Cincinnati Airport: Efficient Travel With Multiple Gates

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has 51 gates across two concourses, A and B. Concourse A has 23 gates, while Concourse B has 28. The airport is located in Boone County, Kentucky, and is around 12 miles from downtown Cincinnati. It is accessible by car, bus, rideshare, shuttle, or taxi.

Cincinnati Airport's terminal and concourses

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has one terminal and two concourses, A and B, with a total of 51 gates. The airport covers an area of 7,000 acres and is located in Boone County, Kentucky, around 12 miles from downtown Cincinnati.

Terminal

The terminal is located north of the concourses and has three levels. Level 1 is the baggage claim area, where passengers can find an information booth and a lost and found office. The east and west ground transportation areas can be accessed from either end of baggage claim. Level 2 is the ticketing level, where passengers can find airline ticketing, shops, and an ATM. Passenger pick-up and drop-off are available on this level, and the terminal parking garage can be reached via a pedestrian walkway. Level 3 is the main security checkpoint.

Concourses

Concourse A and Concourse B are located south of the terminal and can be accessed via an underground walkway or tram.

Concourse A has 23 gates, numbered A1 to A23. The Club CVG lounge is located near gate A10, and there is a food court at the entrance. Several other bars and restaurants are also located near the gates.

Concourse B has 28 gates, numbered B1 to B28, with gates B1 to B12 on the west side and B13 to B28 on the east side. This concourse receives all international flights, and passengers are required to clear security on arrival before proceeding to baggage claim or their onward flight connection. Concourse B offers a selection of shops and restaurants, along with a Delta Sky Club and an Escape Lounge near gate B21.

Transport options to and from the airport

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers several transport options to and from the airport. Here is a detailed overview:

By Bus

The 2X Airporter bus, operated by TANK, provides a direct and budget-friendly connection between the airport and downtown Cincinnati. The bus departs every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 24 to 25 minutes. The bus stop can be found by following the signs to Zone 5 on Ground Transport East. A single ticket costs $1.50, and tickets can be purchased online through the Transit App or with cash on the bus.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi is a convenient and comfortable option, especially for travellers with luggage. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the main terminal in Zone 2 of Ground Transport East. The average cost of a standard taxi for up to 4 passengers is $34, and the journey to downtown Cincinnati takes around 20 minutes in light traffic.

By Car or Town Car

Travellers can also opt to drive their own cars or hire a town car to get to and from the airport. The distance between the airport and downtown Cincinnati is approximately 13 miles, and the drive typically takes around 17 minutes.

Other Options

The airport also offers various parking options, such as CVG ValuPark and Economy Lot Parking Shuttles, as well as off-airport parking shuttles. Additionally, travellers can utilise ridesharing services or take a shuttle to nearby hotels.

Ticketing, security, and customs

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has a single terminal with two concourses, A and B, which are accessible via an underground walkway or tram. The airport is located 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Cincinnati, in Boone County, Kentucky.

Ticketing

Ticketing is located on level 2 of the main terminal, along with a few shops and an ATM. Passengers can be picked up and dropped off on this level, and there is a pedestrian walkway to the terminal parking garage.

Security

CVG has one security checkpoint in the main terminal, which is open from 3:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available for expedited security clearance. Waiting times for the security checkpoint can be found on the airport's website.

Customs

International arrivals are processed through Concourse B. These passengers are required to clear security upon arrival before proceeding to baggage claim or an onward flight connection.

Dining and drinking options

There are over 15 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, so passengers have plenty of options to eat and drink before their flight.

Concourse A has 23 gates, numbered A1 to A23, and handles flights from Air Canada, Allegiant, Apple Vacation, Frontier, Southwest, United, and Vacation Express. This concourse features a food court at the entrance, with several other bars and restaurants located near the gates. The USO Lounge and The Club at CVG are also located in this concourse, near Gate A15 and Gates A8 to A10, respectively. The Club CVG lounge offers newspapers, magazines, internet terminals, and snacks. Braxton Brewing Company, located at Gate A14, offers high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, which can be mixed with alcohol if desired. Bags of coffee grounds are also available for purchase. Other dining options in Concourse A include Subway, Blaze Pizza, and Frisch's Big Boy.

Concourse B has 28 gates, numbered B1 to B28, and handles American and Delta flights. International arrivals are processed through this concourse. The food court in Concourse B features Skyline Chili, the first location in the chain to offer breakfast. The famous Cincinnati chili chain also offers the Breakfast Way, Breakfast Coney, and Breakfast Burrito. SAMBAZON® Açaí Bowls, located at Gate B19, provides an expansive menu for health-conscious travellers, including organic, Fair-Trade certified coffee. Other dining options in Concourse B include Bruegger's Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Earl of Sandwich, and Wendy's. The Delta Sky Club is located in the central concourse area, and an Escape Lounge can be found near Gate B21.

Lounges and clubs

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) offers lounges for passengers to relax or work in before their flight. The Escape Lounge, located in Concourse B between Gates B21 and B23, is open to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class. The lounge offers complimentary freshly-prepared food and drinks, including barista-style coffee, local and national alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks. There is also ultra-fast private Wi-Fi, charging ports, and print, scan, and copy services. The dress code is smart casual, and children aged 24 months and under can enter for free. The lounge is open from 5 am until 9 pm Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and from 5 am until 8 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Prices start at $45 per person, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before entry.

The Escape Lounge is also free for American Express Platinum Card Members and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members, provided they are travelling on a Delta-marketed flight that day. Priority Pass card holders can also gain complimentary access.

In addition to the Escape Lounge, CVG also has a range of dining options and coffee shops. For example, in Concourse A, there is Graeter's Ice Cream, which serves coffee and hot chocolate, and Braxton Brewing Company, which offers coffee sourced from local coffee shop Deeper Roots Coffee. In Concourse B, there is the famous Cincinnati chili chain Skyline Chili, which serves breakfast and diner-style drip coffee, and SAMBAZON® Açaí Bowls, which offers organic, Fair-Trade certified coffee.

Frequently asked questions