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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. See real-time rates from Hertz, Enterprise, National and other major brands at the airport's 24/7 rental car center, then book the vehicle that fits your trip, whether you need a compact car for downtown parking or an AWD SUV for winter drives across Ohio.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport features a consolidated rental car facility located off-site, connected to the main terminal by a 24/7 shuttle service. The trip from the terminal to the rental facility takes approximately 5-7 minutes.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| CLE Airport Rental Facility | • All major rental companies in one location • Extended hours (many counters open past midnight) • Immediate access upon landing • 24/7 shuttle service from terminal |
• Higher rates due to $6 per day airport facility fee • Additional airport surcharges • Off-site shuttle can be inconvenient for travelers carrying heavy luggage |
| Downtown Cleveland Rentals | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying downtown first |
• Limited vehicle selection • Standard business hours only (usually 8AM-6PM) • Need to arrange transportation from airport |
On average, car rentals at Cleveland Airport cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Weigh airport vs downtown pickup: RTA Red Line costs $2.50 into the city and downtown rentals skip the $6/day airport facility charge plus ~18 % in extra taxes. If you don't need wheels right away, that quick train ride can save serious cash.
Lock in summer or event-week rentals early: July, NFL draft weekends, concerts at the lakefront—all push prices up fast. Compare rates a few months out, then set a free price-drop alert so you can re-book if they dip.
Play with pickup times and vehicle classes: Shifting your pickup by a few hours or choosing a compact instead of an SUV can shave 10-20 %. Our search lets you toggle those filters in seconds.
Join the free loyalty programs: Even basic tier membership lets you skip the counter at CLE's rental center, dodge long lines and sometimes unlock member-only discounts.
Finding a spot in Cleveland requires awareness of local rules and options.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Meters | Moderate | Enforced 7AM-6PM Monday–Friday (some areas until 10PM). Often free evenings and weekends. |
| Downtown Garages | Plentiful | Rates vary and tend to be higher during major events at stadiums or theaters. |
| Attraction Parking | Available | Rock Hall of Fame and lakefront attractions have dedicated lots. |
Local Driving Rules:
A rental car lets you reach top sights around Cleveland and beyond on your own schedule.
Downtown Cleveland – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center
Akron – Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Brandywine Falls, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Lake Erie beaches – Edgewater Park, Huntington Beach
What documents do I need to rent a car at Cleveland Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and your reservation confirmation. If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't in English.
Can I pick up at the airport and drop off at another location?
Yes, most companies let you do one-way rentals in Ohio for a small fee or no extra charge. If you want to drop the car off in another state, the company might charge you more depending on how far it is.
Is there a grace period for returns?
Most companies give you a 29-minute grace period after your return time. If you're later than that, they might charge you for an extra hour or a full day.
Are there age restrictions for renting at Cleveland Airport?
Most companies require you to be at least 21. If you're between 21 and 24, they will add a "young driver surcharge" of around $25 to $30 per day.
How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car?
You should plan for about 15 minutes for the shuttle ride plus any time you might wait at the counter. The lines are usually shorter in the early morning (6-7 AM) or late evening. They are longest in the middle of the day (11 AM-2 PM) when a lot of flights are landing.
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