Is US-395 safe in winter?

It is generally well-maintained but can experience heavy snow and ice near mountain passes.

Are there trains from Bishop?

No, Bishop does not have passenger rail service; the nearest Amtrak station is in Reno.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

What is the best airport near Bishop?

Bishop Airport (BIH) offers limited regional flights, but Reno (RNO) is the primary hub.

Do I need a rental car in Portland?

Portland has excellent public transit, so a car is not strictly necessary for city exploration.

Bishop

Portland

Flight Driving

Bishop to Portland

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Bishop to Portland spans approximately 1,150 km via the scenic US-395 North. You will traverse the Eastern Sierra, crossing into Nevada and eventually reaching the Columbia River Gorge. Driving is the most flexible option, taking roughly 12 hours of pure transit time. Alternatively, you can drive to Reno-Tahoe International Airport for a direct flight to Portland. This route offers dramatic transitions from high desert landscapes to lush temperate rainforests.

Total Distance: 1,150 km driving, 880 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes approximately 4 hours total travel time.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective method for groups of two or more.

Compare Bishop to Portland Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours including connection	12 hours
Avg Price	$300-$600	$150-$250 in fuel
Operator	Alaska Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	RNO to PDX via Reno-Tahoe International Airport.	US-395 N to I-84 W through Reno and Boise.
Tip	Book your flight from Reno to save significant time over driving the full distance.	Check for winter chain requirements on mountain passes before departing.

Travel Tips

Fuel Up
Gas stations are sparse between Bishop and Reno; fill your tank in Bishop.
Weather Check
Monitor the National Weather Service for high-wind warnings in the Columbia Gorge.
Toll Roads
There are no major toll roads on this specific route, saving you extra fees.
Packing
Bring layers as the temperature drops significantly when crossing the Cascades.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cellular service is intermittent in the high desert.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Watch for deer and elk crossing the highway, especially during dawn and dusk.
Fatigue
The long stretches of desert road can cause driver fatigue; take breaks every 3 hours.
Emergency Kit
Carry a basic car emergency kit including water, blankets, and a flashlight.
Road Conditions
Check Caltrans QuickMap for real-time road closures or construction updates.