Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Guide

Serving the greater southwest Ohio, southeast Indiana, and northeast Kentucky metro area, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport delivers modern conveniences and reliable connections to the greater region, the United States, and the world. In commercial business since 1947, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is today a busy, modern hub of air transportation that served 9.1 million passengers in 2019. The airport accommodates 11 different airlines and nine air cargo carriers. 

Airport Code, Location, and Contact Info

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) facilitates access to a wide range of domestic and international destinations (including more than 50 nonstop options) on regional, national, and international passenger air carriers. 

• Airport Code: CVG
• Location: The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is located 13 miles southwest of downtown Cincinnati. 
• Phone number: (859) 767-3151
• Website: https://www.cvgairport.com
• Flight Tracker: https://flightaware.com/live/airport/KCVG

Know Before You Go

As of early 2021, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is currently undergoing improvements to update and upgrade the facility as part of an ongoing master plan update, including the construction of a $1.4 billion Amazon hub; a $108 million DHL cargo hub expansion; and improvements to parking, infrastructure, and support services.

The 7,700-acre facility itself consists of four runways, a three-level main terminal, and two concourses (each boasting its own collection of shops, restaurants and travel conveniences) serviced by underground trains that run approximately every 90 seconds. Thanks to a partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center, eye-catching art exhibits and displays add a welcome dash of creativity to the airport’s common spaces. The airport prides itself on making all areas of the facility accessible and user-friendly, with additional support services available as needed.

Airport Parking

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers a wealth of well-lit parking options ranging from short-term hourly spaces, valet service, and garages to long-term lots with shuttles that operate 24 hours a day.

• Terminal Parking Garage: The main terminal structure includes an adjacent parking garage where travelers can leave their cars for short or long stays in 5,000 covered spaces for $10 per day. Premium reserved parking spots are available in two rows near ticketing on Level 3 of the terminal garage for the standard $10 per day rate plus a $4 per day premium at the time you make your reservation. 
• Parking lots: Passengers have several choices for long-term parking lots at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport including the CVG ValuPark lot for $9 a day and the CVG Economy lot for $8/day, both with courtesy shuttle service to and from the terminal.
• Valet Parking: Let someone else worry about parking by dropping your vehicle off with the on-site valet service at baggage claim level for $30 per day. 
• Electric vehicles: Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the terminal garage and in the ValuPark lot, both free to use for customers who’ve already paid to park.
• Frequent parking program: For frequent travelers who make regular use of the airport, the CVG Parking Advantage program offers the benefits of ticketless parking, the ability to earn customer rewards, dedicated parking spaces, quick ins and outs, and automatic billing. 
• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: A small complimentary cell phone lot on Logan Road allows visitors to wait for a call letting them know when it’s time to zip over and pick up their contacts at the arrival level. 

Driving Directions

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport sits 13 miles to the southeast of downtown Cincinnati across the state line in Hebron, Kentucky.

• From Downtown Cincinnati and points north: Head south on either I-71 or I-75, crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky, then take the I-275 loop west to Exit 4B. From there, follow signage to the airport. 
• From Indiana: Take I-74 toward Cincinnati, then take the I-275 loop south to Exit 4B. Follow signage to the airport.  
• From Kentucky: Take either I-71 or I-75 north from Kentucky, then get on the I-275 loop heading west to Exit 4B. Follow signage to the airport.  

Public Transportation and Taxis

There are plenty of ways to get from the airport to and from downtown Cincinnati and other areas in the greater metro region. 

• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are standing by to pick up passengers from Door 5 just outside the baggage claim with service available 24 hours a day; be aware, you may need to reserve handicapped-accessible vehicles in advance. Two rideshare operations, Lyft and Uber, are currently authorized to service the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. 
• Public Transportation: Departing from the east side of the baggage claim area, Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) buses runs between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to points in downtown Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky. Service operates daily between 5 a.m. and midnight with one-way rides costing $1.50. Once in town, additional routes are available to transport visitors pretty much anywhere they want to go in the greater metro area. The Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar presents another option to navigate between the downtown Cincinnati riverfront and the historic Over-the-Rhine District.

Where to Eat and Drink

With a decent choice of food and drink vendors to consider, visitors won’t go hungry or thirsty at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Gold Star Chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream and the Christian Moerlein Taproom all serve up some of the most authentic hometown flavors of Cincinnati. In need of a sit-down meal? Grab a table at Max & Erma’s or Outback Steakhouse. For quick grab-and-go food, you can always hit Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, or McDonald’s. If a drink is in order, Hop & Cask, Escape Lounges, and Vino Volo are ready to pour a glass of whatever you might be craving before or after a flight.

Shopping

The collection of CVG sky shops carries all the essentials travelers might need, and then some — supplies for the flight, books, magazines, snacks, gifts, sundries and Cincinnati souvenirs. Being so close to Kentucky bourbon country, passengers can browse the wares at Cork ‘n Bottle, or stock up on sweets for the trip ahead (or reward yourself at the end of one) at Natalie’s Candy Jar. 

Airport Lounges

It’s easy to relax at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Under normal circumstances, the airport maintains a Delta Sky Club, two USO lounges, as well as a food court lounge, children’s play areas in Concourse A and in Concourse B near the food court, several lactation suites for nursing mothers and an interfaith meditation room.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free high-speed wireless internet connectivity is available in the ticketing and baggage claim areas, as well as at all gates. 

Tips & Facts

• The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was founded in 1947.
• The on-site 5/3 Bank branch provides full banking services including currency exchange for dozens of different countries.
• All told, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport helps to, directly and indirectly, support more than 47,000 jobs. 
• CVG was the first U.S. airport to receive Safety Act certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.