Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the primary airport serving Northeast Ohio, located approximately 9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland. The airport holds a notable place in aviation history as the site of the first airport-to-downtown rapid transit connection in North America, which opened in 1968.

CLE has one terminal with three active concourses (A, B, and C) that are connected airside. After clearing security, passengers can walk freely between all concourses without re-screening.

• Concourse A: Frontier, Spirit, and international arrivals (including Federal Inspection Services). 12 gates.
• Concourse B: Delta and Southwest. 11 gates.
• Concourse C: Air Canada, American, JetBlue, and United. 23 gates.

Concourse D has been closed since 2014 when United de-hubbed the airport. A major modernization project called CLEvolution began in 2025, with plans for a new terminal and expanded parking over seven years.

In 2024, CLE served approximately 10 million passengers, the highest since 2008. Frontier is the largest carrier by destinations served (22 nonstop routes), while United maintains crew and maintenance bases and remains popular by passenger count.

CLE is located 9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland in the suburb of Brook Park. The airport has excellent public transit access via the RTA Red Line rapid transit.

Typical travel times to downtown Cleveland:

• RTA Red Line: 25-30 minutes
• Taxi/Rideshare: 15-25 minutes (varies with traffic)

The I-480 and I-71 highways provide direct access to the airport from most Cleveland suburbs.

Uber and Lyft operate at CLE. Pickups and drop-offs are available on both the upper (departures) and lower (arrivals) roadways.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Cleveland: $30-40
• University Circle: $35-45
• West Side suburbs: $20-30

Wait times average 5-10 minutes, though peak hours may see longer waits.

Taxis are available at the south end of baggage claim on the lower level. CLE operates a dedicated taxi service with a fleet of white vehicles.

Destination	Approximate Fare
Downtown Cleveland	$35-45
University Circle	$40-50
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame	$35-45

Rideshare apps are generally cheaper than taxis for most destinations.

RTA Red Line

Cleveland's Red Line rapid transit provides direct service between CLE and downtown Cleveland. This was the first airport rapid transit connection in North America when it opened in 1968.

Key details:

• Fare: $2.50 single ride ($1.25 seniors, $1.75 students)
• Travel time: 25-30 minutes to Tower City (downtown)
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours
• Hours: Approximately 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily

Station location: The RTA Airport Station is on the lower level of the terminal. Take the elevators or escalators near the center of ticketing or baggage claim.

To reach downtown Cleveland:

1. Exit baggage claim and proceed to the lower level
2. Follow signs to "RTA Rapid Transit"
3. Purchase a fare card from the vending machines or use the RTA app
4. Board the Red Line train toward Tower City
5. Exit at Tower City for downtown (25-30 minutes)

At Tower City, you can transfer to the Green and Blue lines for other destinations in Greater Cleveland.

Fare options:

• Single ride: $2.50
• All-Day Pass: Unlimited rides for one day
• 7-Day Pass: For extended stays

Reality check: The Red Line is reliable and significantly cheaper than rideshare. It's an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers with light luggage heading downtown or to University Circle.

CLE offers multiple parking options (all lots accept credit cards only):

On-Site Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Smart Garage	$26/day ($7/hr)	Closest to terminal, covered
Orange Lot	$21/day	Connected via skywalk
Red Lot	$24/day	Credit card only
Blue Lot	$24/day	Credit card only
Brown Lot	$15/day	Shuttle service every 15 min
Curbside Valet	$37/day	Drop off at terminal entrance

Tips:

• The Smart Garage and Orange Lot offer the most convenient access (covered walkway to terminal)
• Brown Lot is the most economical on-site option
• Off-site lots on nearby roads offer rates from $5-10/day with shuttle service

For reservations and current rates, contact Standard Parking at (216) 267-5030 or visit the Cleveland Airport parking page.

CLE has solid dining options spread across all three concourses, with Concourse C offering the most variety.

Main Terminal / Food Court

Located between Concourses B and C:

• Shake Shack: Burgers, chicken, frozen custard
• Chick-fil-A: Chicken sandwiches
• Quaker Steak & Lube: Wings and American fare

Concourse A

• 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen: Craft pizza, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken (opened 2024)
• Panini's Bar & Grill: Cleveland institution, sports bar fare

Concourse B

• The Club CLE: Lounge with food and drinks (Priority Pass)
• Dunkin': Coffee and quick bites
• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Desserts

Concourse C

• Cantina Taqueria and Tequila Bar: Street tacos, burritos, Latin cocktails (opened 2024)
• Bar Symon: Upscale burgers and craft cocktails from Cleveland chef Michael Symon (Priority Pass restaurant credit)
• Great Lakes Brewing Co.: Local craft beer and pub food
• Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill: Casual dining

Cleveland specialties: Try Great Lakes Brewing Co. for local craft beer or Panini's for a Cleveland sports bar experience.

Late-night options: Most restaurants close between 8-10 PM. Options are limited for late departures.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.

Network name: CLE_Public_WiFi

To connect:

1. Select CLE_Public_WiFi from available networks
2. No password required
3. Accept terms of service in your browser

Quality: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming. For faster connections, the airline lounges offer more reliable WiFi.

Security tip: Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi networks to protect personal information.

