Getting Around Cleveland
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Cleveland Airport information
Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the main airport serving the city and nearby areas. It’s about 14 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, making it convenient for business travelers and event planners alike. The airport is modern, easy to navigate, and well connected by road, taxi, and train. Whether you’re arriving for a corporate meeting or flying guests in for an event, this airport offers plenty of options to keep travel smooth and stress-free.
Key Details and Tips
Location: Around 20–25 minutes from downtown by car or train.
Approximate taxi fare: About $49 USD one-way to downtown.
Main airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, dining spots, car rentals, and hotel shuttles.
Pro tip for event planners: Choose hotels close to Hopkins Airport if you expect multiple out-of-town guests—they’ll save time and money on transfers.
Key Details and Tips
Location: Around 20–25 minutes from downtown by car or train.
Approximate taxi fare: About $49 USD one-way to downtown.
Main airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, dining spots, car rentals, and hotel shuttles.
Pro tip for event planners: Choose hotels close to Hopkins Airport if you expect multiple out-of-town guests—they’ll save time and money on transfers.
Cleveland Airport Transportation
Amtrak
The Amtrak station is located in downtown Cleveland across from FirstEnergy Stadium at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway. There are two major Amtrak routes that go through Cleveland and connect to Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. Connections can be made to any destination in the United States from these routes.
Capitol Limited Route
Amtrak's Capitol Limited runs daily between Washington, D.C. and Chicago. The route follows the historic B&O line through the Potomac Valley, past historic Harpers Ferry and the Allegheny Mountains into Pittsburgh, across Ohio heading north to Cleveland, and then across Ohio and Indiana into the center of Chicago.
Lake Shore Limited Route
Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited travels daily along some of the country's prettiest shorelines between Chicago on the west and New York City and Boston on the east. The route meanders along the south shore of Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the Erie Canal, following a famous Native American Highway. In New York State, the route continues through the Finger Lakes region to Albany, New York, where it branches off to New York City and Boston.
RTA Rapid Transit
In 1968, RTA's Red Line was the first rapid transit service to an international airport in North America. The heavy-rail system provides regular service between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and downtown Cleveland via the Tower City Station at the former Cleveland Union Terminal. The trip takes 22 minutes. Trains depart from the airport Mondays through Saturdays every 15-20 minutes from 3:54 am - 1:14 am. RTA's airport station is located on the lower level of the main terminal and can be reached by the elevators or escalators in the center of the ticketing and baggage claim levels.
The RTA system comprises four lines: the Red Line (heavy rail rapid transit), Blue Line, Green Line and Waterfront lines (light rail). All lines join downtown at Tower City Center, the former Cleveland Union Terminal. From Tower City to East 55th, the lines share tracks and stations.
This sharing of one route between light and heavy rail is quite unusual, and the shared stations have platforms of varying heights to accommodate the two kinds of trains.
Built between 1913 and 1936, the Blue and Green Lines were separated lines closer to downtown and surface lines along street medians in the streetcar suburb of Shaker Heights. The two lines part ways at Shaker Square, a historic urban community, just west of the Shaker Heights border. The Green Line continues east along Shaker Boulevard until it reaches its terminus at Green Road. The Blue Line veers southeast along Van Aken Boulevard until reaching its terminus at the intersection of Warrensville Center Road, Northfield Road, and Chagrin Boulevard. The Waterfront Line, opened in 1996, extends the Blue and Green Lines from Tower City north to Lake Erie and northeast along the lakeshore. The Waterfront Line provides access from Tower City Center to the Flats District, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Burke Lakefront Airport.
Rapid transit fares are $2.25 with a reduced rate of $1 for seniors and disabled persons.
Cleveland Public Information and Getting Around
Cleveland is one of those cities where getting around without a car is actually pretty easy. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs an efficient network of trains, buses, and trolleys that cover most popular areas. Whether you’re going from the airport to downtown or between event venues, you’ll find many affordable and convenient options.
Public Transportation Options
RTA Rapid Transit:
The Red Line runs between the airport and Tower City Station (downtown). The trip takes about 22 minutes, with trains every 15–20 minutes.
Fare: $2.25 (reduced to $1 for seniors and disabled passengers).
Other lines: Blue, Green, and Waterfront lines connect business districts, scenic spots, and waterfront attractions.
Tip: Take the Waterfront Line to reach the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Great Lakes Science Center—perfect for post-event sightseeing.
Bus Service:
RTA operates 59 routes with around 5,000 daily departures. The HealthLine bus on Euclid Avenue is a fast option between downtown and University Circle.
Cost: $2.25 for a one-way ride; $1 for seniors/disabled riders.
Suggestion: For group events at University Circle, the HealthLine is faster than driving during rush hours.
Free Downtown Trolleys:
RTA’s free trolley service (B-Line, E-Line, C-Line, and NineTwelve Line) makes traveling around downtown simple and eco-friendly.
Runs daily and stops at popular offices, hotels, and attractions.
