A guide to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Quick insights
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) features a single terminal with two concourses: A and B.
- Some ground transportation options at CVG include taxi and rideshare services, TANK Bus Route 2X, hotel shuttles and rental cars.
- TSA wait times are generally between 10 and 20 minutes but may be longer during peak travel periods such as early mornings and holidays.
CVG serves the Greater Cincinnati region, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, offering nonstop flights to many domestic destinations and select international routes to Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.
As the home to several major corporate headquarters and a tech and innovation hub, Cincinnati tends to attract business travelers. The area’s iconic ballparks, renowned museums, local staples like Cincinnati-style chili and Goetta, historic neighborhoods and scenic riverfront parks are also a draw.
No matter your reason for visiting, we’ve gathered some information about transportation, parking, security and more to help you plan your trip.
Navigating to and from CVG
CVG is located at 3087 Terminal Drive, Hebron, Kentucky 41048, which is roughly 13 miles south of downtown Cincinnati. The drive taking I-275 East to I-71/I-75 North via the Brent Spence Bridge is roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Some ground transportation options at CVG include:
- Taxi and rideshare services: After navigating to Ground Transport EastOpens overlay (Arrivals/Baggage Claim level), travelers may hail a taxi in Zone 2 or get picked up by a rideshare service in Zone 1. Rideshare apps may provide more specific pickup details.
- TANK Bus Route 2X (Airporter): Picks up at Ground Transport East near Zone 5 and services downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Northern Kentucky. Updated scheduling details may be found on the TANK website.
- Hotel shuttles: Several area hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles. Shuttles pick up from Zone 3 in Ground Transport WestOpens overlay.
- Shared shuttle service: This service is located at the desk in Baggage Claim near baggage carousels 3 and 4. Reservations are typically not required for this service.
- Rental cars: Signs direct customers to Ground Transport West and the Rental Car Center inside the Terminal. The CVG site may include an up-to-date list of rental car optionsOpens overlay.
The CVG site provides additional information about ground transportationOpens overlay, such as an approved list of hotel shuttle and private vehicle operators.
Parking at CVG Airport
CVG parking options may include:
- Terminal Garage: Covered parking close to the terminal, with reserved spaces on level C, rows 28-30 (must have a pre-paid reservation). Complimentary EV charging at level D, row 30.
- ValuPark: Lot at the corner of Loomis Road and Donaldson Highway, usually serviced by a shuttle every 15 minutes. Complimentary EV charging at row 1.
- Economy Lot: Lot off of Donaldson Highway also typically serviced by a shuttle every 15 minutes.
- Cell Phone Lot: Waiting area for drivers picking up arriving travelers.
- Valet Parking: Available at the baggage claim level by following signs for Arrivals, then Valet. Optional services may include vehicle detailing, oil changes and fuel fill-ups.
The CVG parking pageOpens overlay provides more information, such as lot maps and reservations.
Security at CVG
CVG has a single security checkpoint for both concourses. A pedestrian bridge connects the airline counters and the checkpoint. Typically, after clearing security, passengers may walk between the concourses without the need for rescreening.
Average security wait times are typically between 10 and 20 minutes. During early mornings, late afternoons and holidays, wait times may be longer. TSA wait timesOpens overlay may be available on CVG’s site.
Airport officials recommend arriving 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure, allowing at least 30 minutes for the security screening. When planning your airport arrival time, you may want to consider how long pre-boarding tasks like parking and checking bags will take.
How to get through security faster
CVG participates in some Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs), including TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry, which may help streamline security and passport screenings.
With TSA PreCheck, eligible travelers can use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints and typically don’t need to remove light jackets, shoes or belts during screenings. There’s an enrollment center located on the Departures level near the security checkpoint where travelers can apply for TSA PreCheck membership during specified hours. Eligible travelers may even be approved in time for their return trip, although it could take as long as 60 days to receive a decision.
Global Entry members can typically skip the standard customs line and use designated kiosks to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. Members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TTP application fees.
Cincinnati airport map
The airport offers a map of CVGOpens overlay on their site, which includes amenities, dining and shopping locations.
CVG terminals
CVG has a main terminal and two concourses: A and B. (Concourse C is no longer used for commercial flights.) Concourse A serves domestic flights, while all international and some domestic flights operate out of Concourse B. The airport’s centralized layout is designed to help make it efficient to navigate and minimize walking distances.
In summary
CVG serves the Greater Cincinnati region, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana and is located roughly 13 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Ground transportation options may include taxi and rideshare services, a TANK bus route, rental cars and hotel shuttles. The airport offers short- and long-term parking lots, valet service and a cell phone lot.
Under normal circumstances, passengers can expect to wait roughly 10 to 20 minutes for security screening, though airport officials recommend allowing 30 minutes for this process. Wait times can be longer during peak travel periods. Eligible travelers who want to streaming these screenings at CVG and other participating airports may want to consider applying for TSA PreCheck.
