How to get around Cleveland
Local transportation is a much smaller factor in Cleveland than, say, New York or Washington DC. With the exception of getting from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to downtown, the need for actual “transit” once you’re in the downtown area is minimal. The longest distance between any two relevant tourist points in the downtown area might be 1.5 miles … and far less for most of the places you’re likely to be going to and from.
Which means that the best way to get around Cleveland is by walking. But we also understand that walking isn’t the best option for everyone. Luckily, there’s a few convenient and safe alternatives for traversing Cleveland.
In this chapter, we’ll cover:
- Getting from the airport to downtown/Progressive Field using Rapid Transit
- Taking the bus around downtown and to Progressive Field
- Taking a taxi/rideshare to Progressive Field
Getting from the airport to downtown/Progressive Field using rapid transit
Let’s start off by giving you an idea of what to expect on the Cleveland RTA rail system, dubbed the “Rapid Transit:”
For those who are familiar with larger subway or train systems like Chicago or NYC, you may be asking yourself, “that’s it?” Yep – Cleveland has a very simple RTA system that’s even simpler in practice, especially for those flying into town.
To use the RTA, simply get on at the station located inside Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and take the 25-minute ride straight to Tower City Center. Routes are clearly marked inside the RTA itself, and it’s a very straightforward system map. You’ll see downtown Cleveland approaching through the window as you’re on the train, since most of the line is above ground.
For those not flying into Cleveland, you probably won’t have any need to take the RTA. There’s only one stop in the downtown area (Tower City), so if you’re at a hotel downtown, you’re already as close to the ballpark and the rest of downtown Cleveland’s attractions as the RTA could get you. Downtown Cleveland, when it comes to rapid transit, is a one-stop pony: when you’re there, you’re there.
Cleveland Rapid Transit fares
Fares for the RTA are very affordable, even though the RTA is a little odd with its pricing (re: some of their fares don’t make sense). But in general, kids under 6 are free, kids between 6-18 are $1.75, and rides for adults are $2.50 each. You can buy a multi-day pass, but it won’t create any cost savings if you’re just going to/from the airport. And since you might be tight on time for the trip back to the airport, and might end up taking a rideshare, there’s no reason to buy a multi-day pass that might go to waste if it doesn’t actually save any money.
| Pass Type | Adult | Senior/Disabled | Kids under 6 | Kids 6-18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $2.50 | $1.25 | Free | $1.75 |
| Day pass | $5.00 | $2.50 | Free | $4.25 |
| 2-day pass | $10.00 | n/a | Free | n/a |
| 5-trip pass | $12.50 | $6.25 | Free | $8.25 |
Is the Cleveland RTA system safe?
Yes, the Cleveland RTA is safe. Muggings and other crimes on the RTA in Cleveland are extremely rare, and crime statistics on the rail back this claim up. This is a very safe mode of transportation.
If there’s anything of concern about taking the train from the airport to downtown it’s that, unless you’re traveling during rush hour, the train is likely to be fairly empty, which can feel odd. And sure … an empty train car is far more of an opportunity for something random to happen than on a full train. So our advice? If you’re traveling when it’s slow, just board the first car on the train where the conductor is. It’s really that simple (and is a trick that many people use in much larger cities with much larger transit systems). And, of course, if you’re traveling with other people, you’re that much safer.
Taking the bus around downtown and to Progressive Field
All of the fare information above also applies to buses, and city buses do offer more stops and routes around the city than the train does. But we consider the Cleveland bus system to be less safe than the train. Now … are the chances high that you could take the bus and be completely fine? Yes … they most certainly are. But we’re all about honesty here at The Stadium Insiders, and crime numbers on buses have increased recently. That included a mid-2022 shooting from a bystander into the bus itself. With a bunch more lines and stops, it’s also easier to get lost taking the bus and end up in less desirable areas.
We view the bus as the least convenient and comfortable option when visiting Cleveland. If you need to get around the downtown area and don’t want to walk, we strongly suggest using quick-hop rideshares instead of the bus. Or you can also take scooters and bikeshares which are run by Lime and Bird.
Driving to and parking at Progressive Field
We mentioned in the Travel chapter the strategy of not crossing Cleveland when driving to a game. The most popular lots around Progressive Field all contend with that I-90/Ontario logjam that turns the area into a traffic-induced parking lot of its own.
If you happen to purchase parking directly from the team, it will be in the Gateway East garage just to the north of the stadium (premium parking in Lot P is also in that same garage, but has a separate entrance off of Bolivar Road).
But given the traffic we just mentioned, we don’t prefer this option. We would instead suggest finding your own parking in a nearby garage a little farther away from the ballpark.
Progressive Field recommends ParkMobile for buying parking, but we’ve found that ParkWhiz and Spothero often have better availability and prices, so we suggest doing some quick comparison shopping. Rates are so variable that there’s no way to definitively tell which app will be the better deal on any given day.
If you’re coming in from the west, parking at Tower City Center is a savvy move as there’s multiple alternative routes to getting there than down Ontario, but it can be pricey.
In general we would say anything in the vicinity of Cleveland Public Square along Superior Avenue is fine, and for day games you can even stretch above Superior to the cheaper garages near the Westin. This also applies for those coming in from the southwest on I-71. Anywhere in that direction is a good bet and parking apps are the best way to find a spot.
Oftentimes, advance fares for parking will be less expensive than winging it downtown on gameday.
If you’re coming from the east, there are a lot more options. Anywhere between the Wolstein Center and Progressive Field is a good option as those are safe, highly-trafficked areas just a few blocks from the ballpark. This also applies for those coming in from the southeast on I-77.
We consider parking garages between Progressive Field and East 18th Street to the east to be safe and reasonable to walk to. And anywhere north and west of the ballpark within reasonable walking distance is also safe and well-lit.
Options due west, south, and southwest are limited given its proximity to the Cuyahoga River and interstate highways. But for good measure, stay north of the highway and east of the river.
A couple of parking places that we would not suggest are:
The JACK Casino garage
They often charge exorbitant rates during events downtown.
Gateway East Garage
Though conveniently located and sometimes reasonably priced, the half-mile stretch on Ontario from I-90 can be a nightmare traffic-wise.
Taking a taxi/rideshare to Progressive Field
Progressive Field has a designated rideshare pickup and dropoff zone, located on the adjacent northeast corner of the stadium, at the corner of East 9th Street and Erie Court (see below). Exit through the right field gate and Heritage Plaza and cross at the intersection.
However, do note that Uber has a deal with the Guardians, making that an Uber-exclusive zone. For Lyft and other rideshare apps, it’s best to walk a couple of blocks to pick up your ride. Rideshares will not stop next to the ballpark on Ontario! A convenient spot would be the Hotel Indigo on Huron Road, or even in front of Barrio Tacos on Prospect Avenue. But really, you could pick pretty much any hotel as a convenient spot to get picked up.
Bottom Line
Progressive Field is a very easy park to get to. Whether you’re driving or using whatever means of public/shared transportation, it shouldn’t be too difficult to navigate. Just follow our advice and you should be in great shape!
