John Glenn Columbus International Airport

The Columbus airport, which bears the name of famous Ohioan and astronaut John Glenn, expertly serves 20,000 air travelers each day as they pass through the nation's fourteenth-largest city. 

The John Glenn Columbus International Airport, formerly known as Port Columbus and first constructed in 1929, reopened in 2016 with improved amenities, new eateries, and upgraded services. 

The John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and the Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) passenger terminal enable about 160 daily departures on numerous regional, national, and international carriers to close to 50 destinations.

Know Before You Go

When the airport underwent renovation in 2016 and underwent a name change to honor the Ohio-native aviator and astronaut, it introduced a brand-new style and services.

The airport now greets visitors in a light-filled area with terrazzo flooring and skylights. It also has new ticket booths, art installations, updated seats and workstations with Wi-Fi, and a wider variety of on-site dining options. Additionally, airport administration collaborates with nearby companies to display educational signage on the sectors that support Columbus' economy throughout the terminal.

A wide range of restaurants and stores, ATMs, accessible restrooms, quiet locations for nursing mothers, an interfaith meditation room, and dedicated pet relief areas are all located on the three jet concourses that branch off from an airy central ticket lobby. Visitors are kept informed of arrivals and departures, thanks to carefully placed camera banks throughout the facility. Additionally, the airport attempts to accommodate passengers with special needs by offering amenities including wheelchairs, Braille signage, Aira service for the visually impaired, and visual paging displays for the hearing-impaired.

Cargo companies and Allegiant Airlines transport passengers to ten scheduled destinations from the passenger terminal at Rickenbacker International Airport. The two airports are putting a lot of effort into supporting the larger Columbus metro area's sustained economic growth with a new rental car facility, an extended-stay hotel and other developments to come in the next few years.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport Parking

For travelers and guests, the airport provides a variety of convenient parking choices, including hourly spaces, valet, garages, and long-term lots with buses that run around the clock. In contrast to motorbike parking, which is currently unavailable at the airport, bicycle parking is free.

Garage for Short-Term and Long-Term Parking:

Designed for stays of 24 hours or less, short-term parking is accessible via elevator and has spots for people with disabilities on level four of the on-site garage, which is close to the terminal. 

Rates are $5 for the first hour and $3 for each subsequent hour, with a 24-hour cap of $30. On levels three to six, at the same hourly rates, there are also close to 3,000 long-term garage spots accessible with a $20 24-hour maximum. Electric Vehicle Charging stations can be found on level five and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for no additional fee. 

Long-Term Parking Lots:

The airport has three long-term parking lots for travels and stays longer than 24 hours. Shuttle buses connect the parking lots' shuttle stops to the terminal. The Blue lot also has covered spaces, which cost $10 covered and $9 uncovered for a 24-hour period. The Red ($7 for 24 hours) and Green ($5 for 24 hours) lots are revealed further away. Before leaving for the airport, travelers can use a monitoring service to verify the availability of spots and capacity in each lot online.

Walking Lot:

The airport's newest Walking Lot is located between the parking garages and the Fairfield Inn & Suites and is perfect for those who want to get some exercise before boarding or stretch their legs after a long flight Rates are $5 for the first hour and $3 for each additional hour with a $13 maximum for 24 hours. 

Valet Parking:

Cutting it close to departure time with valet parking? The main terminal's ticketing level has premium valet service, which is available around-the-clock. Rates are $2 each hour after the first one, up to a maximum of $24 for a full day (tips not included).

Mobile Phone Waiting Lot:

If you're picking someone up from the airport but don't want to pay for parking, you may take a break in the free cell phone lot and then quickly head over to meet them curbside when they arrive.

Driving Directions

Sitting at the northeast corner of the city about seven miles from downtown, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport is easy to access from I-670 and the I-270 loop. 

• From Downtown Columbus: Follow signage to I-670 East to Exit 9. 
• From Points North (Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, Sandusky): Take I-71 South to I-670 East to Exit 9. 
• From Points East (Zanesville, Wheeling, West Virginia): Take I-70 West to I-270 North to Exit 35. 
• From Points South (Chillicothe, Hocking Hills, Huntington, West Virginia): Take I-71 or U.S. 23 to I-270 East to Exit 35. 
• From Points West (Dayton, Springfield): Take I-70 East to I-670 to Exit 9.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Many travelers visiting Columbus choose to hire a car from one of the many companies located on the ground floor of the airport parking garage so they always have their own wheels available. Nevertheless, it is entirely feasible to navigate around the city utilizing public transportation and ridesharing, particularly in the warm months of the spring, summer, and fall.

Public transportation:

For just $2.75 one way, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates a direct bus service from the airport to Downtown Columbus. There is a taxi station just next to the airport bus stop, and buses operate there every 30 minutes. The free-to-ride CBUS connects the Brewery District and the Short North Arts District to downtown Columbus once it has arrived.

Other rides:

Taxis, shuttles, limos, and rideshares are all readily available in Columbus, and they can be found on the ground floor of the main terminal, ready to pick up passengers at any time of day or night. The cost of a rideshare varies according to current demand; a taxi from the airport to downtown Columbus typically costs roughly $25. There are also charter buses, limos, and shuttles to think about.

Where to Eat and Drink

Charley's Philly Steaks, Bob Evans Express, Wolfgang Puck's Gourmet Express, local favorite Max & Erma's, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Chili's Too, Donato's Pizza, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, and of course Starbucks Coffee are just a few of the restaurants and bars that remain at the Columbus airport. At Vino Volo, unwind with a glass of red or white wine, or visit Land-Grant Brewing Co. for a pint of regional artisan beer.

Shopping at John Glenn Columbus International Airport

The PGA Tour Shop serves golfers of all ability levels, and Short North Marketplace offers a wide selection of delectable souvenirs and presents created in Columbus. Stop into the Massage Bar in Concourse B for a blissful 10, 15, or 30-minute break if you really need to decompress before or after a flight.

Airport Lounges

The Legacy of Leadership Lounges chronicles the history of Columbus International Airport with pictures, artwork, and other artifacts.

Military personnel and their families can relax in comfort and privacy at the Jake Brewer USO Lounge, which is next to Concourse C.

Charging stations and Wi-Fi: The Columbus airport includes power outlets and charging stations strategically placed throughout the whole facility, as well as free Wi-Fi via a designated guest network that keeps travelers connected.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport Tips & Facts

• The Columbus Airport first opened its doors in 1929; in 2016, it underwent renovations and changed its name to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
• There are over 160 daily departures from the Rickenbacker terminal and three concourses, with nearly 50 destinations.
• The sculpture ‘Brushstrokes in Flight’ by Roy Lichtenstein was erected here in 1984.
• In the atrium, a 13-foot monument with a bronze eagle on top honors the veterans of our country.
• Six pylons at the Concourse B gate provide historical information on Ohio's most illustrious aviators and astronauts.
• Private nursing rooms are available in each concourse and at baggage claim for nursing mothers.
• Wheelchairs, parking spaces, toilets, Braille signage, and visual paging for the deaf are just a few of the facilities offered to passengers with special needs.

FAQs about John Glenn Columbus International Airport