You just landed. The Lake Erie wind is probably whipping across the tarmac, and honestly, all you want to do is get your bags and get moving. If you booked through Cleveland Hopkins Airport Enterprise, you’re likely expecting to walk out the front doors and hop into a car.
Stop right there.
That’s the first mistake almost everyone makes at CLE. Unlike some smaller regional hubs where the rental counters are literally twenty feet from the baggage carousel, Cleveland operates on a consolidated system. It’s a bit of a trek. If you aren't prepared for the shuttle dance, you’re going to find yourself standing on the curb feeling very confused while looking at a lot of concrete.
The Reality of the Rental Car Center (RCC)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) uses a dedicated Consolidated Rental Car Center. It isn't attached to the terminal. You can't walk there. Well, you could, but you’d be dodging traffic on Riverside Drive and hauling luggage across highway on-ramps. Don't do that.
Enterprise, along with the other major players, is housed at 19000 Riverside Drive. To get there, you have to head to the lower level of the terminal. Look for the orange signs. They basically point you toward the North end of the baggage claim area.
The shuttle is free. It runs 24/7. But here’s the kicker: during peak hours—think Monday mornings when the business travelers descend or Friday afternoons when everyone is heading home for the weekend—those shuttles can get packed. You might have to wait for a second one. It’s about a five-to-seven-minute drive once you’re actually on the bus. Build that time into your schedule. If you have a meeting in Downtown Cleveland at 10:00 AM, and you land at 9:15 AM, you’re already late.
Why Enterprise at CLE is a Different Beast
Enterprise has a reputation for being the "neighborhood" car rental guy. You know the commercials. They'll pick you up. But at an airport location like Cleveland Hopkins, the vibe changes. It's high-volume. It’s fast-paced.
One thing people get wrong is assuming the "Pick Enterprise, We’ll Pick You Up" rule applies here. It doesn't. At the airport, the shuttle is your only "pickup." Don't call the branch asking for a ride to the terminal; they'll just tell you to wait for the bus.
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However, Enterprise at CLE is actually one of the better-rated counters in the facility. Why? Because they share a parent company (Enterprise Holdings) with National and Alamo. This means they have a massive fleet at their disposal. If they run out of mid-size sedans, they can often pull from the "Emerald Aisle" inventory next door to keep things moving.
The After-Hours Nightmare
Cleveland isn't a "city that never sleeps" in the same way Vegas is. Flight delays are a reality, especially with Cleveland’s notorious lake-effect snow or summer thunderstorms.
If your flight is delayed and you’re landing at 1:00 AM, you need to know the counter situation. While the RCC is technically open, the staffing levels drop off a cliff after midnight. If you didn't provide your flight number in your reservation, Enterprise might mark you as a "no-show" if you're hours late.
Always put your flight number in the booking.
The system tracks it. If the agent sees your United flight from Denver is circling over Mansfield, they’ll usually hold the car. Without that number, you're just a name on a screen that didn't show up at 10:00 PM.
Skipping the Line: The "Insider" Way
Nobody wants to stand in a line behind a family of five arguing about car seats.
If you want to save your sanity at Cleveland Hopkins Airport Enterprise, join the Enterprise Plus program. It’s free. It’s not some "invite-only" secret club for CEOs. It’s literally just a profile on their website.
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By having your license and credit card info already on file, you often get access to a shorter line or, in some cases, expedited check-in. While CLE doesn't always have the "straight to the car" service that National offers next door, being a member significantly reduces the amount of paperwork you have to sign while leaning on a cold granite counter.
The Returns Process: Don't Trust Your GPS Blindly
Returning a car to CLE is where things get spicy.
If you just type "Cleveland Hopkins Airport" into Google Maps, it’s going to take you to the departures terminal. You’ll be looking at the TSA lines and realized you missed the turn for the Rental Car Center three miles back.
Follow the signs for Rental Car Return as soon as you get onto the airport grounds from I-480 or I-71. The entrance to the Enterprise return lane is clearly marked once you enter the RCC complex.
Make sure you fill up the tank before you get within two miles of the airport. The gas stations right next to the RCC—specifically the ones on Brookpark Road—usually have a "convenience tax." You'll pay 30 to 50 cents more per gallon just because they know you’re in a rush to catch a flight. Hit a Sheetz or a BP a few exits away to save ten bucks.
Dealing with Cleveland Weather
Let’s talk about the cars themselves.
If you’re visiting between November and March, do not rent a Chevy Spark. Just don't. Cleveland gets real snow. Not the "dusting" they get in DC that shuts down the government, but heavy, wet, slushy stuff.
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Enterprise at CLE usually has a decent stock of SUVs and AWD vehicles. If the forecast looks gray, ask for an upgrade to something with four-wheel drive. It’s worth the extra $20 a day to not end up in a ditch on the way to a Browns game.
Also, check your tires before you leave the lot. I’ve seen cars in the "ready" line with treads as bald as a bowling ball. In the summer, it's fine. In a January blizzard? It’s a death wish. Point it out to the attendant. They have hundreds of cars; they’ll swap you out.
Nuance and Reality Check
Is Enterprise the cheapest? Usually not. You can probably find a "Deep Discount" brand at the same RCC that’ll save you $15.
But here’s the reality: those budget brands often have three people working the counter for a line of fifty people. Enterprise CLE is usually better staffed. You’re paying for your time.
Also, keep an eye on the "Airport Concession Fee." It’s a tax that makes everyone’s blood boil. It’s roughly 10-15% of your total. This isn't Enterprise pocketing extra cash; it’s the price of doing business at a city-owned facility. Every rental company at CLE charges it. If your "cheap" rental quote looks too good to be true, check if the taxes were included.
Specific Tips for Success
- Photos are mandatory. Take a 360-degree video of the car before you pull out of the garage. The RCC is a bit dim. Scratches can be hard to see. If you find a dent, tell the gate attendant before you exit.
- The Toll Situation. Ohio uses the E-ZPass system on the Turnpike. Enterprise cars have transponders, but the "convenience fee" for using them is a ripoff. If you’re just staying in the Cleveland area, you won't need it. If you’re driving to Toledo or Youngstown, bring your own transponder or pay cash at the tolls to avoid the daily $3.95-$5.00 fee Enterprise tacks on.
- The "Secret" Upgrade. Be nice. Honestly. The agents at the Cleveland counter deal with a lot of stressed-out travelers. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. I’ve seen people get bumped from an economy compact to a Cadillac just because they were the only person in line who didn't bark orders at the staff.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
Before you land at CLE, take five minutes to do these three things:
- Check your reservation email and ensure your flight number is listed. If it isn't, go to the Enterprise website and update your profile or reservation manually.
- Download the Enterprise App. It allows you to see exactly where the car is and can sometimes speed up the "checkout" process via your phone.
- Map the route to 19000 Riverside Drive. Having the Rental Car Center address in your phone is better than relying on generic "airport" directions when you’re trying to return the vehicle in a hurry.
Cleveland is a great city with a lot of character, from the Rock Hall to the food scene in Tremont. Don't let a misunderstanding about a shuttle bus or a gas station location ruin the start of your trip. Get to the orange signs, get on the bus, and get on the road.