Getting Around Cleveland Without a Car: Red Line, HealthLine, and Hospital Shuttles

A lot of our guests fly into Cleveland, Ohio, and never rent a car. Some are here for treatment and don't want to drive after procedures. Some are students' parents, visiting researchers, or nurses who'd rather skip a month of parking fees. Others just don't like driving in snow.

It can work well, but only if you pick the right neighborhood. Cleveland's transit is strongest along a few corridors, especially between downtown, University Circle, and the airport. Outside those lines, you'll lean more on rideshare.

This guide covers the main options (the Red Line, the HealthLine, hospital and campus shuttles, and rideshare) and which of our neighborhoods are easiest without a car. Routes, schedules, and fares change, so always check riderta.com before you travel.

Want to stay car-free? Our Little Italy homes are a short walk from Case Western, University Hospitals, and the Red Line.

The Red Line: airport, downtown, Ohio City, and University Circle

The Red Line is Greater Cleveland RTA's rail line. It runs from Cleveland Hopkins Airport across the west side, through Tower City–Public Square downtown, and east to University Circle, ending at Louis Stokes Station at Windermere in East Cleveland.

For our guests, the useful stops are:

• Cleveland Hopkins Airport — the western end of the line, inside the airport.
• West 25th–Ohio City — by the West Side Market.
• Tower City–Public Square — downtown, with connections to the Blue, Green, and Waterfront lines and many buses, including the HealthLine.
• Cedar–University and Little Italy–University Circle — the two University Circle stops. The Little Italy–University Circle station is on Mayfield Road at East 119th Street, at the western edge of Little Italy.

That means from the airport you can ride straight to Ohio City or to Little Italy without a transfer. With luggage, keep in mind you'll still walk from the station to your door, so a backpack or a small rolling bag is easier than a big suitcase in winter slush.

Check the Red Line schedule for current times.

The HealthLine: Euclid Avenue, downtown to Cleveland Clinic and University Circle

The HealthLine is RTA's bus rapid transit line along Euclid Avenue. RTA describes it as running from Public Square downtown to the Louis Stokes Station at Windermere, passing Cleveland State University, Cleveland Clinic main campus, and University Circle along the way. Per RTA, it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with dedicated lanes for much of the route, raised station platforms, and fare payment before you board.

Cleveland Clinic's transportation page says the HealthLine connects main campus and downtown around the clock, and lists two RTA stops near main campus: Euclid Avenue at Clinic Drive and Carnegie Avenue at East 100th.

For guests, the HealthLine is the main transit link between University Circle and Cleveland Clinic main campus. If you're staying in Little Italy and have appointments at the Clinic, it's one of your best options besides a rideshare. See the HealthLine page for current schedules.

Hospital and campus shuttles

Shuttles fill a lot of gaps, but each has its own rules. Here's what the official pages say.

Cleveland Clinic shuttles

According to Cleveland Clinic's transportation page:

• The main-campus shuttle is free and runs between Clinic patient facilities and the three on-campus hotels (InterContinental Hotel, InterContinental Suites, and Holiday Inn), plus Ronald McDonald House and certain partner sites.
• Off-campus shuttles run on weekdays to several sites, including Hope Lodge, Transplant House, and the University Circle museums. Some require a reservation.

The Clinic shuttle does not list private rentals as pickup points. If you're staying in one of our homes, plan to drive, take the HealthLine, or use a rideshare to reach main campus. Check the transportation page for current hours and how to request a ride.

University Circle's CircleLink shuttle

University Circle runs a free shuttle called CircleLink within the district. Per University Circle's site, its routes connect places like Wade Oval, Little Italy, University Hospitals, Case Western, and the University Circle Red Line stations. It's handy for short hops on cold days. Check the site for current routes and hours; it doesn't run on major holidays.

Case Western campus shuttles

Case Western runs its own shuttles for students, faculty, and staff. If you're affiliated with the university, see Case's shuttle page for routes and eligibility.

Rideshare and taxis

Rideshare is the glue for car-free stays in Cleveland, especially:

• Little Italy to Cleveland Clinic main campus, about 2 miles west along Euclid Avenue (approximate). It's not a practical walk for most people, especially before or after a procedure, so a rideshare or the HealthLine is the usual choice.
• Larchmere or Ohio City to Cleveland Clinic, where transit means a transfer.
• Late nights and bad weather, when waiting at a stop isn't appealing.

For Cleveland Clinic patients, the Clinic's patient support services can arrange a taxi or rideshare. See the transportation page for details.

Which neighborhoods work without a car

Why Little Italy is the easiest car-free base

If your days are at University Hospitals or Case Western, Little Italy is hard to beat without a car:

• University Hospitals and Case Western are a short walk away.
• The Red Line station is close, with direct trains to downtown and the airport.
• Bakeries, cafés, and restaurants along Mayfield Road are right outside.
• The University Circle museums are within walking distance.

The 1-bedroom in Little Italy, walk to Case & UH is a first-floor apartment with a private entrance, a queen bed, a full kitchen, and an in-unit washer and dryer. It's a good fit for a solo traveler or a couple who'd rather walk than drive.

If you do bring a car to Little Italy: Driveway parking is first come, first served. Message us to inquire about it; it is not guaranteed. Street parking is also nearby.

Car-free tips for a longer stay

• Save the RTA trip planner and schedules on your phone before you arrive. Check riderta.com for fares and fare options.
• Plan for the walk to and from the station, not just the ride. In winter, that's the cold part.
• Pick a home with laundry and a kitchen so you're not carrying groceries and laundry bags across town. Every one of our homes has an in-unit washer and dryer and a full kitchen.
• Group grocery runs. A single rideshare for a big shop is often easier than several trips on foot. If you're in Ohio City, the West Side Market is close by.
• Budget extra time on snowy days. Lake-effect snow can slow everything down. See our winter visitor guide for more.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get from the airport to Little Italy without a car?

Yes. The Red Line runs from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to the Little Italy–University Circle station without a transfer. Check riderta.com for current schedules.

Can I walk from Little Italy to Cleveland Clinic?

It's roughly 2 miles, about a 40–50 minute walk (approximate). Most guests take the HealthLine or a rideshare, especially in winter or around appointments.

Does the Cleveland Clinic shuttle pick up from your homes?

No. According to Cleveland Clinic's transportation page, the shuttle serves Clinic facilities, the three on-campus hotels, Ronald McDonald House, and certain partner sites. It doesn't list private rentals.

Is the HealthLine running at night?

RTA and Cleveland Clinic both describe the HealthLine as running 24 hours a day. Service is less frequent late at night, so check the schedule.

Which of your homes is best without a car?

For University Hospitals or Case Western, any of our Little Italy homes. For Cleveland Clinic main campus without a car, the 4-bedroom near the Clinic is described in its listing as steps from main campus, though it's on the second and third floors.

Ready to plan a car-free stay? Compare Little Italy homes and University Circle stays, or browse all our furnished homes.