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Cleveland Airport Unveils Modernization, Including RTA Station Upgrades

Learn about a new RTA station planned for Cleveland (CLE) Hopkins Airport which features arrival times every 15 minutes. CLE Airport may feature intercity trains in the future as well with the 3C+D train route to Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

Learn about a new RTA station planned for Cleveland (CLE) Hopkins Airport which features arrival times every 15 minutes. CLE Airport may feature intercity trains in the future as well with the 3C+D train route to Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

May 6, 2025

Ryan Pecaut

CLEvolution: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has announced the next phase of its Terminal Modernization Development Program, a bold, multi-year initiative designed to modernize facilities, enhance passenger experience, and improve transportation access. Included in phase one of this transformation is a new RTA station, ensuring seamless transit connections as Cleveland reimagines its airport for the future.


Interior of CLE with bright white ceilings and large windows an illumninated sign directs passengers to all gates

RTA: A Vital Part of Cleveland’s Airport

Public transit has long played a key role in Cleveland Hopkins, with the RTA Red Line serving the airport every 15 minutes, with almost 100 departures a day. As travel demand grows, ensuring efficient, modern transit at CLE has never been more important.


A New Station for a Better Travel Experience

A new Ground Transportation Center and RTA station redevelopment will be part of CLE’s redesign, set to debut by early 2029. This station will feature updated platforms and a modernized pedestrian tunnel for improving passenger experience for riders traveling between the airport and the city.


Exterior of Cleveland’s proposed airport redesign . Rendering at night features a swooping roof

RTA’s Fleet Gets a Modern Upgrade

Beyond station improvements, RTA is also modernizing its fleet, introducing new Siemens trains to enhance reliability and comfort for travelers. This investment ensures that Cleveland’s transit system remains competitive and future-ready as demand for rail services continues to grow.


A rendering of Cleveland RTA's new train, a modern Siemens train with a blue and gray paint scheme. It features two types of doors which can allow use at both high and low platforms.
A new RTA train (Siemens)

The 3C+D Corridor: Expanding Connectivity

In addition to CLE’s upgrades, in the future the proposed 3C+D rail project plans to extend passenger rail service to the airport, connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton. This intercity transit plan would reinforce CLE’s position as Ohio’s transportation hub and opens doors for increased economic activity.


Cleveland’s Intermodal Transportation Revolution

Between the airport’s remodel, the new RTA station, upgraded trains, and a possible future intercity rail connection, Cleveland is ushering in a new era of transportation—one focused on connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. As these projects unfold, travelers can expect a seamless, modern experience for the future.


Stay tuned for more updates as this transformation continues. For details, visit itsaclevolution.com


A timeline showing the RTA project starting in 2026 and finishing in 2029. Terminal headhouse redesign is set to finish in 2032

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Ryan Pecaut

Ryan Pecaut is the Communications Strategy Lead at All Aboard Ohio

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All Aboard Ohio is a 501c-3 nonprofit with over 50 years of advocacy work, advocating for improved public transportation and passenger rail service in the Midwest

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All Aboard Ohio is a 501c-3 nonprofit with over 50 years of advocacy work, advocating for improved public transportation and passenger rail service in the Midwest

Cleveland Tower Photo by cmh2315fl on Flickr (CC)

©2025 by All Aboard Ohio

Get in Touch

Contact us form

info@allaboardohio.org

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#112 Columbus, OH 43221

Federal Tax ID: 31-1066182

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