What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Landing at Cleveland Hopkins
Cleveland airport arrivals have gotten complicated with all the construction updates flying around. Every time I look up the airport online, there’s a different gate layout or a new terminal map that doesn’t match what I remember from my last trip. So I figured I’d write down what I actually know from flying into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport a half-dozen times over the past few years. This isn’t the official airport brochure. It’s what I’d tell a friend who texted me “hey, I’m landing in Cleveland, what do I need to know?”
The Basics
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport — people just call it CLE — sits about nine miles southwest of downtown Cleveland. It handles millions of passengers every year and connects to both domestic and international destinations. The layout is pretty modern and, more importantly, it actually makes sense. I’ve been in airports where finding your way out feels like solving a puzzle. CLE isn’t one of those.
What Happens When You Land
Your plane pulls into one of three concourses: A, B, or C. Once you step off the jet bridge, just follow the signs. They’re well-placed and readable, which sounds like a low bar but trust me, not every airport clears it. If you’ve got checked bags, head to the lower level for baggage claim. If you’re coming from an international flight, you’ll go through customs and border protection first, then baggage claim.
Probably should have led with this: if you’re being picked up by someone, tell them to meet you outside baggage claim. There are waiting zones right by the exits that are easy to find and not too chaotic. Beats the awkward “where are you? I’m by the… pillar?” phone call.
Finding Your Bags
Baggage claim is straightforward. Monitors tell you which carousel has your flight’s bags. Grab your stuff and head for the exits. The one time I had an issue — my bag took an unexpected detour through Detroit — the baggage service desk was staffed and actually helpful. They had the bag delivered to my hotel the next morning. Not ideal, but not a nightmare either.
Getting Out of the Airport
This is where you’ve got options, and honestly, it depends on your budget and where you’re headed.
Rental cars are available from all the big companies. There’s a shuttle that takes you from the terminal to the rental facility, which is a few minutes away. I’ve done this when I needed to explore the broader Cleveland area or had meetings in the suburbs.
Uber and Lyft both operate at CLE. Follow the signs to the rideshare pickup area on the arrivals level. I usually go this route if I’m just heading downtown because it’s fast and I don’t have to worry about parking. Prices vary depending on time of day, obviously.
Taxis are lined up outside baggage claim. They’re metered, so no surge pricing surprises. Old school but reliable.
The RTA Red Line is probably the best-kept secret for getting into downtown Cleveland. It’s the public transit option — the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority runs it — and it goes straight from the airport to downtown and other spots around the city. Cheap and efficient. I took it my second time visiting and wished I’d known about it the first time.
Hotel shuttles are available too. A bunch of local hotels run free shuttles, and there’s a designated pickup area for them. Check with your hotel before landing so you know if they offer this.
While You’re Still in the Airport
If you’ve got some time to kill before heading out, CLE has you covered. Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and it actually loads things at a reasonable speed. Charging stations are all over the place, which my dying phone has appreciated more than once. ATMs and currency exchange are available if you need cash or are coming from overseas.
Food-wise, there’s a range. Quick grab-and-go options if you’re in a hurry, sit-down spots if you’ve got time. Nothing that would make a food critic swoon, but solid airport fare. I had a surprisingly decent sandwich at a place near Concourse C on my last trip. Retail shops cover the usual — travel stuff, souvenirs, last-minute gifts you forgot to buy before leaving home.
Accessibility
The airport handles accessibility well. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available throughout. If you or someone you’re traveling with needs additional assistance, contact the airline ahead of time and they’ll arrange support. I traveled with my uncle once who uses a wheelchair, and the staff was attentive without being condescending, which he appreciated.
Tips I’ve Picked Up Over Multiple Visits
A few things I’ve learned the hard way or figured out over time. If you’re coming from an international flight, have your documents ready before you get in the customs line. It moves, but it moves faster if you’re prepared. Download the airline’s app before your trip for real-time flight updates — I’ve avoided a few gate-change surprises that way. Keep medications and anything you really can’t lose in your carry-on. Bag delays happen. And if it’s your first time at CLE, spend five minutes looking at the terminal map online before you arrive. It’ll save you ten minutes of confused wandering when you land.
Staying Connected
The free Wi-Fi is reliable and covers the whole terminal. If your phone is dying, the charging stations are easy to find — look for the counters with built-in outlets near the seating areas. Staying connected means you can coordinate pickups, check hotel info, or just scroll through your phone while waiting for bags. Nothing fancy here, it just works, and that’s really all you need.
Security and Safety
CLE follows standard TSA protocols. Security personnel are around the airport and they’ve always been professional in my experience. Know the carry-on rules before you go through the checkpoint and you’ll be fine. I once forgot about a water bottle in my bag and the agent was chill about it. Just tossed it and moved on. No drama.
Once You’re Out — Cleveland Is Worth Exploring
I wasn’t a Cleveland believer until my third or fourth visit. Now I kind of love it. The city has a real arts and culture scene, solid food, and some genuinely fun neighborhoods. Ohio City has great restaurants and a food market that’s worth the trip on its own. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is one of those places that’s better than you expect it to be, even if you’re not a huge music person. Sports fans have the Browns, Cavs, and Guardians. And the parks along Lake Erie are beautiful in summer.
That’s what makes Cleveland endearing as a destination. It doesn’t try too hard. It just has good stuff and lets you find it.
Pack for the Weather
Cleveland’s weather is… variable. That’s the polite way to put it. Winters are cold and snowy — pack layers and a real coat, not a fashion jacket. Summers are warm and actually pretty pleasant, which surprises people who only think of Cleveland as a winter city. Check the forecast before you leave and pack accordingly. I once showed up in November with just a hoodie and spent the whole trip cold. Don’t be me.
One More Thing
If you need more info, the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport website has detailed guides and maps. There are also information desks inside the terminal staffed by people who can help with specific questions. The airport is active on social media too, posting real-time updates about delays, construction, and other things worth knowing before you arrive.
Flying into Cleveland is easy once you know what to expect. The airport does its job well, the transportation options are solid, and the city on the other side is better than its reputation. Plan a little, stay flexible, and you’ll be fine.
