Destination guides > North America > USA > West Coast > Oregon > Eugene
Eugene
Oregon's third-largest city, at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, is home to the University of Oregon. It is a good base for outdoor activities and its lively arts scene and large student population give it a vibrant feel very different to other American cities of a similar size.
Eugene is noted for its radical left-wing politics that sometimes lead to violent counter cultural activities. Some travellers feel that this makes Eugene a refreshing antidote to the conservatism found elsewhere in the United States, but other visitors find the overall mood a little unsettling.
Practical information
Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon
754 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon 97440
Tel (541) 484 5307
Website www.visitlanecounty.org
Coming & going
AIR
Eugene Airport is about a 15 minute-drive from downtown Eugene. There are direct flights to major hubs including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.
BUS
Eugene's Greyhound station (tel (541) 344 6265; website www.greyhound.com) is located at 987 Pearl Street, Eugene, OR 97401. Greyhound has buses to most major destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
TRAIN
Eugene is the southern terminus for Amtrak's (website www.amtrak.com) Cascades service to Portland and Seattle (with connections to Vancouver). The Coast Starlight also stops in Eugene en route between Los Angeles and Seattle.
Local transport
Lane Transit District (website www.ltd.org) runs Eugene's local bus services. The standard cash fare is $1.25, five ride tokens cost $5.50 and a day pass costs $2.50. The Breeze Shuttle, which runs between downtown Eugene and the Valley River Center, costs 50c.
Hostel accommodation
Eugene International Hostel
2352 Willamette Street, Eugene, OR 97405
Tel (541) 349 0589
Eugene Whiteaker Hostel
970 West 3rd Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402
Tel (541) 343 3335
