Airport News
Cleveland Hopkins Airport is making significant strides in enhancing its services and infrastructure. In 2023, the airport saw a 13.5% increase in passenger activity, reaching nearly 10 million travelers, a strong recovery from pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the airport introduced a new parking reservation system to streamline parking for travelers. The Terminal Modernization Development Program is set to begin in 2025, promising extensive upgrades to improve the passenger experience. These developments, alongside the addition of new airlines and routes, are aimed at accommodating the growing demand for air travel at Cleveland Hopkins (sources: wkyc.com, wkyc.com, cleveland.com).
Navigating CLE's Terminals
CLE Airport has five terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 10 gates and is primarily used by Southwest Airlines. Concourse B has 17 gates and is used by United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Concourse C has 16 gates and is used by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Concourse D has 9 gates and is used by JetBlue and Delta Air Lines. The Main Terminal has 28 gates and is used by various airlines including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
When navigating the airport, be sure to check your boarding pass for your departure gate and terminal information. The airport also has numerous signs and monitors throughout the terminals to help guide you to your destination. If you need additional assistance, there are information desks located throughout the airport where friendly staff members are available to answer any questions you may have.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has five concourses: A, B, C, D, and the Main Terminal. The Main Terminal is connected to all concourses by a walkway, making it easy to get to your next gate. If you need to travel between concourses, there is a complimentary shuttle bus service available that runs every 5-10 minutes. The shuttle bus picks up passengers at the center of each concourse and drops them off at their desired concourse. The walk time between the Main Terminal and Concourse A is approximately 5 minutes, and the walk time between each of the other concourses is approximately 10 minutes.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from CLE-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"CLE has a straightforward layout with Concourse A, B, and C. Concourse A is mostly for Southwest Airlines, while Concourse B and C serve United, American, and Delta. If you’re connecting flights, give yourself at least 45 minutes to navigate between concourses." — John D., Lakewood, OH, August 2023
"The signs are pretty clear, but if you ever get lost, the airport staff are very helpful. There are also plenty of information desks throughout the terminals." — Emily R., Parma, OH, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The RTA Red Line is the most convenient way to get to downtown Cleveland. It runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to reach Tower City. It’s much cheaper than a taxi or rideshare." — Michael S., Cleveland, OH, September 2023
"If you’re driving, consider using the I-480 exit to avoid traffic on I-71, especially during rush hours. It’s a bit longer but usually faster." — Laura K., Brook Park, OH, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, the Smart Parking Garage is a good choice. It’s connected to the terminal by a skywalk, making it easy to get to your flight. Plus, it has plenty of spaces even during peak times." — David M., Fairview Park, OH, November 2023
"The Economy Lot is the best value if you’re parking for more than a couple of days. There’s a free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes to the terminal." — Rachel B., North Olmsted, OH, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"If you have time before your flight, check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame store in Concourse C. It’s a fun way to pass the time and pick up some unique souvenirs." — Karen T., Berea, OH, January 2024
"The food court in Concourse B has a great selection. My favorite is the Great Lakes Brewing Company; their burgers are fantastic." — Brian W., Strongsville, OH, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the TSA wait times online before you leave for the airport. It can save you a lot of stress if you know what to expect. Mornings are usually the busiest." — Jessica H., Westlake, OH, March 2024
"If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a family lane at security that can make the process much smoother. Just ask one of the TSA agents, and they’ll direct you." — Mark L., Avon, OH, April 2024
iFly Tip: Don't miss our essential airport tips and advice for a smooth journey.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At CLE, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of each terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers are advised to use the cell-phone waiting areas instead of parking at the curbside. These waiting areas are located near each terminal and are free of charge.
Passengers can be picked up at the arrivals level of each terminal, while drop-offs are made at the departures level. It is important to note that vehicles cannot be parked or left unattended at the departures level. If you need to park your vehicle, there are several parking options available at the airport, including hourly and daily parking.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at CLE Airport, there are several options available for travelers. The airport offers both on-site parking and off-airport parking options to suit your needs.
On-site parking is available in the airport's parking garages and lots. The Smart Parking Garage is located directly across from the terminal and offers covered parking with easy access to the airport. The Red Lot and Blue Lot are also located on-site and offer a more economical parking option for travelers.
If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, the airport offers a free Cell Phone Waiting Area located just minutes from the terminal. This area allows you to wait in your car until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all on-site parking lots and garages. Designated spaces are located near the elevators and shuttle bus stops for easy access to the terminal.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.
Get details about CLE parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at the airport, there are several transportation options available to get you to your final destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located on the lower level of the terminal. These include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Prices vary depending on the company and type of vehicle you choose.
Taxis are also available outside of the baggage claim area of the terminal. The fare to downtown Cleveland is approximately $25, and the ride takes about 20 minutes. Additional fees may apply for extra passengers or baggage.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Pickup locations are located on the south end of the baggage claim level. Please note that these services may have restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of baggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are available to transport passengers to nearby hotels and other destinations. These shuttles can be found on the south end of the baggage claim level. Fares vary depending on the destination.
