Cleveland Hopkins International Airport [CLE] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

Serving around 10 million passengers annually, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is Ohio’s busiest airport. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s when it was an established stopping point for U.S. Air Mail before its pioneering technology attracted regular visits from the likes of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh in the ’30s and ’40s.

The airport was later expanded in the 1950s and ’60s to accommodate commercial flights, becoming a hub for United Airlines.

Quick Information

Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport [CLE]
Terminals: 1 terminal with 3 concourses — A, B, and C
Airport Address: 5300 Riverside Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135
Distance From Downtown Cleveland: Approximately 13 miles (21 km)
Website: clevelandairport.com
Phone Number: 216-265-6000
Number of Daily Flights: 115
Destinations Served: 34 domestic, 5 international
Flight Information: View departures and arrival information on the airport’s website

Airlines Operating From CLE

Main Terminal

CLE Terminals

Main Terminal

The main terminal is located at the northeast corner of the airport property and has 2 levels for arrivals and departures. Both levels are served by the airport’s one-way road system that splits into the Upper Drive and Lower Drive for curbside access.

Baggage claim is on the lower level where there is also a welcome center and USO Lounge. On this level of the terminal, passengers will find the airport’s Metro station, ground transportation services, and parking facilities.

Airline ticketing is on the upper level with several shops and cafes available for passengers yet to clear security or for waiting guests.

There are 3 security checkpoints on the upper level that provide access to any of the 3 concourses. Once through security, there’s a food court in the central area between all 3 concourses.

Concourse A

Concourse A is located at the north end of the airport and has 12 gates numbered A1 to A3, A5 to A12, and A14. Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines operate domestic and international flights from Concourse A, and international arrivals will be processed by Immigration and Customs on the ramp level near gate A5.

There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants with massage chairs near gate A2.

Concourse B

Delta and Southwest Airlines operate domestic flights from Concourse B, from its 11 gates numbered B1 to B11. The concourse is located between Concourses A and C, directly in front of the food court, with additional concessions available throughout.

Concourse C

Concourse C is at the south end of the terminal, home to Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines. Domestic and international flights operate from the concourse’s 23 gates numbered C2 to C11, C14, C17 to C27, and C29.

In addition to the central area, there’s another food court at the far end of the concourse, and shops and cafes in between gates.

Inter-terminal Transport

Walking

Once passengers clear security, they will emerge into the restricted area where it’s possible to move freely between all 3 concourses. With the consolidated airside area, passengers can connect between flights easily (unless they need to collect luggage) or visit concessions found in a different concourse.

Security and Customs at CLE

There are 3 security checkpoints at CLE, located in the north, central, and south areas of the main terminal.

TSA PreCheck

CLE has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the central security checkpoint, open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There is no TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at CLE, with the nearest located at IdentoGO, 1163 E. 40th St., Ste 103, Cleveland, OH 44114-3867.

Once you’ve completed your interview and are approved, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number which will enable you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at any participating U.S. airport.

CLEAR

CLE has CLEAR lanes for eligible passengers at the south and central checkpoints, open during these hours:

Global Entry

There are 2 Global Entry kiosks located in the federal inspection area of CLE for eligible passengers arriving into the U.S. on international flights.

As part of the application process, passengers will need to arrange an interview at an enrollment center. CLE does not have an enrollment center on airport property, with the closest located a couple of miles away at 6747 Engle Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.

Mobile Passport

CLE does not support Mobile Passport Control for expedited U.S. arrival.

CLE Airport Lounges

There are just 3 lounges at CLE with 2 available to general passengers (with a fee) and the other for members of the military and their families.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Want lounge access, but don’t want to pay the entry fee? Check out this article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members may access The Club CLE lounge 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure, subject to capacity allowance.

Hot Tip: Find out about membership in our dedicated Priority Pass article, as well as the best credit cards for getting Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at CLE

CLE has over 25 restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, with most located inside the secure area.

View available dining locations on the airport’s website to plan ahead for where you would like to eat.

If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your seat, you can order food to be delivered to your gate via the airport’s GateWaiter website.

CLE Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available at CLE.

Charging Stations: There are charging stations located at:

• Concourse A: Near gates A1 and A6
• Concourse B: Near gates B2 and B7
• Concourse C: Near gates C3 and C17

Workstations with connection points are also located at the entrances to Concourse A and Concourse B.

Hot Tip: Not every airport has charging stations or free Wi-Fi. Make sure you’re always connected and contactable with the best portable charging banks and the best Wi-Fi hotspots for travel.

CLE Airport Lost and Found

Passengers that lose an item in the communal areas of the airport, including at the security checkpoints or parking garages, can contact the lost and found office at 216-265-0777. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For any items lost on an airplane, passengers must contact the applicable airline.

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

Travelers Aid is not based in CLE; however, passengers can seek assistance from the information desk on the ticketing level or from the welcome center in baggage claim.

Children’s Play Areas

There are no children’s play areas at CLE, but kids will enjoy browsing the toys in the Kids Works toy shop in the main terminal.

Hot Tip: CLE may not have a children’s play area, but there are plenty of airports that do. Check out the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. based on our study.

Baby Facilities

A nursing room is located in Concourse B across from gate B1.

Pet Relief Areas

CLE has 2 pet relief areas located:

• In the central concourse between the north and central security checkpoints (inside the secure area)
• Between the terminal entrance and the parking garage

Hot Tip: If you often travel with your furry friend, take a look at our list of top pet-friendly airports.

Duty-free

CLE does not have any specific duty-free shops, but some concessions do offer duty-free items in their stores.

Smoking Areas

CLE is a smoke-free airport, including the use of e-cigarettes. Designated smoking areas are located outside of the terminals.

