Getting Around Columbus. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation: COTA Bus Service

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides the city's public bus service. Columbus does not have a metro or tram system. COTA operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout Columbus and its surrounding suburbs.

The system includes regular local routes, express routes, and the COTA AirConnect (Route 71) service connecting CMH to the city center. The COTA CBUS Circulator is a no-cost downtown service along High Street and Front Street.

COTA Information

Main COTA Hub: COTA Transit Terminal, 33 N High St.
Route maps: Official COTA website (cota.com) or Google Maps.
Standard Fare: $2.00 per ride; Day Pass: $4.50.
Payment methods: Cash (exact change), Smartcard, COTA Connector App.

Hours & Frequency

Most COTA routes run from 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Main routes every 10-15 mins during peak hours.

Accessibility

All COTA buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps or lifts. Priority seating is available.

Efficient Navigation

Use the COTA Connector App or Google Maps for real-time tracking and route planning.

COTA Day Pass Value

Day Pass Benefits

$4.50 for unlimited rides for one calendar day.
Offers excellent value for multiple bus trips.
More economical than multiple single fares or ride-shares.

CBUS Circulator

Free downtown circulator service.
Connects Brewery District, German Village, Downtown, and Short North.
Operates Mon-Fri: 7 AM-9 PM; Sat: 11 AM-9 PM; Sun: 11 AM-6 PM.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Hailing

Hailing common in high-traffic areas or at taxi stands.

Typical Taxi Fares

Base fare $3-4, $2.50-$3.00 per mile.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft operate extensively.

Safety Tips

Verify driver/vehicle details on app before entering.

Rental Options: Cars, Scooters, Bikes

Car rental requires a valid driver'a driving license and a major credit card. Minimum age is typically 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25. Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have counters at CMH.

Car Rental Tips

International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if license is not English.
Book in advance for better rates and vehicle availability.
Consider fuel, insurance, and parking costs.
Practical choice for in-depth exploration outside downtown.

Bike & Scooter Sharing

CoGo Bike Share has stations throughout downtown and popular neighborhoods.
Electric scooter sharing (Lime, Bird) for quick, short distances.
Both require downloading an app, valid driver's license, and per-minute payment.
Local bike shops offer daily/weekly rentals.

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right-hand side of the road; seatbelts mandatory.
Handheld cell phone use while driving is not allowed.
Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are strict.

Street parking is metered during business hours (often free evenings/weekends).
Numerous parking garages and lots, generally more expensive.
Use parking apps like ParkMobile for convenience.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly

Downtown (Scioto Mile), Short North Cultural District, German Village, OSU Campus.

Walking Tours

Guided tours on history, architecture, food; self-guided routes from visitor centers.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Growing network of bike lanes and multi-use trails (Olentangy Trail, Scioto Greenway Trail).

Specialized Transportation

Columbus offers some specialized transportation options, mainly for tours and accessibility. The city does not operate a formal hop-on-hop-off bus service for general sightseeing.