Transportation

A railroad runs through it, but in point of fact you really can’t get to this part of Central Oregon by rail.  Amtrak comes as close as Chemult--only 85 miles down Highway 97 from Eagle Crest, but most people would discourage the additional walk.  However, an airport shuttle does run from Chemult through La Pine and Bend to Roberts Field in Redmond.

The public transportation of choice in this area is by air.  Four airlines serve Roberts Field, and both Roberts Field and Bend Municipal Airport are available for general aviation needs, including charter services.  

Horizon Air, an affiliate of Alaska Airlines, provides direct daily flights from Redmond to Los Angeles, Eugene, Portland, and Seattle.  United Express also flies daily to Portland and Seattle, as well as to San Francisco.  Delta Airlines,  as SkyWest,  flies direct to Salt Lake City several times a week, and Allegiant flies to Las Vegas, again, periodically during the week.  For specific times and schedules, contact the airline directly. 

Bus transportation to Portland and back is available.  Central Oregon Breeze departs daily from Bend and from Roberts Field.  While this isn’t the fastest way in the world to get to Portland, it does give you a chance to look at the scenery and leave the driving to someone else.  Reservations for The Breeze may be made online.  Greyhound also has service from Bend.  

Public transportation in the local area is limited .  Bend does have a transit line within the city of Bend, called Bend Area Transit (BAT).  Dial-A-Ride provides some service, mostly for seniors or disabled people, including a trip each Tuesday from the Redmond Senior Center to Bend and back.  For details, either click the preceding link or call (541) 548-0466.  Additional information on services for seniors can be found at www.councilonaging.org/transportation. 

Finally, the way most people in Central Oregon get around is by driving, and the superb maps provided in this website will clearly illustrate that all roads lead to this magnificent area.  However, if you need extra help, Oregon Department of Transportation, (ODOT) provides an excellent resource for drivers.  Another terrific source of information for drivers is Microsoft's Live Search.