John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Airport guide 2026

John Glenn Columbus International Airport CMH

United States

The single terminal, named after astronaut John Glenn, handles domestic flights and some seasonal routes.

Gateway to Columbus, capital of Ohio and home to Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.flycolumbus.com

How to get to John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Columbus city center is some kilometers from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-25 minutes by COTA AirConnect shuttle.

By Car

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

By Train

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

By Bus

The COTA AirConnect shuttle directly connects the airport to downtown Columbus, with service every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 21:00 every day; fare $2.75 USD, with luggage racks and USB outlets onboard.
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Tips AirConnect makes several stops in the downtown area: verify which one is closest to your final destination before boarding.

Average travel time to CMH

TrainNot available (Columbus has no urban rail network)
Shuttle bus20-25 min (2.75 USD, COTA AirConnect)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (25-35 USD)

Parking near John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Red Lot costs 9 USD/day (first hour free); Long-Term Garage costs 11 USD/day; short-term garage costs 5 USD the first hour and 3 USD each subsequent hour, up to a maximum of 30 USD/day.

How to get to Columbus from CMH

By Train

There is no train station at the airport.

By Bus

The COTA AirConnect shuttle connects the airport to downtown in 20-25 minutes, every 30 minutes from 6:00 to 21:00; fare 2.75 USD.

By Taxi

A taxi costs approximately 17 USD; Uber/Lyft vary depending on the service chosen, to downtown, with a journey of 15-20 minutes.

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Car rental at John Glenn Columbus International Airport

The terminal houses desks for all major car rental companies.

With a Latin character license, a short visit requires only your license, passport, and credit card, without an IDP.

 

Hotels near John Glenn Columbus International Airport

John Glenn Columbus International is about 11 km from downtown, a 10-20 minute drive that the COTA's AirConnect bus covers with direct runs until 21:30. It's a distance that almost no one in Columbus considers a problem, so the choice depends more on what you want to do than on your flight time: those with meetings near the terminal or an early departure stay in the airport area, those working downtown choose Downtown, a stone's throw from the convention center, while those wanting nightlife and restaurants look to Short North, between downtown and the Ohio State campus.
Airport area

Airport area

A few minutes from the terminal with a free shuttle; one of the two properties states a trip of about 3 minutes.

Best for: Meetings near the terminal, early morning flights, or overnight layovers.

Pros
  • Frequent free shuttle, handy for those just passing through the city once
  • Cheaper than Downtown and Easton
Cons
  • An area of offices and warehouses, nothing to do on foot in the evening
  • A car or the AirConnect bus is needed for downtown, not an immediate connection
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown, Columbus

The COTA's AirConnect bus connects the terminal to downtown with direct runs until 21:30; by car the trip is 10-20 minutes.

Best for: Those with an event at the convention center or working in the city's financial district.

Pros
  • One of the two properties is connected to the convention center by a covered walkway
  • On foot from High Street you can reach restaurants and bars without needing a car
Cons
  • The bus to the airport doesn't run overnight: after 21:30 a taxi is needed
  • Hotel parking almost always charged
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Short North, toward the Ohio State campus

Same route to the airport as downtown: 10-20 minutes by car, the AirConnect bus until 21:30 with a short connection.

Best for: Those who want galleries, restaurants and nightlife a stone's throw from the university campus.

Pros
  • A neighborhood with a very high walkability score, among art galleries and bars
  • About a mile from the Ohio State University campus
Cons
  • On weekends with university events or the gallery hop, the neighborhood gets very crowded
  • Street parking around the hotel is limited
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Easton Town Center

About 10 minutes from the airport and 10 from downtown; the hotel also offers a free shuttle to the terminal.

Best for: Those with meetings or events at Easton, the shopping and dining district to the east of the city.

Pros
  • In the heart of Easton Town Center, among shops, restaurants and a cinema
  • A free shuttle also to the airport, not just for getting around the district
Cons
  • Farther from the historic center and the university campus
  • Reviews mention waits at check-in and paid parking
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Columbus and Ohio State University with domestic connections and select seasonal routes.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Ohio regional products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers have several lounges to choose from.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The entire terminal has free Wi-Fi, and major U.S. telephone companies provide uninterrupted coverage throughout the area.

Families & Children

Play areas for young children have been created in each terminal, along with family assistance services.

Terminal guide

The single terminal, named after astronaut John Glenn, handles domestic connections and some seasonal routes.

Better to arrive at the airport with 2-2.5 hours of buffer time when flying.

Map of John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Map of John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is COTA AirConnect?

A direct shuttle between Columbus Airport and downtown, running every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, fare 2.75 USD.

Q. Who is Columbus Airport named after?

Astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.

Q. Do hotel prices in Columbus go up on football weekends?

Yes, Ohio State University games significantly increase demand for accommodation.

Q. Is there a train to Columbus Airport?

No, Columbus has no urban rail network; AirConnect is the most convenient direct public link.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

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