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Cleveland Airport

Welcome to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This airport serves as the main gateway for Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It is the largest airport in Ohio and ranks among the top fifty in the U.S. by passenger numbers. Located just 9 miles southwest of Downtown Cleveland, it sits near the Glenn Research Center, a key NASA facility. Cleveland Hopkins was the first airport to have an air traffic control tower and a two-level design for arrivals and departures. It also became the first airport in North America linked directly to a rail transit line. The airport offers non-stop flights to 43 destinations. United Airlines remains the largest carrier here, even after the airport lost its hub status. Cleveland Hopkins continues to be a vital part of the region's travel network.

Live Air Traffic

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (IATA: CLE) serves as the main airport for Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown Cleveland. This airport is the largest in Ohio and ranks among the top fifty in the U.S. for passenger numbers. Cleveland Hopkins was the first airport to have an air traffic control tower. It also introduced a two-level design that separates arrivals from departures. Additionally, it was the first airport in North America linked directly to a rail transit line.

United Airlines used to operate a hub here until the mid-1980s. After that, Continental Airlines became the main carrier. Following the merger of United and Continental in 2010, United closed the hub but remains the largest airline at the airport. Cleveland Hopkins offers non-stop flights to 43 destinations. The airport is managed by the Cleveland Department of Port Control, which also oversees Burke Lakefront Airport.

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KCLE
Type: large
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Cleveland
IATA: CLE
Longitude: -81.8498001099
Latitude: 41.4117012024

Cleveland Airport on Google Maps

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Cleveland Airport (IATA: CLE) Article 2000 words

Introduction

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (IATA: CLE, ICAO: KCLE) is a public airport located in Cleveland, Ohio and it serves the greater Cleveland metropolitan area. It is the busiest and largest airport in terms of passenger numbers altogether passing through the state, one of the top 50 most busy airports by travelers recorded. Only 9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, the airport is where several aviation firsts we take for granted today debuted.

Airlines and Destinations

Airlines

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is served by a comprehensive range of top airlines offering non-stop service to 43 markets throughout the United States and beyond. American Airlines is the biggest carrier at the airport, followed by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest. These top airlines represent well over half of the more than 300 daily departures from the airport.

Cleveland Hopkins also hosts a sufficient number of low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines, Spirit, and Allegiant Air in addition to the major legacy carriers. That mix of carriers poses numerous choices for travelers and competitive fare options, particularly since United Airlines shuttered a local hub at the outset of 2010.

Passenger and Flight Characteristics

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport saw 9,868,868 total passengers pass through in 2023 as compared to the mark of last year at this time (8,693,866) - a difference of +13.5%. A full recovery is 98.3% of the airport's post-pandemic passenger level prior to COVID-19 in 2019, its last normal year for traffic.

The airport anticipates hosting more than 3.3 million travelers during the busy "100 days of summer" (Memorial Day to Labor Day) -- an increase of 200,000 over last year's total for that period. Signs at the airport advise travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours beforehand for international flights in order to clear security checkpoints with an adequate margin of safety.

How to Get Here

You can quickly get to the Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Within only 9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, its convenient location allows easy access from various perspectives in Greater Cleveland. Ride options for travelers to the airport

Car

The airport is located at the intersection of Interstate 71 and Interstate 480, with connections to both highways from all directions. For those driving to the airport, there are several on-airport lots (Smart Parking Garage and valet parking) as well as off-site economy options with ample spaces.

GO Transit

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is closely connected with the Greater Cleveland RTA light rail system, known as HealthLine. It provides direct, convenient transportation from the airport to downtown Cleveland and key destinations throughout the region by way of a single rail line.

Rideshare and Taxis

Passengers are able to use such rideshare services as Uber and Lyft for transportation options into the airport. Taxis can also be readily accessed at the ground transportation center which is adjacent to the terminal.

Parking

Whether travelers are looking to park on-site or off, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has parking solutions that meet your preferences. On-Airport Parking Facilities:

  • Smart Parking Garage: connected by a skywalk to the terminal, this is quite possibly your most convenient parking garage with overhead spaces regarding $17 per day.
  • Red Lot – An economy lot located a few minutes away from the terminal by shuttle, at $15 per day.
  • Blue Parking Lots — an additional economy option with a cost of $13 per day.
  • Orange Lot: The cheapest on-airport lot and costs $12 per day.
  • Brown Lot: Off-airport economy lot with shuttle service, $8 per day.

Using the online parking reservation system, air travelers can get even more peace of mind that they will have a parking spot when arriving at the airport and lock in this year's rates.

