Traveling from Cleveland for the first time and looking for more information about the airport? Knowing what an airport offers will ease your traveling experience. Keep reading to learn all about Cleveland Airport, including its terminals, parking, amenities, and transportation.
About Cleveland Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), located 9 miles from Downtown Cleveland, is the busiest airport in Ohio, serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United are the airlines serving CLE Airport. The airport serves over 9 million passengers to about 49 destinations, both domestic and international.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport History
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has been an innovator in airport infrastructure, introducing an air traffic control tower and a two-level terminal. It was also the first North American airport to introduce direct train transit access.
While it served as a hub for United Airlines for decades, the airline’s closure of the hub in 2014 led to a decline in passenger traffic. However, the entry of low-cost carriers, including Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air, quickly revitalized the airport. Also, the existing airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines increased their flight frequencies. Thus, in 2017, the passenger volume increased.
Frontier Airlines has emerged as the leading carrier in terms of passenger traffic. Despite facing challenges like the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and the COVID-19 pandemic, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport continues to attract new airlines and routes, solidifying its position as a vital transportation hub in the region.
Where Is Cleveland Airport?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is at 5300 Riverside Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135. The airport is about 9 miles from Downtown Cleveland and is one of the busiest airports in the state.
Cleveland Airport Map
CLE Parking & Transportation
Cleveland Hopkins Airport offers onsite parking at Curbside Valet Parking, CLE Smart Parking Garage, Red Lot, Blue Lot, Orange Lot, and Brown Lot. However, onsite parking tends to be very expensive, and finding a parking spot can be tedious. To save money and time, book a parking spot close to the airport. Offsite parking is substantially cheaper than the onsite parking lots. Global Airport Parking provides the cheapest rates for Cleaveland Airport parking.
Transportation: Public Transportation, including GCRTA and RTA’s Red Line, taxis, rideshare, rental cars, shuttles, and Chartered Services, is available to get to and from the airport.
Public Transportation
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority offers service to and from the airport. RTA (Red Line) serves between Cleveland and downtown every 15 minutes, taking about thirty minutes between the stations.
Location: RTA Station at CLE Airport is on the Lower level of the main terminal.
Lyft/Uber
Lyft and Uber are authorized rideshare services at CLE Airport. Depending on the type of ride and other factors, a ride from the airport to downtown Cleaveland will typically cost between $33 and $75.
Pick-up and drop-off Location: Upper Departure and Lower Arrivals curbside
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport throughout the day. However, if you require a taxi between 11 pm and 5 am, you must contact the taxi companies directly.
Pick-up location: Exit from Carousel 11 on the Baggage Claim level (South end)
For your safety, kindly use the following authorized taxi services only:
- Ace Taxi
- Americab
Car Rental Services
The car rental facility is outside the airport premises, at 19601 Maplewood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44135. The shuttle offers services 24/7, and it would take about 7 minutes to get to the center.
Shuttle pick-up and drop-off Location: At the Ground Transportation Center, on the baggage Level at the north end.
The authorized car rental companies at CLE Airport are:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Cleveland Airport Hotels
Here are some of the best hotels near Cleveland Airport:
Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland Airport
📍1100 Crocker Rd, Westlake, OH 44145
☎️ +1-440-871-6000
Aloft Beachwood, Ohio
📍1010 Eaton Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122
☎️ +1-216-595-090
Four Points by Sheraton Cleveland-Eastlake
📍35000 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095
☎️ +1-440-953-8000
Days Inn by Wyndham Middleburg Heights
📍7233 Engle Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
☎️ +1- 440-243-2277
Best Western Plus Strongsville Cleveland
📍15471 Royalton Rd, Strongsville, 44136, OH, United States
☎️ +1- 469-610-3608
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland Airport South
📍7345 Engle Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
☎️ +1-440-243-8785
Courtyard Cleveland Airport North
📍24901 Country Club Blvd, North Olmsted, OH 44070
☎️ +1-440-716-9977
Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport
📍7230 Engle Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
☎️ +1-440-243-4040
Wyndham Cleveland Airport
📍4277 W 150th St, Cleveland, OH 44135
☎️ +1-216-252-5333
Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Airport/Middleburg Heights
📍7074 Engle Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
☎️ +1-440-234-0206
Ramada by Wyndham Cleveland Airport West
📍22115 Brookpark Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126
☎️ +1-440-734-4500
CLE Airport Lounges
| Lounge | Location |
| United Airlines United Club | Concourse C (Main Terminal) |
| The Club CLE | Concourse B (Main Terminal) |
| Bar Symon | Concourse C (Main Terminal) |
| USO Lounge | Near Carousel 1 on the Baggage Claim Level |
Cleveland Airport Food and Dining
| Restaurants | Location |
| 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen | Concourse A |
| Auntie Anne’s | Main Terminal & Gate B6 |
| Bruegger’s Bagels | Main Terminal Food Court |
| Cantina Taqueria and Tequila Bar | Main Terminal |
| Bar Symon | Concourse C |
| Chick-fil-A | Main Terminal Food Court |
| Cinnabon | Main Terminal |
| Currito: Burritos Without Borders | Main Terminal Food Court |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Main Terminal Food Court |
| Embers | Across the Central Checkpoint |
| Great Lakes Brewing Company | Gate C14 |
| Inca Tea Cafe | Concourse C & Near Gate B4 |
| Jamba Juice | Main Terminal |
| Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt | Main Terminal |
| Panini’s | Concourse A |
| Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Near Gate C28 |
| Petit Gourmet | Main Terminal |
| Quaker Steak & Lube | Near Gate B5 |
| Shake Shack | Food Court |
| Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill | Near Gate A1 |
| Starbucks Coffee | Near Gate A1 & C22 |
| Subway | Across Gate B6 |
| The Pub | Main Terminal |
| Vino Volo | Near Gate B12 |
Amenities
- Courtesy Phones
- ATMs
- Chapel
- Conference Room
- Lounges
- Mail Services
- Mothers Room
- Pet Relief Areas
- Restaurants & Bars
- Shoeshine
- Shops
CLE Airport Art and Sculptures
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is famous for its impressive collection of art and sculptures, which enhances the airport’s ambiance. The airport has both permanent and temporary art. The Cle Art Program also encourages local artists to showcase their talents.
