow you to go out one day and come back a different day. If you are planning on staying past Sunday, and returning prior to Friday, you will have to find alternative transportation options back from the Coast. 

 

Our tickets are sold as roundtrip packages and we cannot reduce prices for one way purchases. 

How do I book a ticket for the North Coast Express?

On this website page there is a link to book tickets and below that is a How to Ride Guide. You will need to know the dates you’re intending to book and how many are traveling in your group. If you are also booking a large item ticket in addition to your regular checkout, you will need to complete two checkouts.

Do I need to reserve in advance, or can I buy tickets on the day of travel?

You need to have a valid ticket to board the Express, but can purchase anytime prior to boarding. We would recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to ensure

Can I bring food and drinks on the Express?

You may bring aboard your own food and drink on the North Coast Express. You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol and/or be under the influence of alcohol in any ecoShuttle vehicle. Illegal substances and smoking are strictly prohibited.

Please be courteous to those around you and make sure to leave your space free of any mess or garbage. Thank you!

Is there WiFi on the Express?

The North Coast Express buses are equipped with WIFI and outlets for charging electronics. However, this is a scenic route and WIFI may be inaccessible during portions of the trip due to connectivity. We would recommend bringing something to do that doesn’t require a connection!

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes! There is an onboard restroom for your convenience.

What are the operating dates and days of the week?

This Express service is being piloted from May 23, 2025 to August 31, 2025. The Express service will be running Fridays through Sundays during this time.

For more options to get to the Coast, including Mondays-Thursdays, please visit: 

https://www.oregon-point.com/routes/northwest

https://nwconnector.org/

What happens in case of bad weather or road closures?

In the event of extreme weather we may need to adjust or cancel routes. We will contact you via provided email and SMS phone number to let you know about route changes. Updates will also be provided via the live tracking map on this page and with your tickets. 

If you have any questions about changes or weather, please contact us as express@thepeoplescoast.com.

Can I change or cancel my ticket?

You can cancel tickets up to one day in advance. Once canceled you will be provided with a full refund and can book a different day if you so choose.

Is the Express safe for solo travelers or at night?

Passengers are expected to be courteous to others on board the Express. If you are experiencing difficulties with other passengers please report them to the bus driver immediately. 

Is there a contact number or email for support?

Please email express@thepeoplescoast.com for any support needs.

Both Express Buses have ADA lifts and are designed to be able to accommodate people with disabilities. We cannot, however, guarantee that route stops will be accessible. The Rockaway Beach stop, in particular, unloads passengers onto gravel.

 

Bus operators cannot handle wheelchairs and folks who require assistance will need to have members in their party who can offer that assistance. If given prior notice of accessibility needs, we can be prepared to accommodate folks better. Please email express@thepeoplescoast.com to let us know about your needs.

Contact Us

For any inquiries, please contact express@thepeoplescoast.com

About the Project

The North Coast Express Pilot Project aims to increase connectivity and promote tourism on the Oregon Coast by offering an accessible, convenient, and eco-friendly shuttle service from the Portland Metro to and along the North Coast region (the coast’s highest traffic region).

Learn more about how this project aligns with our Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency efforts.

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