Welcome to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – Your Gateway to Northeast Ohio
Situated about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) southwest of downtown Cleveland, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a major transportation hub connecting travelers to the heart of Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re heading to the city for business, exploring the vibrant sports scene, or discovering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, CLE ensures a smooth, convenient, and traveler-friendly experience. This airport guide provides comprehensive insights into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport—from terminal layouts and ground transportation to parking, dining, lounges, and travel tips. Bookmark this page on airport.co and guarantee your Cleveland journey starts on the right foot.
1. Quick Facts & Overview
- Airport Code: CLE
- Location: Approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland, near Interstates 71, 480, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80)
- Passenger Volume: Over 10 million travelers annually (pre-pandemic data)
- Terminals: A single main terminal with multiple concourses (A, B, C)
- Primary Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, Spirit, plus seasonal/charter carriers
- Key Routes: Domestic flights across the U.S. (New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver), limited international or seasonal services
With a rich history dating back to 1925—once known as the first municipal airport in the United States—Cleveland Hopkins International Airport remains a cornerstone of Ohio’s aviation network. Quick connections to downtown and the city’s cultural attractions further enhance CLE’s appeal for both business and leisure flyers.
2. Terminal Layout & Facilities
2.1 Main Terminal
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Check-In & Departures
- Located on the upper (Departures) level. Look for digital signage indicating your airline’s designated check-in area.
- Self-service kiosks available—plan 1–2 hours before domestic flights (2–3 hours for possible international itineraries).
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Security Checkpoints
- Centralized TSA screening leads to various concourses—TSA PreCheck lines are open for eligible travelers.
- CLE is known for relatively short wait times, but holidays or special events may cause spikes.
2.2 Concourse A
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Airlines
- Houses some domestic carriers; confirm your gate on airport monitors or your boarding pass.
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Amenities
- Seating areas, restrooms, charging stations, plus a few dining/retail spots.
- Ideal for quick commutes if your gate is close to security.
2.3 Concourse B
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Airlines
- Usually home to multiple legacy carriers, though exact usage can shift—double-check signage or gate listings.
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Gate Area
- Additional restaurant options, coffee bars, and souvenir shops.
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Business Amenities
- Quiet seating zones for working or relaxation, plus flight info displays.
2.4 Concourse C
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Airlines
- Typically hosts Southwest, Frontier, Spirit—gate usage can vary.
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Services
- Additional fast-food outlets, bar areas, comfortable waiting lounges.
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Family Features
- Nursing rooms or family restrooms, if available—check with info desks for locations.
2.5 Passenger Services
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Free Wi-Fi
- “CLE Free WiFi”—follow prompts to connect for email and browsing.
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ATMs & Limited Currency Exchange
- ATMs located near baggage claim/ticketing; minimal or no dedicated foreign exchange—plan accordingly for overseas travel.
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Customer Service Desk
- Airport ambassadors can help with directions, lost/found, or local tourism brochures.
(Note: Concourse usage may change over time; always confirm your exact gate on airline apps or airport displays.)
3. Ground Transportation
3.1 RTA Red Line (Light Rail)
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Direct Rail Link
- Cleveland’s RTA Red Line station is connected to the main terminal via a walkway (~25 minutes to downtown Tower City Station).
- Single fare ~$2.50; trains run every 15–20 minutes (service reduces late nights).
3.2 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
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Taxi Rank
- Located outside the baggage claim area—fares to downtown average $25–$35 (~20–25 minutes).
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Ride-Share Services
- Uber, Lyft, or local apps operate at CLE—follow “Rideshare Pickup” signage for designated zones.
3.3 Shuttles & Private Vans
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Hotel Shuttles
- Many nearby hotels provide free or low-cost shuttles—arrange directly with the hotel.
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Private/Group Vans
- Ideal for large parties; advanced reservations recommended.
3.4 Car Rentals
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Rental Car Facility
- Located off-site with a free shuttle from arrivals. Brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty available.
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Driving Tips
- Quick access to I-71, I-480, I-90 for regional trips or heading downtown—watch for rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) traffic.
4. Parking at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
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Hourly Garage
- Connected to the terminal—best for short stays, drop-offs/pick-ups.
- Premium daily rates, but closest to check-in/baggage claim.
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Daily Garage & Surface Lot
- Moderately priced daily rates, short walk or courtesy shuttle from the main entrance.
