Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation
Learn about Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation
If you’re wondering how to get around without a car, here’s the short version: Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation is centered on TriMet’s frequent Line 57 along Tualatin Valley Highway, with easy connections to MAX Light Rail in nearby Hillsboro. This guide explains your options, what to expect, and how to ride with confidence.
Quick Answer
Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation = TriMet’s Line 57 on TV Highway through downtown Cornelius, connecting west to Forest Grove and east to Hillsboro’s MAX Blue Line for rides into Portland. Use a Hop Fastpass for fares, expect frequent daytime service, and consider Ride Connection if you need door-to-door assistance.
What Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation Means
In Cornelius, “public transportation” primarily means:
- TriMet bus service, especially Line 57 (TV Hwy/Forest Grove) running right through downtown on Baseline (westbound) and Adair (eastbound).
- Quick transfers in Hillsboro to the MAX Blue Line for Beaverton and Portland.
- Ride Connection services for older adults, people with disabilities, and riders who need travel training or community shuttles.
- Regional buses nearby (like The Wave from Forest Grove/Hillsboro) for trips toward the coast or into Portland.
There’s no MAX station in Cornelius itself; the closest MAX stops are a few miles east in Hillsboro (Hillsboro Central/SE 3rd, Hatfield Government Center, Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport).
Why People Search for This in Cornelius, Oregon
- Commuting to Intel, downtown Hillsboro, Beaverton, or Portland.
- Getting to school, the Cornelius Public Library & Community Commons, Centro Cultural, or errands on TV Highway.
- Visiting nearby Forest Grove (2 miles west) or Hillsboro (about 3–5 miles east).
- Reaching the airport (PDX), weekend outings, or wineries near Forest Grove and the Tualatin Valley.
What to Expect
The main line: TriMet Line 57 (Frequent Service)
- Runs along Tualatin Valley Highway (OR-8) with stops through downtown Cornelius.
- Typical daytime frequency: every 15–20 minutes, less often late evenings and early mornings.
- Travel time:
- Cornelius → Forest Grove: about 5–10 minutes.
- Cornelius → Hillsboro Central MAX: about 10–20 minutes (traffic varies).
- Cornelius → Downtown Portland (via MAX): about 60–90 minutes total, depending on transfers and time of day.
MAX Light Rail connections (Hillsboro)
- Board the Blue Line in downtown Hillsboro to reach Beaverton and Portland.
- For PDX Airport, transfer to the Red Line (transfer patterns can change—check TriMet’s trip planner).
Fares and paying
- Use Hop Fastpass (physical card or mobile wallet). It caps your daily and monthly spending.
- Adult 2.5‑hour rides are typically in the $2–$3 range; Day Pass about double that. Reduced fares available for youth and Honored Citizens. Check TriMet for current prices.
Accessibility and bikes
- All TriMet buses and MAX are wheelchair accessible.
- Buses have front bike racks; bikes are allowed on MAX (space permitting).
- Riders can request stop announcements and use priority seating.
Hours and weather
- Service runs early morning to late night, with reduced frequency late evenings.
- On snow/ice days, expect delays or detours; check service alerts before you go.
- TV Highway is busy—use marked crosswalks and signals.
Park & Ride options (nearby)
- Popular choices include Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport and Orenco Station MAX Park & Rides.
Tips for Visitors / Residents
- Plan ahead:
- Use the TriMet Trip Planner or Google Maps for real-time arrivals.
- Save time by loading money to your Hop card before you head out.
- Best places to catch the bus in Cornelius:
- Along Baseline St (westbound) and Adair St (eastbound) through downtown.
- Near the Cornelius Library & Community Commons and along 10th Avenue.
- For the airport:
- Take Line 57 to Hillsboro, transfer to MAX. Allow 90+ minutes, especially during rush hours.
- Need extra help?
- Ride Connection offers free/low-cost rides and travel training for eligible riders. Book in advance.
- Nights and weekends:
- Buses run later than you might think, but wait times are longer. Check the schedule before staying out late.
- Safety and comfort:
- TV Highway is a high-traffic corridor—use signalized crossings.
- Bring a light jacket most of the year; buses and MAX are climate-controlled, but stops can be breezy in fall/winter.
Best Local Resources
- TriMet (routes, fares, service alerts): trimet.org
- Hop Fastpass (payment/app): myhopcard.com
- Ride Connection (eligibility, rides, travel training): rideconnection.org
- City of Cornelius (local updates): corneliusor.gov
- Tillamook County Transportation District “The Wave” (regional bus): tillamookbus.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornelius Oregon Public Transportation
Q: How far is Cornelius from Portland?
- A: About 25 miles west. By transit, expect 60–90 minutes depending on time of day and transfers.
Q: Does MAX go to Cornelius?
- A: No. The closest MAX stations are in Hillsboro. Use Line 57 to connect.
Q: Is the bus frequent?
- A: Line 57 is Frequent Service—about every 15–20 minutes most of the day, with less frequent late-night and early-morning service.
Q: Can I take transit to the airport (PDX)?
- A: Yes. Ride Line 57 to Hillsboro, then MAX toward Portland and transfer to the Red Line for PDX. Plan on ~90 minutes.
Q: Is it kid- and stroller-friendly?
- A: Yes. Buses are low-floor and accessible. Strollers are welcome; be prepared to yield priority space if needed.
Q: Is parking available for transit riders?
- A: Not in Cornelius, but you’ll find Park & Rides at nearby Hillsboro MAX stations like Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport and Orenco.
Summary
Cornelius relies on TriMet Line 57 for daily travel, with quick connections to MAX Light Rail in Hillsboro for trips to Beaverton, downtown Portland, and the airport. Pay with Hop Fastpass, expect frequent daytime service, and consider Ride Connection if you need extra support. It’s a practical, budget-friendly way to get around the west side.
Related Guides
- Getting from Cornelius to Portland Without a Car
- Closest MAX Light Rail Stations to Cornelius
- TV Highway Basics: Driving, Biking, and Bus Tips
- Day Trips from Cornelius by Transit
- Airports Near Cornelius and How to Reach Them

