Erie International Tom Ridge Field
Airport guide 2026

Erie International Tom Ridge Field ERI

United States

The small terminal handles a limited number of domestic flights.

Access point to Erie, Pennsylvania, a city on Lake Erie with the Presque Isle Peninsula as its main natural attraction.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.erieairport.org

How to get to Erie International Tom Ridge Field

Erie downtown is several km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by EMTA Route 31 bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Erie in approximately 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: Erie does not have an urban rail network.

By Bus

The EMTA (Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority) Route 31 bus connects the airport terminal to major areas of the city; cash fare 1.65 USD, includes a free transfer.
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Tips Erie Airport is a good starting point for Presque Isle State Park: if your goal is Lake Erie beaches, consider a direct taxi rather than the bus.

Average travel time to ERI

TrainNot available (Erie has no urban rail network)
Shuttle bus20-30 min (1.65 USD, EMTA Route 31)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (20-30 USD)

Parking near Erie International Tom Ridge Field

Multi-level parking is located adjacent to the terminal, with the first 20 minutes complimentary, then 2 USD/hour up to a daily maximum of 15 USD in short-term parking; long-term parking costs 15 USD/day, with a weekly rate of 90 USD (seventh day complimentary).

How to get to Erie from ERI

By Train

The airport has no train station.

By Bus

EMTA Route 31 bus connects the airport to major Erie areas in 20-30 minutes; fare 1.65 USD (confirmed, includes a complimentary transfer).

By Taxi

Erie has no traditional taxi companies: Uber/Lyft are the primary options, with limited availability especially in late evening. The indicative cost to downtown is 20-30 USD (plus tip 15-20%), but Uber/Lyft pricing varies based on demand and time.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Erie International Tom Ridge Field

The major car rental operators have a desk in the arrivals area.

Bring your driver's license, passport and credit card in the driver's name; useful for reaching Presque Isle State Park.

 

Hotels near Erie International Tom Ridge Field

Erie International Airport sits in Millcreek Township, southwest of the city: the Bayfront on Lake Erie, with downtown's museums and restaurants, is about a 15-minute drive away, while the interchange between I-90 and I-79 and the Millcreek Mall are much closer to the terminal. Those arriving late or leaving early do best to stay near the mall or the highway interchange; those who want to stroll along the waterfront or visit Presque Isle should choose a hotel on the Bayfront, even if it takes a few extra minutes by car from the terminal.
Airport area

Airport area and Millcreek Mall

a few minutes' drive from the terminal, the same neighborhood as Millcreek Township

Best for: those with an early or late flight who want to stay minutes from the terminal

Pros
  • Millcreek Mall's shops and restaurants just steps away
  • closer to the terminal than downtown
Cons
  • a commercial area, no nightlife beyond the mall
  • a car is needed to reach the waterfront or downtown
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Bayfront and downtown

about 15 minutes and 10 km by car from the terminal, no direct shuttle

Best for: those who want to stroll along Lake Erie's waterfront or visit Presque Isle and downtown

Pros
  • the waterfront and Dobbins Landing within walking distance
  • downtown's restaurants and evening spots nearby
Cons
  • farther from the terminal than the other areas
  • hotel parking is often paid on event weekends
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

I-90/I-79 interchange

10-15 minutes by car from the terminal, no direct shuttle

Best for: those traveling by car along the two highways who want to stop without going into the city

Pros
  • quick access to both highways for anyone continuing by car
  • plenty of free parking
Cons
  • an interchange area with nothing within walking distance
  • a car is still needed to reach the airport, the mall or downtown
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Erie and the Presque Isle peninsula with limited domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free space is compact, consistent with the airport's traffic volume.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated lounges are available.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the terminal area; major U.S. telecom companies have full coverage.

Families & Children

Travelers with small children find basic support in the common areas of the terminal.

Terminal guide

The number of domestic connections handled by this small terminal is limited.

Before flights it is prudent to present yourself with 2 hours buffer.

Map of Erie International Tom Ridge Field

Map of Erie International Tom Ridge Field

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Erie Airport close to Presque Isle State Park?

Yes, the famous peninsula with beaches on Lake Erie is one of the area's main attractions.

Q. How much does the EMTA bus cost from Erie Airport?

1.65 USD in cash, check the current fare at ride-the-e.com.

Q. Which EMTA line serves Erie Airport?

Route 31.

Q. Is Erie on Lake Erie?

Yes, the city is named after the lake it overlooks, one of the Great Lakes.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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