If you prefer public transportation, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers bus and train services to and from the airport. The RTA station is located on the lower level of the terminal, and fares start at $2.50.
iFly Tip: Understand every aspect of your flight with expert insights on our flight explanation page.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or simply seeking the convenience of staying close to the airport, finding the right hotel is crucial. Our guide provides an overview of various hotel options, each offering unique amenities and varying distances from the airport. From the prestigious Orbit Hotel, a part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, to the comfortable and well-equipped Extended Stay America Select Suites, there's something for every traveler's needs. Other options include the guest-focused Hilton Garden Inn, the easily accessible Ramada by Wyndham, and the unique 'Large Cleveland Home with Fire Pit and Backyard!' for those seeking a more homely feel. For those who prefer a hotel with a fitness center, the Best Western Airport Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express are excellent options. We also cover budget-friendly options like the Motel 6, and those offering comprehensive kitchenettes like the Sonesta Simply Suites. Ready to book now? View all Cleveland Airport Hotels here.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Traveling through Cleveland Airport can be a delightful experience, especially when it comes to food and shopping. With a diverse range of restaurants and stores, the airport caters to all tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular restaurants include Auntie Anne's, Chick-fil-A, The Pub, Villa Italian Kitchen, Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill, Inca Tea Cafe, Bar Symon, and Great Lakes Brewing Co. When it comes to shopping, Hudson News, Kids Works, La Boutique, Johnston & Murphy, Sunglass Hut, and Hudson Booksellers are just a few of the many options available.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Cleveland Hopkins Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.
Passenger Services
Cleveland Airport is dedicated to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure that travelers have everything they need during their time at the airport.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can easily connect to the airport's network and stay connected throughout their journey.
If you have lost an item at the airport, the Lost and Found office is located on the lower level of the main terminal. You can also contact the office by phone or email to report a lost item or inquire about a lost item.
Traveling with children? CLE offers several children's play areas located throughout the airport. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and provide a safe and fun environment for them to play in.
The airport also offers a range of special-needs services to assist passengers with disabilities. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. Passengers can contact the airport's customer service team to arrange for these services in advance of their travel.
Need to access banking services during your time at the airport? There are several ATMs located throughout the airport, including in the main terminal and in each concourse.
If you require medical assistance during your time at the airport, the airport's medical center is located on the lower level of the main terminal. The center is staffed by medical professionals who can provide assistance with minor medical issues and first aid.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is essential to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. One of the easiest ways to get flight status information is by using the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the Cleveland Hopkins Airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also use airline mobile phone apps to get flight status updates. These apps allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. It is recommended to download the airline's app before arriving at the airport to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Another way to stay informed about flight status is by checking the airline's website. Most airlines have a flight status page where passengers can enter their flight number and get real-time updates on their flight's status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at CLE Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Learn how airline hubs enhance connectivity across continents.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
- Terminals: The airport consists of five terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and the Main Terminal.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the CLE Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Cleveland Hopkins Airport handles approximately 25,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees an average of 300 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from CLE are Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, and Dallas.
- Hub Status: Cleveland Hopkins Airport is a key hub for several airlines, facilitating extensive domestic and international connections.
Airport History
CLE, located in Cleveland, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1925 - The airport was established as the first municipal airport in the country.
- 1929 - CLE Airport became the first airport in the world to have a radio control tower.
- 1941 - The airport was renamed Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
- 1954 - The first commercial jet service in the United States began at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
- 1973 - The airport underwent a major expansion, including the addition of a new terminal and runway.
- 1994 - A new international terminal was opened at the airport.
- 2006 - The airport underwent a $1.5 billion renovation and expansion project, including the addition of a new parking garage and rental car center.
- 2014 - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport celebrated its 90th anniversary.
- 2020 - The airport saw a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport continues to serve as a major transportation hub in the Midwest, connecting travelers to destinations around the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: CLE
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 216-265-6000
- Email: [emailprotected]
- Mailing Address: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, 5300 Riverside Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Cleveland Hopkins Airport Q&A
The airport has five concourses: A, B, C, D, and the Main Terminal.
Concourse A is primarily used by Southwest Airlines.
You can travel between concourses using walkways or the complimentary shuttle bus service that runs every 5-10 minutes.
The RTA Red Line train is a convenient and cost-effective option, taking about 30 minutes and costing $2.50.
Taxis are available outside of the baggage claim area of the terminal.
Yes, the Red Lot and Blue Lot offer economical parking options with shuttle services to the terminal.
Bar Symon near Concourse C is highly recommended for its great food and selection of local beers.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
You can visit the Lost and Found office located on the lower level of the main terminal or contact them by phone or email.
It is recommended to arrive at least two hours early during peak hours to avoid long security lines.