It may not be in the capital, but Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) is the largest airport in Ohio, serving an estimated 10 million passengers annually. It was home to the world’s first air traffic control tower and first automated baggage claim, making it a historic leader in aviation innovation. But it’s still an entirely manageable airport – especially when using these expert tips.
The only way to reach the city from Cleveland Hopkins Airport by public transportation is via the city’s Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Red Line. From the airport station (found on the lower level of the main terminal), you can reach Tower City Station downtown in under half an hour, with trains leaving around every 15 minutes. One-way fares are inexpensive, but grab an all-day pass if you plan to head anywhere else that same day – it costs the same as two trips. You can buy tickets in stations, but I always use the RTA’s Transit app, which allows you to purchase and scan tickets on the go.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport has a dedicated taxi operation for arriving visitors. You’ll find it outside carousel 11 on the baggage claim level, and this is the only designated area for taxi departures. All cabs accept credit cards, but they tend to be more expensive than rideshare services like Uber and Lyft during daytime hours. Late at night, though, rideshares often become considerably more expensive, while taxi fares remain steady and become the more affordable option.
Unlike many airports, there’s no dedicated rideshare zone at CLE, so you can be picked up or dropped off curbside anywhere at the airport if you choose this option.
There are several rental car agencies at CLE. They’re all located at a separate facility about five minutes way, and free shuttles run to and from this center around the clock. If you’re arriving late at night, you’ll notice that all the agencies will be closed, according to their posted hours – but all is not lost.
I’ve found that if you share your flight number and scheduled arrival time, most agencies will keep an employee available for your late pickup. I always call ahead to confirm, both when making the reservation and on the day of my flight, just to be safe.
To clear security comfortably, Cleveland Hopkins Airport recommends you arrive 90 minutes before flights most of the year, and two hours before flights during holidays and peak travel periods. I haven’t flown through here during holidays, but on typical travel days I have personally never had to wait more than 15 minutes to pass through TSA screening. While I don’t recommend cutting it that close intentionally, you don’t need to stress if you’re running a little late to this airport, as long as you arrive in time for your airline’s check-in and bag-drop cut-off times.
The TSA PreCheck program will expedite your screening process with a shorter line and no need to remove shoes or separate electronics from your other belongings. This program requires an online application and a short, in-person interview in advance of your flight. For both PreCheck members and general passengers, CLE is also home to CLEAR kiosks, which allow you to skip whichever line is appropriate to your security clearance.
This membership is considerably more expensive, but can be purchased at the airport on the day of your flight, so it’s a helpful option for those without PreCheck who are running late and need to jump an unusually long line.
Only United Airlines has an airline club at CLE, but there’s still hope for anyone traveling with one of the airport’s other eight airlines. The Club CLE is an airport lounge open to those with membership in Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Lounge Club, but it’s also open to any other passenger willing to pay the day pass rate (depending on capacity). If you have one of the memberships that lets you in here for free, go for it, but I don’t recommend spending the hefty day rate for the limited selection here, especially if you’ll only be around for an hour or so.
Active military members and their families can also take advantage of the USO Lounge at CLE. As is often the case with USO Lounges, this one is located before security, which means you’ll need to leave early enough to pass TSA checkpoints and make it to your gate on time for boarding. You’ll find the Cleveland USO Lounge at baggage claim by carousel 1.
There’s a salon and a day spa for some pampering at CLE, along with many of the usual suspects for shopping and dining. The only real standout retail option here is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Store, giving you a chance to score some fan merch from a Cleveland institution.
During your time in Cleveland, you’re likely to spot some of the uniquely decorated, 10-foot guitar sculptures staged around city. This is part of a community art project and fundraising effort that’s continued inside the airport. If you have time to spare, go on a hunt through the concourses of CLE and see how many more you can spot.
Along the way, you’ll catch several other permanent and temporary art exhibits. Often overlooked, my favorite fun moment at CLE is the Superman exhibit by carousel 11 at baggage claim. The character was created in Cleveland, and this small exhibit is full of fun local-connection facts and “who knew?” moments.
There are no locker or storage facilities available at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. On arrival, you need to take your bags with you as soon as you leave the airport. On the day of your departure, though, there’s a potential workaround for unloading your luggage a little bit earlier than your flight and heading back to the city for something quick, if necessary. While most airlines allow baggage drop only two to three hours before your scheduled flight time, some will accept them earlier.
But don’t show up at the airport hoping for early drop; call ahead and find out, and get the name of the agent who assisted you if they say yes to your request (though keep in mind it’s typically not up to an agent, as most airlines have firm policies on this). Your airline counter may not even be open yet if there are no scheduled flights approaching soon.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport is equipped with free Wi-Fi for all visitors, and there’s no limit to usage by person or device. I’ve found the Wi-Fi to be strong both in check-in areas and at the gates, so you can rely on digital boarding passes here (but it never hurts to take a screenshot of your boarding pass just in case of Wi-Fi or phone glitches). There are also public charging stations situated around CLE in case you’re running low on battery.
CLE has a convenient self-service parking garage and a host of nearby parking lots, including those within walking distance and those with shuttle service. Rates get slightly cheaper the further away the lot is, but I recommend skipping all of them for a better option that saves almost half the cost.
Nearby, on Snow Road, there are several parking services, like Park ‘N Fly, that will keep your car at a much lower rate and shuttle you to and from the airport without charge. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry or want to keep things as convenient as possible, CLE offers curbside valet parking service for about 50% more than its regular parking rates. It’s located at Door 1 on the upper roadway.
If you’re traveling with a service animal, you’ll find relief areas both inside and outside the airport. Outside, the relief area is just between the parking garage and the terminal, ideal for a last-minute potty break before checking in. There’s another one inside, between the central and north checkpoints. Keep in mind that service animals are different from pets and emotional support animals, neither of which are allowed to roam the CLE outside of kennels. They can, of course, use the relief areas though.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
IATA Code | CLE |
---|---|
Serves | Cleveland |
Hub for | Delta, United Airlines, SWISS |