Transportation Pricing

Transportation prices to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport vary, with options between a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) costing $20-$30 for easy trips up to ten miles away from the airport, to a taxi costing $55 for the first 26 miles, with outrageous rates after that (up to 31 miles - $66, up to 36 miles - $76, up to 50 miles - $87). Shuttle service starts around $20 per person for a shared shuttle ride to area hotels and locations. Private car service fares may change based on time of day or traffic conditions, and additional surcharges or fees may apply.

Terminal Layout

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport consists of five terminals, the Main Terminal and four concourses: Concourse A, Concourse D, and Concourses B & C.

The Main Terminal, which serves as a hub connecting all the concourses by means of buses and walkways, is situated in the middle of the Airport. Concourse A is dominated by American Airlines, as with Concourse B to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, while a mixed bag can be found in Concourse C.

The airport maintains but has closed Concourse D, where United Airlines when it was a hub operator used to operate.

Navigate the Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport adheres to continued terminal wayfinding with clear signage. Passengers can find security checkpoints, baggage claim areas, and ground transportation, along with entrances to the various concourses, by following signs.

Additionally, a terminal map is available on the airport's own website and this can be a real asset for first-time visitors or those transiting through. The airport also has an app with interactive maps, flight statuses, and other features to help passengers navigate their way.

Getting Between Terminals

The airport provides continuous shuttle bus service to all its terminals, making it easy for passengers to go between the two. Shuttle buses operate 24/7 moving passengers between the Main Terminal and all in-service concourses.

Shuttle buses leave from the ground transportation center just outside of the Main Terminal and stop at each one. The total trip should usually take less than 10 minutes, providing passengers with a smooth connection.

Services and Amenities

With the services catering to all types of travelers, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a variety of amenities. These include:

  • Lounges: Airline-operated lounges, including The Club CLE and United Club, are great places for passengers to sit back and relax, work, or avail of complimentary beverages.
  • Wi-Fi: Free high-speed wireless internet can be accessed within the airport terminals.
  • Business Centers – There are business centers at the airport which offer passengers computer and printer amenities as well as other office facilities.
  • Kid's Play Areas: The airport has special halls for the kids to play, which gives families a place to take a break from their hyperactive children.
  • Pet Relief Areas: For those traveling with a pet, there are four convenient locations outside the terminal where pets can go to relieve themselves.
  • Currency Exchange: As an international airport, travelers need currency exchange services.

Restaurants and Shops

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has an array of dining and shopping choices for all travelers. There are many choices in the terminal, from fast food outlets to sit-down restaurants with menus ranging from one cuisine to another.

Quaker Steak & Lube, Subway, Auntie Anne's, and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt are among the favored dining establishments you can discover at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. For a more casual experience, The Pub offers classic airport bar meals in an English-themed setting.

The airport has a variety of retail outlets, from news and convenience stores to specialty shops plus its duty-free facilities for international jet-setters. It boasts shopping, from souvenirs to last-minute travel needs and in-airport shopping for those who #wanderlust.

Security and Customs

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has tight security which ensures safety and nothing out of the ordinary can happen. Travelers are directed to arrive 2 hours before their domestic flight, and 3 hours prior for international flights, for ample time in the security screening process.

The security checkpoints at the airport are high-tech with advanced imaging scanners and metal detectors. Certain passengers, including those who have signed up for TSA PreCheck, can take advantage of faster security screening which means they can keep their shoes on and belts and light jackets as well.

The Main Terminal is where the airport has its customs and immigration facilities for international travelers. Importantly, passengers coming from international sources will need to go through customs and immigration before they are allowed onto their last leg of the flight or transfer earlier.

Accessibility

Ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for all travelers, regardless of disability or special need. Various services available at the Airport for Handicap Support:

  • Wheelchair, electric cart: Passengers are able to have wheelchair or electric carts help them in navigating their terminals at the airport.
  • Accessible Parking/Transportation: Designated accessible parking spaces and a telephone system helps those who need shuttle bus transportation to traverse the airport grounds.
  • Assistive listening devices - Hearing-impaired passengers may ask for assistive listening devices to help them during the ride.
  • Service animal relief areas: There are dedicated service animal relief areas on all the terminals of this airport.
  • Accessible restrooms and family-friendly facilities including accessible toilets, moms and kids room in the airport.

Travel Tips

Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Experience at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

  • Be on Time: Factor in time for security screening (especially during high-travel seasons).
  • Flight status- Keep track of your flight and its delays or cancellations prior to your visit.
  • Know the Terminal Layout: Take a look at the terminal maps and wayfinding information for ease of navigating through airport facilities.
  • DO: USE AIRPORT AMENITIES As you will have some time at the airport, make optimum use of this.
  • Download that airport's mobile app: You'll get real-time flight information, as well as interactive maps and other convenient tools.
  • Transport planning: Plan and book your transport to/from the airport prior.

Using these travel tips as well as services and amenities provided by the airport, passengers can experience an easier and more enjoyable encounter at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.