While talking about the airport’s art, one has to mention the Time and Space sculpture by Viktor Schreckengost, which includes 12 zodiac signs, earth, sun, and moon, a historic piece that showcases the designer’s innovative approach. These artistic works not only contribute to the airport’s visual appeal but also serve as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Things to See Near CLE Airport
Have a long layover at CLE Airport, or are you just visiting Cleveland? Here are a few interesting places to visit:
Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Reservation is located in Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, Ohio, about 6.4 miles from the airport. It is an excellent place to hike and also has plenty of fun activities for the kids.
International Exposition Center
International Exposition Center, or I-X Center, is an exhibition/convention hall at 1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland, Ohio, hardly 2.2 miles from the airport. With events like the I-X Indoor Amusement Park, Beer Fest, Food Shows, Art and Craft Fair, and I-X Christmas Connection, the I-X Center attracts people from far and wide.
BOSS Pro-Karting
BOSS Pro-Karting, located at 18301 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, Ohio, is roughly 0.7 miles from the airport. It is an excellent entertainment venue for the drivers and a chance to try out racing for the novices. The Lounge area is excellent for those who wish to grab a drink and relax.
Great Northern Mall
Great Northern Mall at 4954 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, Ohio, is about 4.7 miles from the airport.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, at 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, Ohio, is about 12 miles from the airport. This one is a treat for music lovers.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Greater Cleveland Aquarium, located at 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, Ohio, is about 10.7 miles from the airport. It showcases over 5000 sea creatures, including sea anemones, lionfish, and sea horses.
Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland
Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour offers a three-and-a-half-hour food tour. Experience the local cuisines and breweries.
CLE Airport Fun Areas for Kids
There is no designated play area for children at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Accessibility at CLE Airport
Cleveland Airport offers a variety of accessibility services for travelers with access and reduced mobility needs. Please request a wheelchair and other assistance while booking your tickets.
Wheelchair assistance: Those who need wheelchair assistance must contact their airline in advance. Security checkpoints: All checkpoints are wheelchair accessible.
For passengers arriving at the airport: Wheelchair assistance is provided from the gate to the curb.
Parking: All CLE parking facilities have accessible parking spaces.
Taxicab service: The airport-approved taxis are ADA-accessible.
Car rentals: The car rental shuttle bus that takes you to the car rental facility is also ADA-accessible.
Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at the airport, and family restrooms can accommodate companions. These are located at:
- Departures & Ticketing: Near 2A
- Arrivals & Baggage Claim: Near 12 A and 14 A
- Concourse A: T 6A and near Gate 4A
- Concourse B: Near Gate 4A
- Concourse C: Near Gates 4A and 6A
Airport Check-in Time
The check-in time for Cleveland Airport varies based on the flight schedule. The ticket counters are open by 3:30 am. The travelers should arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time for the domestic flights, and the international passengers must arrive three hours before.
Security at Cleveland Airport
CLE Airport is open 24/7. However, the ticketing and security counter hours vary according to the flight schedule. The TSA timing also differs in each location.
- Central Checkpoint: 4 am to 10 pm (TSA PreCheck)
- South Checkpoint: 3:30 am to 7:45 pm
- North Checkpoint: 4 am (vary depending on the flight schedule)
TSA PreCheck
- Central Checkpoint. Hours: 3:45 am to 10 pm
- The TSA Enrollment Center is located on the Departures Level (Door 3 and 4). Hours: 6 am to 8 pm
CLEAR
- South Checkpoint: For standard Security. Hours: 4 am to 8 pm
- Central Checkpoint: For Travelers with TSA PreCheck. Hours: 4 am to 8 pm
- CLEAR Enrollment is located on the Departures Level (Door 3 and 4). Hours: 4 am to 8 pm
Global Entry
On arrival at CLE Airport, all international passengers who have not been pre-screened must undergo CBP screening. Global Entry Enrollment programs offer expedited customs processing for eligible passengers. The CBP office is at the Ramp Level of Concourse A, adjacent to Gate 5.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at CLE
The airport provides free wi-fi and charging stations for the passengers. Mobile and laptop charging points are available throughout the airport and at all the gates.
Where is Cleveland Airport?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is located at 5300 Riverside Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135. It is about 9 miles from Downtown Cleveland.
How early do you arrive for the international flight CLE?
If you are flying internationally from CLE Airport, you must arrive at least three hours before your flight schedule.
How big is Cleaveland Hopkins International Airport?
Cleveland International Airport is the largest airport in Ohio, covering over 2.683 square miles. The airport has a single terminal with three concourses: Concourses A, B, and C.
Does Hopkins Airport have a hotel attached?
No, Cleveland Airport does not have an attached airport. However, there are several hotels near the airport, including Aloft Cleveland Airport, Courtyard by Marriott, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hampton Inn North.
What does CLE stand for?
CLE is the IATA code for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
How many airports does Cleveland have?
Cleveland has three airports: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL), and Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF).
Is CLE a large airport?
Yes, it is the largest airport in the state of Ohio.
Is CLE Airport publicly or privately owned?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is owned by the city of Cleveland.