Great for event guests staying in downtown hotels.
Free CircleLink Shuttle:
Connects University Circle’s museums and cultural spots, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall, and Cleveland Institute of Music.
Operates Monday–Saturday from 6:15 am–5:30 pm, and Sunday noon–5:30 pm.
Ideal for travelers exploring art or music venues before or after business events.
Cleveland – Transportation Tips for Event Planners and Travelers
Hotel Shuttles
Many downtown and airport hotels offer free shuttle services for guests.
Pick-up areas are located on the airport’s lower roadway island (near Doors 2–5).
You can use the Traveler’s Information Center phones near baggage claim to contact hotels directly.
Private Shuttles
Several private companies operate 24/7 airport and city transfers. Check whether they can handle group bookings for conference or event attendees.
Car Rentals
All major rental car companies operate from the consolidated Car Rental Facility, located off-airport grounds.
A free shuttle runs every few minutes from the main terminal (Door #5, Baggage Claim Level).
Travel time: Around 5–7 minutes between the terminal and the rental lot.
Taxis
Average fare from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown: Around $35.
The main taxi stand is at the South End Baggage Claim Level, near Carousel 11.
Reliable local service: ACE Taxi (216-361-4700).
Tips for planners: For large groups, arrange pre-booked taxis or shuttle services to avoid waiting delays.
Public Transportation Options
RTA Rapid Transit:
The Red Line runs between the airport and Tower City Station (downtown). The trip takes about 22 minutes, with trains every 15–20 minutes.
Fare: $2.25 (reduced to $1 for seniors and disabled passengers).
Other lines: Blue, Green, and Waterfront lines connect business districts, scenic spots, and waterfront attractions.
Tip: Take the Waterfront Line to reach the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Great Lakes Science Center—perfect for post-event sightseeing.
Bus Service:
RTA operates 59 routes with around 5,000 daily departures. The HealthLine bus on Euclid Avenue is a fast option between downtown and University Circle.
Cost: $2.25 for a one-way ride; $1 for seniors/disabled riders.
Suggestion: For group events at University Circle, the HealthLine is faster than driving during rush hours.
Free Downtown Trolleys:
RTA’s free trolley service (B-Line, E-Line, C-Line, and NineTwelve Line) makes traveling around downtown simple and eco-friendly.
Runs daily and stops at popular offices, hotels, and attractions.
Great for event guests staying in downtown hotels.
Free CircleLink Shuttle:
Connects University Circle’s museums and cultural spots, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall, and Cleveland Institute of Music.
Operates Monday–Saturday from 6:15 am–5:30 pm, and Sunday noon–5:30 pm.
Ideal for travelers exploring art or music venues before or after business events.
Cleveland – Transportation Tips for Event Planners and Travelers
Hotel Shuttles
Many downtown and airport hotels offer free shuttle services for guests.
Pick-up areas are located on the airport’s lower roadway island (near Doors 2–5).
You can use the Traveler’s Information Center phones near baggage claim to contact hotels directly.
Private Shuttles
Several private companies operate 24/7 airport and city transfers. Check whether they can handle group bookings for conference or event attendees.
Car Rentals
All major rental car companies operate from the consolidated Car Rental Facility, located off-airport grounds.
A free shuttle runs every few minutes from the main terminal (Door #5, Baggage Claim Level).
Travel time: Around 5–7 minutes between the terminal and the rental lot.
Taxis
Average fare from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown: Around $35.
The main taxi stand is at the South End Baggage Claim Level, near Carousel 11.
Reliable local service: ACE Taxi (216-361-4700).
Tips for planners: For large groups, arrange pre-booked taxis or shuttle services to avoid waiting delays.
Cleveland Train Information
If you prefer traveling by train, Cleveland’s Amtrak station is right in the heart of downtown, across from FirstEnergy Stadium at 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway. It’s well connected with major cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston. For event planners, the train is a scenic and budget-friendly travel option for guests coming from nearby states.
Routes and Highlights
Capitol Limited Route: Runs daily between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, passing through beautiful areas like Harpers Ferry and the Allegheny Mountains before reaching Cleveland.
Lake Shore Limited Route: Connects Chicago to New York City and Boston along stunning lakeshores and rivers, including the Erie Canal and Finger Lakes region.
Tip: Train schedules can change seasonally, so always double-check the latest timetable before planning.
For event travelers: Amtrak offers group travel discounts—ideal if you’re bringing teams or guests to the city.
Routes and Highlights
Capitol Limited Route: Runs daily between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, passing through beautiful areas like Harpers Ferry and the Allegheny Mountains before reaching Cleveland.
Lake Shore Limited Route: Connects Chicago to New York City and Boston along stunning lakeshores and rivers, including the Erie Canal and Finger Lakes region.
Tip: Train schedules can change seasonally, so always double-check the latest timetable before planning.
For event travelers: Amtrak offers group travel discounts—ideal if you’re bringing teams or guests to the city.
