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Getting from Cleveland Airport to Downtown

Cleveland is a cultural metropolis situated in Ohio, boasting a superb constellation of museums, a growing culinary scene and a modern downtown area with trendy restaurants, parks and fancy bars. Visitors feel an unmistakable buzz about the place, thanks to the presence of the well-established Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Centre and other important landmarks situated nearby. Thousands of visitors flood the city to witness its metamorphosis from an industrial hub to a top destination for food, art and outdoor recreation on Lake Erie.

When it comes to transportation from Cleveland airport to downtown, there are two different options you can choose from depending on your budget and preferences: a taxi or the Rapid Train. Taking a Cleveland airport taxi is the fastest way to reach the downtown area, while the train is a less convenient but budget-friendly alternative, as it covers the 18-kilometre distance from the airport for just $2.50 (€2.50) per passenger.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cleveland at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €46 17min 24/7
Train €5 30min 04:00–00:30

How to get from Cleveland airport to Downtown by Taxi

Taking a Cleveland airport taxi is undoubtedly the fastest and most comfortable option you can pick for your downtown shuttle. It is also recommended if you are visiting the city for the first time or travelling with family and children. The journey only lasts 17 minutes and the average cost is around $46.00 (€46.70). Of course, always keep in mind that the final price may vary depending on traffic conditions and the distance to your exact destination. As there is no set price, the driver should turn on their taximeter at the start of the ride to calculate the total fare of the journey.

Taxi fare from Cleveland airport to downtown

The distance from Cleveland airport to downtown is merely 18 kilometres and unless there is heavy traffic, you will be there in 17 minutes. Of course, this is an approximate duration and may vary depending on traffic conditions, time of day and the exact location of your hotel or apartment. To determine the total tariff, the driver will utilise the taximeter, but you can expect to pay around $46.00 (€46.70).

If you’re looking for a set-rate fare you can rely on, we recommend pre-booking your transportation from Cleveland airport to downtown with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$46.00 (€46.70)

Trip Duration

17 minutes

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis at Cleveland Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Taxis at Cleveland airport are located at the south end of the Baggage Claim level (carousel #11). You can also pick them up outside the terminal area.

Convenience

Even though taxis are a bit costly, they provide comfortable and fast services to travellers. They are also convenient during the winter or summer months when the extreme weather conditions make it hard to walk to the nearest train or bus station. Moreover, taking the subway or the Rapid Train can be both inconvenient and time-consuming. With a taxi, you will reach your desired destination in a quick and comfortable manner and use the extra time you saved to chill and relax before starting your tour in Cleveland.

Editor’s Note

Cleveland Airport has a dedicated taxi service with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles. However, their services stop operating after 23:00. If you have a night flight and need an after-midnight ride, you need to book your ride in advance online or by contacting the airport at +1 (216) 265 6000.

Useful Tips

Bbooking your taxi in advance to take the stress out of your holiday schedule is recommended.
Generally, taxi drivers in Cleveland expect a 10% tip for their services.

How to get from Cleveland Airport to downtown by train

If you wish to opt for an alternative way of transportation from Cleveland airport to downtown, you can choose the RTA’s Red Line. It’s simple to catch the train, and it takes less than 30 minutes to or from Downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Station. Tickets are very cheap, at only $2.50 (€2.50) per traveller.

How much does the train from Cleveland Airport to downtown cost?

The ticket for a train from Cleveland airport to downtown is very affordable, as travellers only pay $2.50 (€2.50) for a single ride. Moreover, the RTA authority in Cleveland offers multiple ticket options for different needs and age groups; for example, there are different prices for seniors ($1.25 (€1.30)) and students ($1.75 (€1.80)) for a single-use ticket.

Cost

$2.50 (€2.50)

Trip Duration

30 minutes

Subway trains depart every 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The Red Line operates 7 days a week, from approximately 04:00 until 00:30.

Where do I get the train from?

The RTA’s Airport Station is on the lower level of the terminal complex. To reach it, take the elevators or escalators near the centre of the ticketing and baggage claim levels. Travel passes can be purchased from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station.

Convenience

The RTA train from Cleveland airport to downtown is a very convenient transportation method, but it still has its drawbacks. Trains stop operating after midnight so depending on what time your flight gets in, a taxi might be your only transfer option. Moreover, trains are less frequent compared to the subway in other U.S cities, with rails coming only once every 15 minutes. Last but not least, only the taxi option will take you door-to-door to your exact location downtown, whereas, with the train option, you will need to walk or use an alternative to get to your accommodation once you alight the train.

Timetables

Editor’s Note

If you want to switch to a different train or another mode of public transport (for example, transfer to another rail line or bus to complete your trip), you can buy a 5-Trip fare card. The normal tariff for adults is $12.50 (€12.70) but there is a special ticket for seniors ($6.25 (€6.30)) and students ($8.75 (€8.80)). For unlimited rides for an entire day, passengers can get the All-Day Pass at $5.00 (€5). For more information about pricing, please refer to the official RTA website.

Useful Tips

Please bear in mind that all Red-line stations are ADA accessible.
Senior/Disabled fares require passengers to show a valid RTA Senior or Disabled ID.
Make sure you are at the station at least 5 minutes before the scheduled train departure to avoid waiting for the next train.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the cost of a taxi from Cleveland airport to downtown?

A ride from the airport to downtown Cleveland lasts about 17 minutes and has an average cost of $46.00 (€46.70). Of course, bear in mind that the total fare varies based on several factors such as the distance and the traffic conditions. As there is no set price for this itinerary, the driver needs to turn on the taximeter to calculate the sum of the ride at the end of the journey.

How do I get from Cleveland airport to downtown Cleveland?

There are two ways to get from Cleveland airport to downtown Cleveland; One is to hop on a taxi and the other is to get the train. While the train is a more budget-friendly alternative, its limited frequency and operating times make it a less convenient option. For a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, you can also pre-book an airport taxi in advance with Welcome.

How far is Cleveland airport from downtown Cleveland?

The total distance from Cleveland airport to downtown Cleveland is 18 kilometres and there are two transportation options; one is to get a taxi and the other is to catch the RTA train. A taxi ride lasts about 17 minutes, while the journey by train takes approximately half an hour.

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