# John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

> Columbus, US · 9.7 km (6 mi) east of downtown Columbus

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/cmh
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/cmh.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: CMH
- **ICAO**: KCMH
- **Timezone**: America/New_York
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 8.5M/yr
- **Official site**: https://flycolumbus.com/

## Overview

## Welcome

At John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), the atmosphere strikes a balance between a well-managed regional hub and a bustling city airport. It's compact and generally stress-free, yet distinct with local tastes, featuring spots like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Land-Grant Brewing Company. Curb-to-gate times are famously quick, even as CMH handles over 8.5 million passengers annually. While many airports of this size grapple with congestion, especially during the morning rush, CMH manages to keep the experience fluid and straightforward.

## At a glance

Located just 9.7 kilometers (6 miles) east of downtown Columbus, CMH connects to various domestic flights through a single terminal with two concourses. It lacks a dedicated rail connection, making bus, taxi, and rideshare the primary downtown links. The COTA AirConnect bus service stands out for its downtown direct line every 30 minutes — a favorite for travelers aiming to avoid taxi fares.

## Terminals & layout

CMH operates entirely within one main terminal, hosting carriers like Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and American Airlines. Its design easily accommodates travelers, offering shorter walking distances and efficient check-ins compared to larger hubs. The airport is currently under transformation with the CMH NEXT project, anticipating new terminal spaces, so expect some construction shifts until the new facilities open.

## Getting to and from the city

CMH's proximity to downtown Columbus makes transportation relatively straightforward, despite the lack of a rail system. The COTA AirConnect bus is the economical choice at $2.75 each way, typically taking 20-25 minutes. Taxis, available at the Taxi Stand, offer a quicker but pricier alternative. During times of high demand like OSU home games or peak travel hours, rideshares are an option but can surge in price compared to the steady COTA bus line.

## Traveller essentials

Parking at CMH is diverse enough to suit both quick drops and extended stays. The Parking Garage is the closest at $20-30 per day, ideal for brief visits. For longer trips or cost-conscious travelers, the Green Long-Term Lot at $9 and the Red Lot at $11 per day provide shuttled access without breaking the bank. Plan rental returns with extra time during major city events to avoid delays.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Food enthusiasts won't be disappointed. Support local flavors with Land-Grant Brewing and BrewDog selections or grab a Columbus-favored coffee at Crimson Cup, which garners locals' praise over the typical Starbucks fare. Wolfgang Puck and PGA Tour Grill offer sit-down meal options, while fast-casual spots like Charleys and Bob Evans cover quick bites. Shopping features regional memorabilia at Columbus Marketplace alongside practical stops like Tech on the Go and Hudson.

## Lounges

CMH lacks dedicated airline lounges, which can be a downside for those accustomed to lounge luxury. While the current terminal's dated design might not impress brand-loyal travelers, the ongoing CMH NEXT development promises future upgrades.

## Insider tips

- **Insider**: Security is smoothest from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., ideal before the intense morning rush.

- **Time**: Allocate extra time for rental returns during OSU games to sidestep potential traffic snarls.

- **Money**: Opt for the Green or Red Long-Term Lots over garage parking for trips of 3+ days to save on costs.

- **Local**: Sip on Columbus’s own Crimson Cup coffee post-security for a local touch over chain options.

- **Avoid**: Don't rely on public transit early in the morning; taxis or rideshares are better for early or late arrivals.

- **Quiet**: Walk the concourses for plane spotting without the long treks typical at larger airports.

- **Local**: Sample local craft brews like Land-Grant at the airport locations — a taste journey right in the terminal.

- **Quiet**: Even with construction, wayfinding remains straightforward. Keep an eye on signs to navigate CMH seamlessly.

