There are several ways to get from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown Cleveland, but there are no public bus transportation routes. The most affordable method is the RTA Red Line, which costs $2.50 one way and takes less than 30 minutes. Trains depart from the airport every 15 minutes and arrive at the Tower Square station downtown, where you can transfer to the Green and Blue Line trains. You can also take a taxi, a rideshare, or a shuttle.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Transport company | RTA (Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority) |
Transport method | Red Line (light rail) |
Departure point | Cleveland Hopkins International Airport |
Arrival point | Downtown Cleveland |
Transport frequency | Every 15 minutes |
Transport duration | Less than 30 minutes |
Transport cost | $2.50 |
Accepted payment methods | Cash, credit/debit cards |
What You'll Learn
Fares: $2.50 one-way, $5 for cash payments
Fares for the RTA Red Line, the only public transportation option for reaching downtown Cleveland from the airport, are very affordable. A one-way fare on the RTA costs $2.50, or $5 if you are paying cash. The journey takes less than 30 minutes, and the Red Line takes you to the Tower Square station downtown, where you can transfer to the Green and Blue Line trains. Trains depart from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport every 15 minutes.
The RTA's Airport Station is located 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.
If you are paying cash, you must have the exact change, as operators do not give change. You can buy an All-Day Pass for unlimited rides for an entire day. You can also buy a 5-Trip farecard, which includes transfers.
The Red Line uses a Proof-of-Payment system. Keep your activated passes and farecards handy in case the Transit Police ask to see your Proof of Payment.
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Payment methods: Credit/debit cards, cash
If you're looking to take the bus to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, you're in luck! The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers a convenient and affordable service to and from the airport. Here's everything you need to know about payment methods for the RTA Red Line:
Payment Methods
When riding the RTA Red Line to or from Cleveland Airport, you have a few options for payment methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards: You can use your credit or debit card to purchase passes, farecards, or tickets from Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station or at Red Line stations.
- Cash: If you prefer to pay with cash, you can do so on the bus. Please note that you will need to have the exact change, as operators do not make change. This applies to all RTA buses and trains.
Fares and Passes
Now that you know about the payment methods, let's go over the fares and passes available:
- One-Way Fare: A one-way trip on the RTA Red Line costs $2.50.
- 5-Trip Farecard: If you plan to use multiple vehicles or trains, you can purchase a 5-Trip farecard, which includes transfers.
- All-Day Pass: For unlimited rides for an entire day, you can buy an All-Day Pass.
- Monthly Pass: If you're a frequent traveller, consider purchasing a Monthly Pass, which includes transfers.
Purchasing Options
You can purchase your passes, farecards, or tickets in the following ways:
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station or Red Line stations.
- On the bus with cash only.
- Customer Service Kiosks or Ticket Vending Machines at transit centres, rail stations, and HealthLine platforms.
- Authorised RTA Sales Agents.
- Online through the Transit app or EZfare app.
Remember to have your proof of payment ready when riding the RTA Red Line, as the Red Line uses a Proof-of-Payment system. Enjoy your journey to or from Cleveland Airport!
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Proof of payment: Keep activated passes/farecards
When riding the RTA in Cleveland, it is important to be aware of the Proof of Payment system in place. This system speeds up the boarding process and eliminates backups. To use the RTA, you will need to purchase a farecard or pass. You can do this at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) located at stations along the Red Line and the HealthLine on Euclid Avenue, as well as at the airport station. These machines accept bills, coins, and credit/debit cards.
Once you have your farecard or pass, you will need to activate it before boarding the bus or entering a "fare paid zone" on the Red Line. Some stations have stand-alone validators for this purpose. It is important to note that certain farecards and passes are already activated, such as the Monthly Pass and the U-Pass. You can also activate your farecard or pass on the bus using the farebox.
After activation, be sure to keep your activated farecard or pass with you until you exit the system. RTA Fare Enforcement Officers will patrol the route and check that you have valid proof of payment. If you do not have proof of payment, you may be assessed a Violation Fare or face criminal prosecution.
1-Trip, 2-Trip, 5-Trip Farecards: Activate with each trip
All-Day Pass: Activate for initial use
7-Day Flex Pass: Activate for initial use
Monthly Pass (Current Month): Already activated
U-Pass: Already activated
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Transfers: 5-trip farecards include transfers
If you're planning to travel to or from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport via RTA's Red Line, you can save money by purchasing a 5-trip farecard. This option is ideal if you plan to use more than one vehicle or train to complete your trip, as the 5-trip farecard includes transfers.
The 5-trip farecard is a cost-effective choice for those who need to make transfers during their journey. It offers 2.5-hour transfer privileges, ensuring you can seamlessly switch between different buses or trains to reach your final destination.
You can purchase the 5-trip farecard online, at the RTA Customer Service Center in Tower City, or from various retail agents, including Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station. The TVMs accept credit and debit cards, providing a convenient payment option.
When using the 5-trip farecard, remember to keep your activated pass or farecard easily accessible. The RTA's Red Line operates on a Proof-of-Payment system, and Transit Police may ask to see your proof of payment during your journey.
By choosing the 5-trip farecard, you benefit from both convenience and savings, making your travel experience to and from the airport more enjoyable and economical.
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Location: RTA station on the lower level of the main terminal
The RTA's Red Line is the only public transportation option for reaching downtown Cleveland from the airport, and it's the most affordable method. The RTA station at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is located on the lower level of the main terminal. To reach the RTA station, take the elevators or escalators near the centre of the ticketing and baggage claim levels. Follow the signs for trains to downtown from the baggage claim level.
The RTA Red Line operates seven days a week from approximately 4 am until approximately 12:30 am. Trains depart from Cleveland Airport every 15 minutes for the majority of the day. The trip takes less than 30 minutes, and the Red Line takes you to the Tower Square station downtown, where you can transfer to the Green and Blue Line trains. A one-way fare on the RTA costs $2.50.
You can purchase an All-Day Pass for unlimited rides, or a 5-Trip farecard if you will be transferring to another rail line or bus to complete your trip. These can be bought from Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station using a credit/debit card or exact fare. Cash purchases are only available on the bus, and operators do not provide change, so you must have the exact amount.
The Red Line uses a Proof-of-Payment system, so be sure to pay your fare before boarding and keep your activated pass or farecard with you in case Transit Police ask to see it.
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Frequently asked questions
A one-way fare on the RTA Red Line costs $2.50.
You can pay with exact change, or swipe your pass or farecard through the farebox.
Credit and debit cards can be used in ticket vending machines and kiosks at Red Line stations, but on the bus, there are only cash purchases.
You can buy a ticket from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at the Airport Station, or on all RTA vehicles at the farebox.
The bus to the airport in Cleveland takes less than 30 minutes.