- Ideal for mid-length trips or business travelers.
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Economy Lot
- Budget-friendly for extended vacations—requires a ~5–10-minute shuttle ride to the terminal.
- Shuttles run frequently—retain your lot/row info to locate your car upon return.
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Valet Parking
- Drop off at a designated curbside location near departures.
- Attendants park and retrieve your vehicle—check hours and fees.
(Reserve parking online if offered—this secures a spot and may yield savings.)
5. Lounges & Priority Services
5.1 United Club (Concourse C)
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Access
- Complimentary for United Club members, certain credit card holders, or day-pass (~$59) if capacity permits.
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Amenities
- Light snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, flight info screens.
5.2 USO Lounge (For Military)
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Location
- Typically near baggage claim—serves active military personnel and families with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, relaxation area.
5.3 TSA PreCheck & CLEAR
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TSA PreCheck
- Expedites security for eligible travelers. Keep your Known Traveler Number handy when booking.
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CLEAR
- Not currently available at CLE—monitor expansions on official CLEAR site.
6. Dining & Shopping
6.1 Food & Beverage
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Local Flavors
- Great Lakes Brewing Co. stand, or local artisan coffee shops to enjoy Cleveland’s craft beer or coffee scene.
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National Chains
- Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Panera, Starbucks for quick meals and beverages.
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Bars & Lounges
- Some gate areas feature full-service bars offering cocktails, wines, or craft beers.
6.2 Retail & Souvenirs
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Newsstands & Convenience
- CNBC, Hudson News for magazines, snacks, electronics, last-minute items.
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Cleveland-Themed Gifts
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame souvenirs, sports merchandise (Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians), local T-shirts, or novelty items.
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Duty-Free
- Minimal presence due to mostly domestic traffic; international travelers can confirm with airline if needed.
7. Nearby Accommodations
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Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel
- Located on airport grounds—shuttle service, on-site dining, business center.
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Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport
- ~1 mile from CLE, includes free shuttle, modern rooms, fitness center.
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La Quinta Inn & Suites Cleveland Airport North
- Budget-friendly, near the I-480 corridor, ~10 minutes from the terminal.
8. Key Attractions Near CLE
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Downtown Cleveland (~20–25 mins drive)
- Explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, or catch a game at Progressive Field or FirstEnergy Stadium.
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Cleveland Metroparks
- Scenic outdoor trails, the “Emerald Necklace” system looping around the region.
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University Circle (~25 mins)
- Cultural hub featuring the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
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Cedar Point (~1 hour west)
- Renowned amusement park in Sandusky, perfect for thrill seekers.
9. Travel Tips for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
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Arrive Early
- 90 minutes for domestic flights; 2 hours recommended if traveling around peak holidays or checking multiple bags.
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Check Airline Baggage Policies
- Budget carriers can enforce strict overhead bin limits—verify in advance.
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Weather Fluctuations
- Northeast Ohio can experience snow in winter or thunderstorms in summer—monitor flight status for any weather-related delays.
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Online Check-In
- Download airline apps, digital boarding passes for convenience at security and bag-drop counters.
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Rental Car Reservations
- Book early if visiting during big sports events or major conventions—vehicle availability can tighten.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How far is CLE from downtown Cleveland?
A: About 9 miles (~20–25 minutes by car) via I-71 or local roads, traffic permitting.
Q2: Does Cleveland Hopkins International Airport provide free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes—connect to “CLE Free WiFi,” follow the prompts, and surf for free.
Q3: Which airlines operate at CLE?
A: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, Spirit, plus seasonal/charter carriers—check your airline’s schedule for gate details.
Q4: Any direct international routes from CLE?
A: Limited seasonal or charter flights—majority are domestic. Some travelers connect at larger hubs (ATL, ORD, JFK) for intercontinental destinations.
Q5: Where can I store my luggage at CLE?
A: Currently no official luggage lockers—consult your airline or an off-airport service provider if short-term storage is needed.
Conclusion
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a traveler-friendly hub offering modern facilities, convenient ground transport options, and easy access to downtown Cleveland and northeastern Ohio’s cultural gems. Whether you’re visiting for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a sports event, or local business, CLE ensures a comfortable, efficient experience from check-in to touchdown. Keep this airport guide on airport.co readily available for updates on terminal improvements, lounge expansions, ground transport, and key travel tips—helping your journey at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport run smoothly every time.
