Cleveland Hopkins International Airport serves as a major gateway to Ohio’s largest city. Located about nine miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, it connects travelers across the country and around the world. The airport covers over 700 acres with multiple terminals that house airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest and United. Passengers can find shops, dining options, rental cars and public transit links to reach the city center. With ongoing upgrades, the facility supports both business trips and leisure travel efficiently for thousands of visitors each week.
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
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| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is located approximately 9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, covering about 13.7 square kilometers. As Ohio's largest and busiest airport, CLE serves nearly 10 million passengers annually with nonstop flights to 43 destinations. The airport is renowned for its pioneering history, including being the first airport to have a dedicated air traffic control tower and direct rail connections to the city.
The airport features a single two-level terminal with four concourses (A, B, C active, D closed), which was renovated recently to improve passenger experience. While generally praised for its cleanliness and ease of navigation, there have been frequent reports of long security wait times and occasional delays in gate availability, so travelers should allow extra time during busy periods.
CLE’s climate is classified as humid continental (Dfa), with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. This means winter travel might occasionally be complicated by weather, but the airport manages snow and ice efficiently. Dining and shopping amenities reflect local culture and Midwest influences, while art installations provide a nice visual touch throughout the terminal.
Ground transportation options include the RTA rapid transit Red Line connecting directly to downtown Cleveland in under 30 minutes, taxis, rideshares and shuttles. The airport is continually investing in improvements through the CLEvolution project aimed at modernizing terminal facilities and expanding capacity over coming years.
Located in Concourse B, The Club CLE offers travellers a quiet space with runway views, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks including local FLOH vodka cocktails. It welcomes Priority Pass holders and day-pass visitors alike, operating from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Family-friendly areas and digital magazines add to the experience.
Situated in Concourse C, this lounge serves United passengers with complementary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and business facilities. Access is reserved for eligible United flyers and members.
Focused on military personnel and their families, the USO Lounge provides a calm environment, snacks, Wi-Fi, and friendly staff. Located within the terminal, it operates with flexible hours throughout the week.
Cleveland offers a variety of accommodations near the airport and in downtown, including business and boutique hotels suitable for leisure and corporate travelers. Convenient shuttle services connect many hotels with the airport, making overnight stays stress-free.
To Downtown Cleveland:
The airport is about 9 miles from downtown Cleveland, reachable conveniently via the RTA Rapid Transit Red Line, which takes less than 30 minutes at a low cost. Taxis and rideshares are available and typically take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, with prices around US$25 – 35 (£18.69 – 26.17). Travellers should check transit schedule and traffic forecasts, especially during winter or rush hours.
To Cleveland Clinic:
Located in downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Clinic is approximately 10 miles from the airport. Transport options include taxi, rideshare, or public transport via the Red Line. Travel times are similar to those for the downtown area, with frequent shuttle services available at select hotels.
To University Circle:
The cultural hub of Cleveland, University Circle, is accessible via taxi or a combination of the RTA system with a short transfer. Travel typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and connections.
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