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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Great Lakes, USA

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Cleveland mainly counts on its international airport for air travel, with connections across the United States and limited international routes. This makes it a convenient entry point.

Air Travel Information

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): Main commercial airport, 11 miles (18 km) SW of downtown.
  • Major U.S. Airlines service CLE, with direct flights from numerous U.S. Cities.
  • Limited direct international flights; most connect via U.S./Canadian hubs (e.g., ORD, ATL, JFK).

Flight Pricing & Airport Services

Flight prices vary by season and events. CLE provides various facilities and transfer options.

Seasonal Pricing & Services

  • Higher prices during peak summer (June-Aug) and major holidays. Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) commonly offer better value. Skyscanner for comparisons.
  • CLE offers dining, shops, car rentals, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, airline lounges.

RTA Red Line

Most economical: Direct from CLE to downtown/University Circle. $2.50, 20-25 min.

Taxis & Ride-shares

Direct door-to-door service. $30-$50 to downtown. Uber/Lyft available.

Car Rental

Major companies at CLE. Shuttles to rental facilities. Book in advance.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

  • Amtrak: Cleveland Lakefront Station. Lake Shore Limited (Chicago-NY/Boston) & Capitol Limited (Chicago-D.C.).
  • Long-Distance Buses: Greyhound (Cleveland Bus Terminal), Barons Bus (regional). Present an economical option.
  • Border Crossing (Canada): Standard U.S. CBP procedures apply. Carry passport, visa/ESTA, proof of purpose/funds.
  • Expect potential wait times at border crossings during peak travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

  • Valid driver's license from home country usually suffices. IDP carries recommendation if license is not in English.
  • Major interstates are maintained; local roads can hold potholes. Construction is common in warmer months.
  • Winter driving can be challenging; caution and appropriate tires are advised.
  • Reliable GPS (smartphone apps or devices) for navigation.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise Ships

Cleveland occasionally functions as a stop for Great Lakes cruise ships during summer.

River Tours

Recreational boat tours operate on the Cuyahoga River, with scenic views of the city skyline.

Ferry Services

No regular international passenger ferries. Jet Express offers seasonal trips from Sandusky to Lake Erie Islands.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Protocols

Departing from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) follows standard U.S. Protocols. Plan your arrival time based on your flight type.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at CLE at least 2 hours prior to departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive at CLE at least 3 hours prior to departure.
  • Allow extra time during peak seasons, holidays, or if checking luggage.

Security & Facilities

Security screening procedures apply. CLE provides a range of amenities for departing travelers.

Departure Experience

  • Standard TSA security procedures are in place.
  • Expedited screening (TSA PreCheck or Clear) can lessen wait times.
  • CLE holds various dining and shopping options post-security.

Exit Fees & Customs

No separate exit fees are imposed upon departure from the U.S. Customs procedures typically occur upon re-entry.

Financial & Border Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes see charge beyond ticket price.
  • U.S. Customs is cleared upon re-entry to your home country or next international stop.
  • Confirm any specific requirements for your destination country.

Station Amenities

Amtrak and bus stations typically provide basic amenities for travelers with limited waiting times.

Features

  • Basic waiting areas are present at bus and train stations.
  • Limited dining or retail options compared to the airport.
  • Plan accordingly for longer waits at these locations.

Travel Tips for Departure

  • Double-check your flight or ticket details before leaving.
  • Confirm mobile boarding passes or print paper tickets.
  • Have all travel documents readily accessible.
  • Account for potential traffic on the way to the airport.
  • Check weather forecasts for departure day, especially in winter.
  • Arrive at boarding gates as advised by airline staff.

Getting Around Cleveland

Public Transportation Overview

Cleveland's RTA public transit system is a comprehensive network of rail and bus services. This system presents an economical and effective way to explore the city.

RTA Components

  • Rapid Transit (The Rapid): Red, Blue, & Green Lines. Red Line connects airport to downtown (Tower City) and University Circle.
  • Bus System: Extensive network covering the city and suburbs, reaching areas not served by rail.
  • Trolleys: Free downtown circulator routes (B-Line, C-Line, E-Line) connect popular attractions within downtown.

Ticketing & Accessibility

RTA offers various fare options and strives for accessibility across its network.

Fares & Features

  • Single Ride: $2.50. Exact cash on buses.
  • All-Day Pass: $5.50 (unlimited rides). 7-Day Pass: $25.00.
  • Payment: EZfare mobile app (recommended for convenience), RTA Farecard, or cash.

Accessibility

All Rapid Transit trains are wheelchair accessible. Most buses hold ramps/lifts. Reduced fares for disabled individuals. Many attractions comply with ADA.

Hours & Frequency

Rapid Transit: ~4 AM-1 AM daily. Buses: Vary by route. Downtown Trolleys: Daytime/early evening.

Hubs

Tower City Center: Major downtown hub for all Rapid Transit lines. University Circle: Cultural hub, accessible by Red Line.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Taxis present convenient, on-demand transportation options, especially for less direct routes or late-night travel.

Hailing & Fares

  • Licensed taxis commonly appear yellow or display company logos, with meters.
  • Can hail on street downtown or find at designated stands (airport, hotels).
  • Typical short ride: $10-$20. Airport to downtown: $30-$50 (excluding tip).

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft hold wide availability and popularity in Cleveland, offering various service levels.

Usage & Safety

  • Download Uber/Lyft apps before arrival; set up account.
  • Always confirm driver identity and vehicle details match the app before entry.
  • Share your trip status with a trusted contact via the app's safety features.

Rental Options Cars, Bikes, Scooters

Car Rental

Major companies at CLE (DiscoverCars.com). Must be 21+ (underage fee 21-24). Valid license; IDP if not English. Credit card needed. Book in advance.

Motorcycles & Scooters

Less common for general tourist rental. Research local specialty shops if interested.

Bicycle & Electric Scooter Share

Local bike shops offer rentals. Previous bike share programs stopped; check for new initiatives. Lime/Bird electric scooters operate downtown (app needed).

Parking Information

Downtown parking garages can be expensive ($15-$30+/day). Street parking is metered and often limited. In neighborhoods like Ohio City or Tremont, street parking may exist but can be competitive. Many hotels often impose a fee for parking.