Toledo Express Airport

Welcome to the air gateway bearing the name of the legendary NASA flight director Eugene Kranz. Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is not just a transport hub, but a cosy gateway to Ohio, where the hustle and bustle of giant hubs gives way to tranquillity and small-town hospitality. Here, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, your journey begins without stress, long queues, or tiring walks. It is the ideal starting point for those who value their time and prefer comfort from the very first minutes of their trip.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Named after a Space Legend. One of the main features of the airport is its full name — Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. In 2021, it was renamed in honour of Toledo native Eugene Kranz, who became famous as the flight director for the Gemini and Apollo missions, including the famous rescue of the Apollo 13 crew. This gives the place a special historical charm and inspires travellers interested in aviation and space.

Speed and Stress-Free Experience. The main advantage of Toledo Express over its larger neighbours, such as Detroit Metropolitan, is its compactness. The journey from the car park to the check-in counter and through the security checkpoint takes mere minutes. There are practically no queues here, and the staff are known for their friendliness, making the departure process as relaxed as possible.

Convenience for Drivers. The airport is located in immediate proximity to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), making it easily accessible not only for residents of Toledo but also for travellers from neighbouring regions. Parking here is within walking distance of the terminal and costs significantly less than at major international airports in the region.

Military and Cargo Significance. In addition to civil flights, the airport is home to the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. Passengers can often observe the takeoff and landing of F-16 fighter jets, which becomes an exciting bonus while waiting for a flight.

If you need to contact the administration of Toledo Express Airport (TOL), please use the following contact information. We recommend checking the validity of the data on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: www.toledoexpress.com — here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +1 (419) 865-2351.
• Airport Address: 11013 Airport Hwy, Swanton, OH 43558, USA. Please note that the airport serving Toledo is geographically located in the city of Swanton, Ohio.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the special contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: It is convenient to follow news and operational updates on the airport's official social media pages, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If items were lost on the plane, you must contact your airline directly. For items forgotten in the terminal building, you should contact the airport's Lost and Found service, typically via the form on the website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve issues related to tickets, flight check-in, or specific flight requirements, please contact the representative of your airline directly at the airport or via their hotline.

Getting to Toledo Express Airport (TOL), located approximately 16 km west of the city centre of Toledo, is quite simple. Travellers can choose one of several methods depending on their preferences, budget, and travel plans across the USA. A trip from the city centre by car usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Public Transport. Public transport would be the most budget-friendly option, however, direct bus service to the airport may be limited. The city transport system TARTA (Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority) serves the city and its suburbs. Before travelling, it is strongly recommended to check the current schedule and routes on the official TARTA website to clarify if there are currently flights going directly to the airport or stops nearest to it.

Taxi and Ridesharing Services. The most convenient and fastest way to get to the terminal is by taxi or a car ordered via Uber or Lyft apps, which are widely used in the city. A trip from central Toledo to the airport will cost approximately $30-40, but the cost may vary depending on demand and the time of day. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

Car Rental and Parking. Renting a car is an ideal option for those who value freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings of Toledo. Offices of all major rental companies operate at the airport and in the city itself. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Toledo Express Airport provides convenient parking options, including short-term and long-term car parks located in immediate proximity to the terminal. Parking prices here are generally more affordable than at major international airports.

Alternative Airports. If you haven't found suitable flights to Toledo Express, it is worth considering flying into one of the neighbouring, larger airports. For example, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), one of the largest hubs in the region, is about an hour's drive away. Also nearby is Willow Run Airport (YIP), giving additional options for planning your journey.

Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is a compact and convenient regional airport with a structure that is extremely simple and clear for passengers. You won't have to worry about complex navigation or long walks between terminals.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, all necessary infrastructure is located in one building, making movement around the airport quick and easy. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all zones are clearly marked with signs.

The check-in and baggage drop-off zone is located on the main level of the terminal. Immediately after this, passengers proceed to a single security checkpoint. Since the airport serves fewer flights compared to major hubs, the time to pass through control is usually minimal. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight to complete all formalities without rushing.

The departure zone consists of a small waiting hall with several gates. The arrival zone with baggage claim belts is located on the lower level of the building. The transition between zones is intuitive and takes just a few minutes. Thanks to the compact layout, the path from exiting the aircraft to collecting luggage and leaving the terminal is very short.

The history of Toledo Express Airport (TOL) began in 1955, when it was opened to replace the old Toledo municipal airport and meet the growing needs for air travel. From the very beginning, it was designed as a modern and efficient transport hub, which was reflected in its name — "Express".

A key stage in the airport's development was its transformation into a major cargo hub. In the 1980s, the company Burlington Air Express (later BAX Global) chose Toledo Express as its main cargo sorting base in North America. This led to a significant expansion of infrastructure and made the airport one of the most important centres for air cargo in the region for many years.

For passenger transport, the golden age was the late 1990s to early 2000s. During this period, the airline AirTran Airways established its mini-hub at Toledo Express, offering direct flights to dozens of destinations. This was a time of record passenger traffic when terminals were full of life, and the airport played a significant role in the Midwest transport system. The cessation of the AirTran hub became a turning point in the airport's recent history.

Throughout its existence, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. In the 1990s, a large-scale reconstruction of the passenger terminal was carried out to meet growing requirements. In subsequent years, work was done to upgrade runways and navigation equipment. Today, the airport continues to serve both passenger and cargo flights and is also the base for the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard.

Among interesting facts from the airport's history is its name, which was chosen to emphasize the speed of service, especially for cargo operations. Additionally, Toledo Express has repeatedly hosted Air Force One during visits by US Presidents to the region, confirming its strategic importance and capabilities.

Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is a compact and convenient air hub offering passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the selection of establishments here is not as large as in major hubs, you will find everything essential. The terminal has a cafe where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or buy light refreshments for the road. There is also a small shop offering newspapers, souvenirs, and essential goods.

For those who need to stay connected or work, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. In the departure waiting areas, there are charging stations for electronic devices, so you can easily recharge your phone or laptop before the flight. There are no specialized business centres or conference rooms at the airport.

Toledo Express Airport has taken care of the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms with changing tables are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on an accessible environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, an escort service can be requested in advance.

Financial services at the airport are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn. It is worth noting that there may be no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points in the terminal, so it is recommended to take care of exchanging money in advance. Medical assistance is provided by airport staff, who can call emergency services if necessary.

Although there are no hotels directly in the terminal building, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Many of them offer free shuttle transfers to and from the airport for their guests, making them a convenient option for an overnight stay before an early departure or after a late arrival.

When planning a snack or a full meal at Toledo Express Airport (TOL), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of establishments is correspondingly limited. The main dining options are concentrated in the area after passing security control.

The main and, essentially, the only place where you can eat at the airport is the Glass City Cafe. This establishment is located in the airside zone, that is, after security, near the boarding gates. The cafe offers a menu typical of American diners: here you can order breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and various snacks. This is a convenient option for both a quick bite and a more relaxed wait for a flight at a table.

Regarding special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes (or specific requirements like Halal), the selection at Glass City Cafe will be very limited. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are advised to check for suitable options on-site or bring food with them. Prices at the cafe are average for airports. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the establishment opens before the first morning departures and closes after the departure of the last plane.

In the landside zone (before passing security control), dining opportunities are practically non-existent, except for vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you want a full meal, it is better to do so after passing security at the Glass City Cafe.

To ensure your journey through Toledo Express Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you better prepare for your flight and save time and nerves.

Arrival Time at the Airport: For domestic flights, which make up the majority of departures from Toledo Airport, it is recommended to arrive no later than 2 hours before departure. Although this is not the busiest airport, this buffer time will allow you to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate.

Check-in and Security Control: The fastest way is to check in for the flight online via the airline's website or mobile app. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters. When passing through security (TSA PreCheck is not always available), prepare your ID and boarding pass in advance, and remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat is ideal for those who like to admire the views, while an aisle seat gives more freedom to move around the cabin. Seats in emergency exit rows usually offer more legroom but may have restrictions.

Hand Luggage: Remember the rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. Be sure to check your airline's rules regarding the allowable size and weight of hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers and Customs: Toledo Express Airport mainly serves direct domestic flights, so complex transfers here are rare. If you have a connection, moving between gates in the compact terminal will not take much time. Customs and border control are not required for most passengers departing on domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so bringing your own light snacks will also help reduce expenses. Check the cost of parking on the official airport website if you plan to leave your car for the duration of the trip.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay, follow the information on the departure boards and in the airline's app. Contact your carrier's counter — staff will provide current information and tell you about possible options (for example, rebooking on another flight). There are cafes and rest areas in the terminal where you can wait for your departure.