Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Getting Around

How to get to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.

Transport Options at CLE

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is connected to Cleveland and the wider United States transport network by multiple ground transport options.

Rail & Metro

The RTA Red Line rapid transit train serves the airport directly, with a station inside the terminal, and reaches downtown Cleveland's Tower City in about 20-25 minutes — CLE was the first US airport with a direct rail link when this opened in 1968.

Bus & Shuttle

RTA local buses also connect from the airport for destinations off the Red Line.

Taxi

Metered taxis available curbside at arrivals.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft operate with designated pickup zones.

Car Rental

On-site rental car facility a short walk from baggage claim with all major brands.

Insider tip

Skip the taxi/rideshare line during rush hour and just take the Red Line — at roughly $2.50 a ride it's the cheapest and often fastest way downtown given I-71 traffic.

Transport routes, fares and operators change frequently. Verify current options on the official Cleveland Hopkins International Airport website before travel.

Pre-Book Your Transfer

Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from CLE to Cleveland in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.

Recommended · Airport Transfer
CLECleveland Transfer

Private and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.

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Car Rental at CLE

Exploring United States beyond Cleveland? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.

Recommended · Car Rental
Rent a Car at CLE

Compare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.

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Ground Transport Tips for CLE

Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked apps at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you in arrivals.
If a rail or metro connection exists, it is usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hour.
Allow extra time for ground transport during peak hours. Cleveland city traffic can significantly extend journey times.
Download offline maps for Cleveland before landing — useful if your data connection is slow on arrival.
If travelling with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is often more practical than public transport.
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