Travelers can expect long lines and limited parking at CLE

March 23, 2023

Press Releases

Spring break is underway at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). With spring break comes an increase in travelers and visitors to our airport. In 2022, for the four-week period (mid-March to mid-April) CLE welcomed 750,000 passengers, and this year, CLE expects 800,000 passengers during the same four-week period. 

Current projections indicate high volumes of travelers, especially during the morning hours of 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Lobby areas will be full. Travelers should anticipate extended wait times of 30 minutes or more to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check points. 

We urge anyone travelling this spring to plan ahead by making sure you allow plenty of time for parking, check-ins and to pass through TSA security. 

For anyone who is planning on parking at the airport, we recommend checking our website before heading to the airport as available parking will be very difficult to find. 

Phase 1 of a major restoration project on the Smart Parking Garage is underway and as a result, there will be 2000 fewer available parking spots. The restoration work is expected to last throughout the spring and summer travel season. 

Also, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is beginning work on two major roadway projects, which include adding an additional exit lane at I-480 and Grayton Road. They will also begin the resurfacing of I-480 westbound lanes. This will likely impact airport access and cause traffic delays around the airport. 

Both projects - the CLE Smart Garage renovations and the ODOT roadway projects - are expected to last through the summer and so, we recommend considering finding an alternative means of transportation to and from the airport, while these projects are ongoing. 

 

General Travel Tips 

One of the best ways for travelers who are looking for available parking and additional travel information is to visit our website at www.clevelandairport.com to find information on: 

  • Status of your flight 
  • Status of airport parking 
  • Status of the TSA Checkpoint wait times 

Follow CLE on Twitter at @GoingPlacesCLE and Facebook at facebook.com/CLEairport for airport tips and updates. 

Travelers have a variety of parking options when coming to the airport that includes: 

  • CLE Curbside Valet, $30 per day 
  • The Smart Parking Garage, $22 per day 
  • The Red Lot, $20 per day 
  • The Blue Lot, $20 per day 
  • The Orange Lot, $17 per day 
  • The Brown Lot, $14 per day 

Picking up friends and family at the airport? Don’t circle the airport! CLE now has two Cell Phone lots for convenient parking while waiting for arrivals. Park and wait in the CLE Cell Phone Lot located off State Route 237 South, or at the new CLE Cell Phone Lot off of Hotel Road. Follow the blue directional signs for easy parking. 

It is illegal to park and leave your vehicle unattended anywhere on the ticketing or baggage levels. Anyone who is in violation of these parking restrictions will immediately be ticketed and the vehicle will be towed. 

 

RTA Red Line to the airport 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers convenient service to and from CLE. 

For more information, visit the RTA website at www.riderta.com 

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