Home » Layover Guide » Cleveland Hopkins Layover Guide (CLE)

Cleveland Hopkins Layover Guide (CLE)

What are you looking for in CLE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Cleveland Airport (CLE) is an international airport located in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s situated about 14 km (9 miles) from downtown Cleveland. The airport officially opened in 1925. Cleveland is a major city in the U.S. Midwest, known for its rich cultural history and industrial legacy. It’s also home to renowned attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and offers a wide range of leisure, sports, and entertainment activities.

Can you leave Cleveland Airport (CLE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at CLE, you may leave the airport if you clear US immigration and have valid passport and entry permission. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries require approved ESTA; others need a C-1 transit or appropriate visa. Plan extra time for customs and security. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Explore the iconic museum celebrating rock music’s legends through immersive exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays. Dive into musical history with rotating galleries and artifacts highlighting rare instruments and live performances. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line train to Tower City Station, then a ten-minute walk or five-minute taxi.)
• West Side Market Browse Cleveland’s oldest public market offering diverse vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, meats, and international foods. Savor local specialties and vibrant atmosphere in a historic landmark building year-round community. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, transfer to Bus 48, or taxi directly.)
• Cleveland Museum of Art Admire world-class art spanning ancient to contemporary eras in architecturally stunning galleries, free general admission. Explore special exhibitions, quiet sculpture garden, and educational programming with multimedia tours and workshops daily. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, transfer to Bus 2 or taxi to University Circle.)
• Edgewater Beach Relax on Lake Erie’s shoreline beach park with sandy shores, serene lake views, walking trails, and picnic spots. Enjoy sunsets, birdwatching, and scenic Cleveland skyline vistas amidst lively weekends events. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, transfer to Bus 26, or taxi (~20 minutes).)
• Playhouse Square Catch a quick backstage tour or admire historic theater marquees in America’s largest performing arts center outside Broadway. Marvel at restored interiors and vibrant pre-show ambiance lobby luxe cafés amenities. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, then a five-minute walk or taxi.)
• Cleveland Botanical Garden Stroll through themed gardens and glasshouse biomes showcasing exotic plants, butterflies, and seasonal blooms. Discover educational exhibits, art installations, and tranquil pathways in University Circle year-round interactive events for families. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, transfer to Bus 2 or taxi.)
• Great Lakes Science Center Engage with hands-on STEM exhibits, simulators, and live science demonstrations. Explore NASA Glenn Visitor Center, interactive galleries, and seasonal traveling exhibits along North Coast Harbor immersive learning activities for kids. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City then a short taxi or 15-minute walk.)
• East 4th Street Discover vibrant pedestrian street lined with eclectic restaurants, craft breweries, and boutiques set under historic canopy. Enjoy local cuisine, drinks, and live music in energetic downtown setting atmosphere afterflight fun. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take RTA Red Line to Tower City, then a five-minute walk or taxi.)

Things to Do in Cleveland Airport (CLE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Cleveland Hopkins features several lounges including the United Club near Concourse C, the Escape Lounge for all-ticketed passengers, and Minute Suites private rooms adjacent to Concourse A. Each offers complimentary snacks, beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, workspaces and cozy environments ideal for unwinding or catching up on work. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site hotel at CLE, but nearby options include the Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, both a short shuttle or taxi ride away. These hotels offer day-use rooms, full overnight stays, fitness centers, business facilities and airport shuttle service to ensure convenient rest before early departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Inside CLE, passengers can find designated rest zones with padded benches and recliner chairs near G and H gates. Minute Suites offers private nap rooms by the A Concourse for hourly rental. Quiet corners near the West Terminal provide low-traffic seating, ideal for brief rests or overnight stays in peace.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Cleveland Hopkins provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Simply connect to “CLE Guest” and accept the terms of service. Speeds are sufficient for browsing, streaming and video calls. Charging stations with USB and standard outlets are available near most gates and seating areas for keeping devices powered.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards from vending machines near baggage claim or at newsstands and convenience shops in both terminals. Major carriers offer short-term plans with data, talk and text. eSIM activation is supported—buy and install directly on your unlocked device before or after arrival to stay connected immediately. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Marked taxi stands are located outside both arrivals levels. Flat rates apply to downtown Cleveland; metered fares serve suburbs. All vehicles are licensed and monitored by airport authorities. Credit-card readers are standard. Expect a 15–20-minute ride to the city center, depending on traffic. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available on request.

Train: The RTA Red Line station sits directly on airport grounds, offering frequent service to downtown Cleveland in about 35 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak, seven days a week. more info

Bus: Greater Cleveland’s RTA Route 42 links CLE with Brooklyn Centre and downtown. Buses depart every 30–60 minutes from stops outside both terminals, operating from early morning until late evening. Standard fares apply; connect to other RTA lines at Tower City. more info

Shuttle: Multiple shared-ride shuttles and hotel courtesy vans serve CLE, with pick-up zones just outside baggage claim. Reservations are recommended for timed transfers. Shuttles connect to downtown, airport hotels and regional destinations. Rates vary by distance and provider; many accept credit cards and accommodate small groups and accessible needs.

Car rentals: All major car rental companies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, reached by complimentary shuttle from both terminals. Upon exiting baggage claim, follow “Rental Cars” signs to the shuttle bays. Reservations are advised; facility offers compact to full-size cars, SUVs, vans and specialty vehicles with express return lanes. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: CLE parking options include the Garage (direct terminal access), Short-Term Lot A, and Economy Lot C with free shuttle service. Rates are tiered by proximity and duration. EV charging stations are available in the garage. Pre-book online for discounts and guaranteed space, or use pay-by-plate kiosks upon exit.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Cleveland Hopkins does not offer on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers may arrange baggage hold with specific airlines or use ride-share drivers to nearby storage services. For secure, short-term storage, third-party providers in downtown Cleveland offer hourly or daily options, accessible via shuttle or public transit. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Cleveland Airport (CLE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks