Cleveland Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Cleveland, Ohio, a major city on the shores of Lake Erie, is served by one primary commercial airport. A smaller, downtown airport handles general aviation and private flights. While not the hub it once was, Cleveland’s airport remains a vital and efficient gateway for the region, offering a wide range of domestic and limited international flights.

This guide explains the airports serving the Cleveland metropolitan area, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Overview: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the primary commercial airport and the largest in Ohio. Located approximately 9 miles (14 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland, it is a major focus city for United Airlines and a base for Frontier and Spirit. It serves as the main gateway for Northeast Ohio, offering non-stop flights to major U.S. cities and seasonal international destinations.

Terminals:

• Single, Main Terminal (David A. Bragdon Terminal): The airport operates from one main terminal building with three concourses arranged in a T-shape. The design is straightforward:
  • Concourse A (Gates A1-A22): Primarily houses United Airlines and its United Express partners.
  • Concourse B (Gates B1-B22): Houses American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and other domestic carriers.
  • Concourse C (Gates C1-C18): Home to Frontier, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines. Also handles international arrivals.

Note: All concourses are connected post-security via a central food court and shopping mall area. You can walk between any gate without exiting security or taking a train, making connections very easy.

Getting to and from Cleveland Hopkins (CLE):

• RTA Red Line (Rapid Transit): The most affordable and reliable public transit option. The Red Line heavy rail train runs directly from the airport station (connected to the terminal via a covered walkway) to downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Center in about 25 minutes. Trains run every 15-20 minutes. Fare is $2.50. Highly recommended for travelers going downtown.
• Ride-hailing (Uber & Lyft): The most popular door-to-door option. Designated pickup zones are on the ground level of the parking garage, directly across from the baggage claim exits. Travel time to downtown is 20-35 minutes. Cost typically ranges from $25-$45.
• Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the ground level outside baggage claim. Fares to downtown are metered; expect to pay $35-$50.
• Rental Car: The Rental Car Center is a consolidated facility. A free, 24/7 shuttle bus runs from the terminal (pickup on the ground level) to the center, a 2-3 minute ride. All major rental companies are present.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttle service. Pickup is typically on the ground level; call your hotel upon arrival.
• Driving & Parking: CLE offers a variety of parking options, including a connected garage, long-term surface lots, and an economy lot with a frequent shuttle. Parking is generally affordable.

Best for: All commercial airline passengers visiting Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, or the Lake Erie shoreline. It is the main airport for business and leisure travel to the region.

Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL)

Overview: Burke Lakefront Airport is a general aviation airport located right on the Lake Erie shoreline, just 2 miles (3 km) north of downtown Cleveland. It handles private jets, corporate aviation, air shows (like the Cleveland Air Show), and medevac flights. It is famed for its scenic location but does not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights.

Terminals/Facilities:

• Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs): Private terminals for general aviation clients, such as Atlantic Aviation and Million Air.
• Notable: Its location offers stunning views of downtown and the lake, and it has a public viewing area and restaurant.

Getting to and from Burke Lakefront Airport:

• Private Transfer / Taxi / Ride-hailing: The primary options. Due to its proximity to downtown, Uber/Lyft are readily available and trips are short (5-10 minutes to downtown core). No direct public transit serves the airport.

Best for: Private jet clients, business aviation, and visitors to the Air Show or waterfront events. Not relevant for typical airline passengers.

Which Cleveland Airport Should You Choose?

For all travelers booking commercial airline tickets, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is your only option. Always verify your airport code is CLE.

Important for Downtown Stays: If you are staying downtown, the RTA Red Line from CLE is an exceptionally convenient and cost-effective transfer. You can avoid rental car costs and parking fees entirely.

Key Tips for Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE)

Efficiency & Layout:

• CLE is known for being clean, easy to navigate, and having short security lines compared to larger hubs. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available in the main security checkpoint.
• The central marketplace area post-security (“The CLE Mall”) connects all concourses and features a good selection of local Cleveland restaurants and shops, including Great Lakes Brewing Company and CLE Clothing.

International Arrivals (Limited):

• CLE offers a few seasonal international flights (e.g., to Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and occasionally Iceland). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities are located in Concourse C. The process is typically quick.

Dining & Local Flavor:

• The airport does an excellent job showcasing local food and beverage brands. Be sure to try local favorites like Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Presti’s Bakery, or a craft beer from one of Cleveland’s many breweries.

Weather Considerations:

• Being on the Great Lakes, Cleveland can experience lake-effect snow in winter (Nov-Feb), which can occasionally cause delays. Check forecasts during these months.

Ground Transport from CLE to Key Destinations

To Downtown Cleveland (Public Square, Tower City):

• RTA Red Line: 25 minutes, $2.50. The best option. Drops you directly at Tower City, connected to hotels, restaurants, and the casino.
• Uber/Lyft: 20-35 minutes, $25-$45. Direct to your hotel door.
• Taxi: 20-35 minutes, $35-$50.

To University Circle (Cleveland Clinic, Museums, Case Western):

• RTA Red Line + HealthLine Bus: Take the Red Line to Tower City, transfer to the free HealthLine bus rapid transit (Euclid Ave corridor) eastbound. Total time ~50 minutes.
• Uber/Lyft: 25-40 minutes, $30-$50.

To Ohio City / Tremont / West Side Market:

• Uber/Lyft: 15-25 minutes, $15-$25. The most direct option to these popular neighborhoods.
• RTA Red Line to W. 25th Station: 10-minute ride from the airport, then a short walk. Excellent for Ohio City.

To Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / FirstEnergy Stadium (North Coast Harbor):

• RTA Red Line to Tower City + Walk: From Tower City, it’s a 10-15 minute walk north through downtown to the lakefront attractions.
• Uber/Lyft: 25-40 minutes, $30-$45.

To Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky):

• Rental Car: Essential. A 60-75 minute drive west via I-90 and the Ohio Turnpike.
• Uber/Lyft (One-Way): 60-75 minutes, $80-$120. Impractical for a round trip.

To Akron or Canton (Pro Football Hall of Fame):

• Rental Car: Recommended. Akron is a 40-minute drive south.
• Uber/Lyft (One-Way to Akron): 40 minutes, $50-$70.

Bottom Line: Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) is a traveler-friendly airport. For downtown destinations, the RTA Red Line is unbeatable for value and convenience. For exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods or for trips to attractions outside the city, Uber/Lyft is efficient, or a rental car provides ultimate flexibility. The airport’s compact, walkable design makes for a stress-free start and end to your journey.