Interesting Features

CLE partners with Northeast Ohio artists and educational programs to showcase a range of temporary and permanent exhibits. A great way to pass the time waiting for a flight, these exhibits can be seen in the main terminal and departure concourses.

Prayer

An interfaith chapel is located inside the secure area near the central security checkpoint, open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Money

ATMs can be found in the following areas:

• Concourse A: Adjacent to gate A1
• Concourse B: Adjacent to Retail Core and at gate B5
• Concourse C: Adjacent to gates C5 and C14
• Main Terminal:
  • Adjacent to the south security checkpoint
  • Adjacent to the information desk on the ticketing level
  • Adjacent to the welcome center in baggage claim
• In the rental car facility
• On the passenger bridge to the hourly/daily parking garage

Medical Center

There’s no medical center at CLE.

Luggage

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

Important CLE Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 216-265-6000

Parking: 216-267-5030

Travel to and From CLE

Transportation Options From CLE

Onward transportation services are available from either directly outside the terminal or from the ground transportation facility next door.

Train

• RTA: The red line train operates between CLE and downtown Cleveland (Tower City Station) where passengers can change to blue and green line services. The airport station is located on the lower level of the terminal.
• Amtrak: Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited Amtrak services stop at Cleveland. Ride the RTA red line to Tower City Station, and change to the blue or green line to the Amtrak station.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available outside the south end of the terminal with a trip from the airport to downtown costing from $36.

Shuttles and Limousines

Pre-arranged shuttles and limousine services are available outside the north end of the terminal. A list of authorized companies is available on the airport’s website.

Ride Services

Lyft and Uber are authorized to operate from CLE with pick-ups and drop-offs permitted on the upper- or lower-level curbsides.

Driving to CLE

Arriving From Downtown Cleveland

Take I-90 W towards I-71/I-77 and use the left 3 lanes to take exit 170B for I-71 S towards I-77 S/Columbus. Continue onto I-71 S and keep left at the fork to continue on Berea Fwy. Follow signs for OH-237 S/Airport/Berea/I-480 W/Toledo and take the exit towards the airport.

Arriving From Akron

Take the I-77 N towards Cleveland and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 156 to merge onto I-480 W towards Toledo. Keep left to stay on I-480 W and take exit 10 for OH-237 E/Berea. Merge onto OH-237 S and take the exit towards the airport.

CLE Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are several parking options for passengers at CLE, suitable for all needs and budgets.

Short-term Parking

The CLE Smart Parking Garage is opposite the terminal building, connected via ground floor and elevated walkways. An intelligent guidance system with digital signage and LED lights indicates availability at each space. As the closest parking available, this lot charges the highest rate:

Long-term Parking

The Red and Blue Surface Lots are north of the terminal and are accessible via a pedestrian walkway. Daily parking is charged at $20.

The Orange Surface Lot is located behind the CLE Smart Parking Garage with an elevated pedestrian walkway connecting the lots. Uncovered parking is charged at $17 per day.

The Brown Surface Lot offers long-term uncovered parking at the intersection of Rocky River Drive and Brookpark Road. A courtesy shuttle bus operates every 15 minutes between this parking lot and the terminal ground transportation area. Daily parking is $14.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available near door 1 of the upper roadway and costs $30 per day. Travelers can also choose from a range of optional concierge services.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

A cell phone waiting lot is situated east of the terminal off Jackson Road, providing free parking for visitors waiting to collect passengers.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking can often be booked independently at nearby hotels and generally offers the cheapest rates for parking your vehicle.

Daily parking for CLE starts at around $8, with easy booking available on airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking spaces are available across all of the airport’s parking lots, and all shuttle buses operating to/from the Brown Parking Lot are fitted with lifts and ramps.

Hot Tip: See our guide to flying with a disability to make sure you know your rights and what can be provided by the airport and airlines.

Parking Contact Numbers

General Parking Inquiries: 216-267-5030

Car Rental at CLE Airport

The rental car center is situated off-airport property at 19601 Maplewood Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135. Rental car shuttles operate to/from the ground transportation center and take 5 to 7 minutes. The following companies are available:

Hot Tip: Read about the credit cards that include car rental insurance so that you’re always covered. 

CLE Airport Hotels

There are several 2- to 4-star hotels within a 3-mile radius of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Many hotels offer a shuttle service to and from the airport and offer amenities such as complimentary breakfast and fitness centers.

CLE Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance from CLE

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Just a 10-minute drive from CLE, The Orbit Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is one of the closest hotels to the airport and offers a free shuttle service. Guests benefit from free parking and breakfast while having access to the fitness and business centers. A modern and comfortable room can be booked by members for 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

The Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport is within close proximity to not only Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, but also the International Exposition Center and Great Northern Mall. Guests have access to an indoor pool, fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and business center. Hilton Honors members can book a room from 30,000 points per night.

A little further out for a little more luxury, the Aloft Cleveland Airport is a 4-star hotel still just a 15-minute drive from CLE. The hotel is a member of the Marriott portfolio, so Marriott Bonvoy members can book a room from 15,000 points per night, and benefit from the facilities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site bar and lounge.

Hot Tip: Many credit cards award complimentary hotel status simply for having the card. These can be perfect for those that don’t meet the stay requirements but are after the member benefits.

Final Thoughts

Like many airports in the U.S., Cleveland has its fair share of passenger gripes, such as the off-site rental car facility and overcrowding around ticketing and the security checkpoints. While there are no ongoing development projects currently in place, CLE’s master plan has accessed its needs and is trying to obtain funding for these improvements. Unfortunately, this does mean that the onset of any work is still at least several years away.