Getting Around Columbus
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Columbus Airport Information
Arriving in Columbus is super easy, thanks to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). The airport is only about 10 minutes east of downtown, making it very convenient for business travelers and event planners. It’s clean, recently renovated, and designed for a smooth travel experience. Whether you're flying in for a corporate meeting or planning a large event, getting to the city center from the airport is quick and stress-free.
Flights and Connectivity: Offers 150+ daily flights from 40+ destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Airlines: Major carriers include American, Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines.
Green Energy: The airport is powered by 100% renewable energy, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable events.
Travel Tip: Taxis, rideshares (Uber and Lyft), and shuttle services are available right outside baggage claim. Driving downtown usually takes around 10–15 minutes in normal traffic.
Event Planner Tip: For group arrivals, the airport has smooth coach and shuttle loading zones near baggage claim — perfect for event transportation coordination.
Flights and Connectivity: Offers 150+ daily flights from 40+ destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Airlines: Major carriers include American, Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines.
Green Energy: The airport is powered by 100% renewable energy, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable events.
Travel Tip: Taxis, rideshares (Uber and Lyft), and shuttle services are available right outside baggage claim. Driving downtown usually takes around 10–15 minutes in normal traffic.
Event Planner Tip: For group arrivals, the airport has smooth coach and shuttle loading zones near baggage claim — perfect for event transportation coordination.
Columbus Train information
While Columbus doesn’t currently have an Amtrak station within city limits, train travelers often connect through nearby cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Dayton. Once in Columbus, getting around is simple thanks to its excellent highways and public transport system.
Closest Amtrak Options:
Cleveland (CLE) – about 2.5 hours northeast of Columbus.
Cincinnati (CIN) – about 2 hours southwest.
Connecting Travel: Shuttle, rental car, or bus services (like Greyhound or FlixBus) can bring you directly into Columbus from these train stops.
Event Planner Tip: If guests are coming from nearby Ohio cities, arranging shuttle pickups or charter buses from these train stations is convenient and time-saving.
Closest Amtrak Options:
Cleveland (CLE) – about 2.5 hours northeast of Columbus.
Cincinnati (CIN) – about 2 hours southwest.
Connecting Travel: Shuttle, rental car, or bus services (like Greyhound or FlixBus) can bring you directly into Columbus from these train stops.
Event Planner Tip: If guests are coming from nearby Ohio cities, arranging shuttle pickups or charter buses from these train stations is convenient and time-saving.
Columbus Public information
Columbus has an easy-to-use public bus system run by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). It’s reliable, affordable, and covers most of the city — a smart option for event attendees or travelers exploring downtown.
Fares: Daily unlimited rides cost around $4.50.
CBUS Downtown Circulator: A free electric bus that runs every 10–15 minutes, traveling from the Short North Arts District to the Brewery District/German Village. It’s perfect for quick trips between meeting spots, hotels, and restaurants.
AirConnect Service: Direct express bus between John Glenn International Airport, downtown hotels, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Costs about $2.75 each way and runs every 30 minutes. Tickets are available on board (cash) or at kiosks (card).
Event Planner Tip: Encourage attendees to use COTA or CBUS to reduce traffic congestion and parking challenges during events downtown.
Columbus – By Car
Columbus is considered a “drive-friendly” city, located within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population — great news for road travelers and event planners managing regional guests. The city sits at the crossroads of several major highways, making it easy to reach and navigate.
Key Highways: Interstates 70 (east-west) and 71 (north-south) pass directly through Columbus.
Car Rentals: Major rental agencies operate at the airport and downtown. Zipcar also offers car-sharing options for short bookings.
Ride-Hailing: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis (like Yellow Cab and Orange Cab of Columbus) are widely available.
Event Planner Tip: Recommend carpooling or shuttle transport for large events to ease parking pressure, especially near convention centers and downtown venues.
Columbus – Alternative Transportation
If you prefer to explore Columbus in a more active or eco-friendly way, there are plenty of fun options! The city offers bikes, pedicabs, and electric scooters — all great for short city rides or sightseeing between meetings.
CoGo Bike Share: Rent a bike or e-bike at 30+ stations across downtown for about $8 per day. Perfect for quick errands or exploring local attractions.
Pedicabs: E.C.T. Pedicab runs most evenings and charges around $1.50 per minute. It’s a fun and relaxing way to travel short distances.
Electric Scooters: Available from popular providers like Bird, Lime, and Spin. Just unlock one using the app and start riding!
Event Planner Tip: Suggest bike or scooter rides for attendees staying close to the venue — it’s convenient, green, and gives a great view of the city.
Fares: Daily unlimited rides cost around $4.50.
CBUS Downtown Circulator: A free electric bus that runs every 10–15 minutes, traveling from the Short North Arts District to the Brewery District/German Village. It’s perfect for quick trips between meeting spots, hotels, and restaurants.
AirConnect Service: Direct express bus between John Glenn International Airport, downtown hotels, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Costs about $2.75 each way and runs every 30 minutes. Tickets are available on board (cash) or at kiosks (card).
Event Planner Tip: Encourage attendees to use COTA or CBUS to reduce traffic congestion and parking challenges during events downtown.
Columbus – By Car
Columbus is considered a “drive-friendly” city, located within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population — great news for road travelers and event planners managing regional guests. The city sits at the crossroads of several major highways, making it easy to reach and navigate.
Key Highways: Interstates 70 (east-west) and 71 (north-south) pass directly through Columbus.
Car Rentals: Major rental agencies operate at the airport and downtown. Zipcar also offers car-sharing options for short bookings.
Ride-Hailing: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis (like Yellow Cab and Orange Cab of Columbus) are widely available.
Event Planner Tip: Recommend carpooling or shuttle transport for large events to ease parking pressure, especially near convention centers and downtown venues.
Columbus – Alternative Transportation
If you prefer to explore Columbus in a more active or eco-friendly way, there are plenty of fun options! The city offers bikes, pedicabs, and electric scooters — all great for short city rides or sightseeing between meetings.
CoGo Bike Share: Rent a bike or e-bike at 30+ stations across downtown for about $8 per day. Perfect for quick errands or exploring local attractions.
Pedicabs: E.C.T. Pedicab runs most evenings and charges around $1.50 per minute. It’s a fun and relaxing way to travel short distances.
Electric Scooters: Available from popular providers like Bird, Lime, and Spin. Just unlock one using the app and start riding!
Event Planner Tip: Suggest bike or scooter rides for attendees staying close to the venue — it’s convenient, green, and gives a great view of the city.