SIM cards and prepaid phone options are available at:

• Hudson News (multiple locations in all concourses)
• InMotion stores (Concourse C)

Major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer prepaid SIM options starting around $30-50. For better selection and prices, visit carrier stores in downtown Cleveland or nearby suburbs.

Alternative: eSIM activation through carrier apps for compatible phones.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal:

• Near each security checkpoint
• Main terminal food court area
• Each concourse (multiple locations)

Most ATMs are operated by major banks. Expect $3-5 out-of-network fees.

Currency exchange: Limited options at CLE. Consider using a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card or a service like Wise for better exchange rates.

CLE offers basic shopping options throughout the terminal:

Main Terminal

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (multiple locations)
• Cleveland-themed gifts: Local souvenirs and apparel

Concourse C

• InMotion: Electronics and tech accessories
• Duty Free Americas: Liquor, tobacco, perfume (international departures)
• Various retail shops

Shopping options are more limited compared to larger hub airports. For extensive shopping, downtown Cleveland offers better options.

The Club CLE

Location: Concourse B, turn right immediately after security

Hours: 4:30 AM - 9:00 PM daily

Access:

• Priority Pass
• LoungeKey
• Diners Club International
• Day pass: $50

Amenities: Complimentary food and beverages, WiFi, tarmac views, FLOH Vodka Bar featuring Cleveland's local vodka distillery. Menu includes regional favorites like pierogies and Cleveland-style corned beef sandwiches.

Note: Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled departure.

Bar Symon (Priority Pass Restaurant)

Location: Concourse C

Access: Priority Pass members receive $28 off their bill (counts as one lounge visit)

Note: Some credit card issuers have removed restaurant credits from Priority Pass benefits. Verify your card's current benefits before relying on this option.

United Club

Location: Concourse C, between gates C14 and C16

Access:

• United Club membership
• United Business/First Class on same-day United flight
• Star Alliance Gold status
• United Quest or Club Infinite card (with same-day United flight)

USO Lounge

Location: Lower level of terminal (baggage claim area)

Access: Active-duty military members and their families

Credit Card Access Summary

Card	Lounge Access
Chase Sapphire Reserve	The Club CLE via Priority Pass
Amex Platinum	The Club CLE via Priority Pass
Capital One Venture X	The Club CLE via Priority Pass
United Club Card	United Club

Hotels near CLE range from airport-adjacent properties to budget options a short drive away.

On the airport grounds:

Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel is the only hotel directly on airport property, offering:

• Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle
• Flight information board in lobby
• Rates: $120-180/night
• Marriott Bonvoy property

Near the airport (with shuttle):

• Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport: Mid-range, reliable, free shuttle
• Hampton Inn North Olmsted Cleveland Airport: Budget-friendly, free shuttle
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland: Marriott property, free shuttle
• Best Western Airport Inn & Suites: Budget option with shuttle

Budget options: Hotels along Brookpark Road and in Middleburg Heights offer rates from $70-100/night with free airport shuttles.

Cleveland offers a mix of rock and roll history, cultural institutions, and Midwest hospitality. The city is easily accessible from the airport via the RTA Red Line.

Getting Around

• RTA Red Line: Direct from airport to Tower City downtown ($2.50)
• RTA buses: Extensive network throughout Greater Cleveland
• Rideshare: Widely available in urban areas
• Rental car: Recommended for exploring suburbs and day trips

Downtown Cleveland Highlights

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (15-20 min from CLE by rideshare, 30 min by Red Line + walk)

• Cleveland's signature attraction on the Lake Erie waterfront
• 150,000 sq ft of exhibits documenting rock history
• Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM daily (extended hours Thursday-Saturday in summer)
• Admission: $35 adults, $25 youth (ages 6-12)
• Cleveland residents enter free
• Allow 2-3 hours
• rockhall.com

Great Lakes Science Center (adjacent to Rock Hall)

• Family-friendly science museum with IMAX theater
• Adults $18, youth $14

Cleveland Museum of Art (University Circle, 30-40 min from airport)

• One of the top art museums in the US
• Free general admission
• Renowned collection spanning 6,000 years

West Side Market (Ohio City neighborhood)

• Historic indoor/outdoor market since 1912
• Local produce, meats, baked goods, prepared foods
• Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Sports

• Progressive Field: Cleveland Guardians (MLB) - one of baseball's most scenic ballparks
• Huntington Bank Field: Cleveland Browns (NFL)
• Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: Cavaliers (NBA)

Cleveland Food Scene

• Corned beef sandwiches: Cleveland's signature deli food (try Slyman's downtown)
• Polish Boy: Kielbasa sandwich with fries and coleslaw on top
• Pierogies: Large Polish community means excellent pierogi options
• Great Lakes Brewing Company: Ohio City's craft beer pioneer

Day Trips

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (30-40 min): Waterfalls, hiking, scenic railroad
• Rock Hall of Fame annex (downtown): Smaller exhibits and events
• Lake Erie islands (1-2 hours): Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island in summer

Weather Notes

Cleveland has four distinct seasons with lake-effect weather:

• Winter (December-March): Cold and snowy, 20-35°F (-7 to 2°C). Heavy lake-effect snow possible.
• Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Spring/Fall: Variable conditions, pack layers

Winter travel tip: Lake-effect snow can cause flight delays, particularly in January and February. Check flight status and allow extra time during winter storms.