Columbus Ohio, USA Travel Guide
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) serves as the main commercial airport, approximately 6 miles (10 km) east of downtown. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) handles cargo and some low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air.
Direct international flights to Columbus are limited to Toronto. Most international travelers connect through major U.S. Gateway hubs like Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), or Detroit (DTW).
CMH provides dining, shopping, rental car counters, free Wi-Fi, baggage services, and accessibility features.
Taxis, Uber/Lyft, COTA AirConnect (Route 71) bus, Rental cars, and hotel shuttles are available.
Book flights several months in advance, especially for peak times. Use Flight comparison websites and set price alerts.
International travelers usually clear U.S. Customs and Immigration at their first point of entry into the United States, not necessarily at CMH.
Winter months (Jan-Mar) may have the lowest prices, but travelers should prepare for potential weather-related delays or cancellations.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport is an accessible airport, offering facilities and services for travelers with disabilities.
Columbus does not have direct Amtrak passenger rail service. The closest Amtrak stations are in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo, requiring onward bus or car travel. Long-distance buses offer an economical way to reach Columbus.
A valid U.S. Driver's a license is required for U.S. Citizens. International visitors need their valid home country driver'a driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Major interstates around Columbus (I-70, I-71, I-670, I-270) are generally well-maintained. Traffic can be congested during peak commute hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays) and around major events.
Not applicable for domestic travel within the U.S. International travelers entering the U.S. From Canada or Mexico overland follow standard border crossing procedures.
Not applicable. Columbus is an inland city and has no access to oceans or major lakes for ferry services or cruise ports.
The Scioto River and Olentangy River flow through Columbus but are mainly used for leisure boating. They are not used for commercial passenger transportation to or from the city.
The Scioto Mile riverfront features extensive walking and biking trails, a beautiful downtown park, and recreational water access.
As an inland state capital, Columbus has no coastal attributes for sea travel. Focus on air and land.
No connections to land transportation are needed from non-existent sea/river arrivals.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from Columbus or the U.S. Beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.
CMH offers a variety of eating and shopping choices both before and after security. You can grab a meal, coffee, or last-minute souvenirs.
Readily available outside baggage claim. Follow ground transportation signs.
Uber and Lyft operate. Follow in-app steps for pick-up zones.
Route 71 bus connects CMH to downtown, an economical choice.
Confirm your flight status before leaving for the airport. This keeps you informed about any delays or gate changes.
