Whether you’re arriving by plane, train or automobile, there are two primary gateways to the Willamette Valley: the city of Eugene in the south, and the city of Portland in the north. Oregon’s largest airport is Portland (PDX), and don’t be surprised if you see its trademark carpeting incorporated into crafts and souvenirs throughout the state: thanks to its excellent shops and restaurants, easy light-rail connection to the city, and local artwork, PDX has been voted America’s #1 Airport five times by Travel + Leisure. Second-largest in the state is Eugene Airport (EUG), serving many destinations throughout the West and Southwest. 

Flying through PDX? Start your wine country experience early.
Through a partnership with Delta Airlines, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association hosts a complimentary tasting series inside the Delta Sky Club at Portland International Airport. Every Monday from March through December 2026, travelers can enjoy a curated flight of five Willamette Valley wines from 11 am to 1 pm. It’s a chance to preview the region before you even leave the airport – whether you’re heading into wine country or catching a flight home.

For those who prefer to take in the scenery from the ground, Amtrak and a variety of regional trains make stops in Eugene and Portland. For information about touring companies, public transit, and rental cars, see Ground Transportation, and visit Travel Oregon’s transportation page for more logistical information to help you plan. And remember: Oregon wines fly free on Alaska Airlines! Details here.