## Terminals (1)

- **Main Terminal** — 34 gates · American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines

## Dining (56)

- **American Craft Tavern**
- **American Craft Tavern** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Astor Park Exchange Café** — Main Terminal · casual · $$
- **Auntie Anne's** — Main Terminal · Pretzels · Grab-and-go · $
- **Auntie Anne’s Pretzels** — Snack / bakery · $
- **Bob Evans**
- **Bob Evans Express**
- **Bob Evans** — T · Local · American · $
- **BrewDog**
- **BrewDog** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Burger King** — Main Terminal · Burgers · Fast food · $
- **Charleys**
- **Charleys Philly Steaks** — pre-security
- **Charleys Philly Steaks (Concourse B)** — Fast casual · $
- **Charleys Philly Steaks (Pre-Security)** — Fast casual · $
- **Charleys Philly Steaks** — T · Local · American · $
- **Charleys** — T · Local · American · $
- **Chik-fil-A**
- **Chili’s Too**
- **Chili’s Too** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Donatos**
- **Donatos Pizza** — Main Terminal · Pizza · Fast-casual · $$
- **Donatos** — T · Local · Italian · $
- **Eddie George’s Grille 27**
- **Eddie George’s Grille 27** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Farmer’s Fridge**
- **Farmer’s Fridge** — T · Local · Healthy · $
- **Great American Bagel** — Main Terminal · Bagels · Grab-and-go · $
- **Hangar 815**
- **Hangar 815** — T · Local · American · $$
- **illy Coffee** — Main Terminal · coffee · $
- **Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams**
- **Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams** — T · Local · Dessert · $
- **Kiosk Cafe** — Main Terminal · Snacks · Grab-and-go · $
- **Land-Grant Brewing (bar outlet)** — Bar · $$
- **Land-Grant Brewing Company** — Concourse B
- **Land-Grant Brewing Company** — T · Local · Brewery · $$
- **Land-Grant Brewing Taproom** — Main Terminal · Bar · Local craft beer · $$
- **Land Grant** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Max & Erma's** — Main Terminal · American · Casual dining · $$
- **PGA Tour Grill** — Concourse B
- **PGA Tour Grill** — T · Local · American · $$
- **Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen** — Main Terminal · Fried chicken · Fast food · $
- **Starbucks**
- **Starbucks (Concourse B)** — Coffee shop · $
- **Starbucks (Concourse C)** — Coffee shop · $
- **Starbucks (Pre-Security)** — Coffee shop · $
- **Starbucks** — T · Local · Coffee · $
- **Taco Bell Express** — Main Terminal · Mexican · Fast food · $
- **Tim Hortons** — Main Terminal · Coffee · Bakery · $
- **Vino Volo**
- **Vino Volo** — T · Local · Wine Bar · $$
- **Wolfgang Puck**
- **Wolfgang Puck Express** — Main Terminal · International · Fast-casual · $$
- **Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter** — Main Terminal · fast casual · $$
- **Wolfgang Puck** — T · Local · American · $$$

## Lounges (3)

- **Escape Lounge** — Main Terminal · American Express Platinum, Pay-at-door, Certain bank lounge programs · $40
- **Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner** — Pay at the door, Pre-book online, Priority Pass, American Express Platinum Card, American Express Business Platinum Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card (when flying Delta), Other lounge membership and prepaid pass programs · From about $45 when pre-booked; higher walk-up pricing
- **Jake Brewer USO Lounge** — Main Terminal · Active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, Eligible family members

## Shops (26)

- **Astor Park Exchange** — News & convenience
- **Broad and High Essentials** — News & essentials
- **Buckeye Hall of Fame Shop**
- **CMH Supply Co.** — Main Terminal · news & gifts
- **Columbus Marketplace**
- **Columbus Marketplace (Concourse B)** — Main Terminal · news & gifts
- **Columbus Marketplace (Concourse C)** — Main Terminal · news & gifts
- **Duty Free Americas** — Main Terminal · Duty-free
- **Duty Free by Hudson**
- **Heritage Booksellers**
- **Hudson**
- **Hudson News** — Main Terminal · News & convenience
- **InMotion Entertainment**
- **Lids**
- **News & Gifts (Concourse A)** — News & gifts
- **News & Gifts (Concourse B)** — News & gifts
- **News & Gifts (Concourse C)** — News & gifts
- **Scioto Mercantile** — Main Terminal · news & travel essentials
- **SOUND** — Main Terminal · electronics
- **Specialty Ohio / Columbus Merchandise Shop** — Souvenir & apparel
- **Spirit of Columbus**
- **Tech on the Go**
- **The Scoreboard** — Main Terminal · News & gifts
- **Travel Convenience Kiosk (Concourse B)** — Convenience
- **Travel Convenience Kiosk (Concourse C)** — Convenience
- **Travel Essentials**

## Parking (13)

- **Blue Long-Term Lot** — Economy parking
- **Cell Phone Waiting Lot** — Surface lot · $0/hr · A few minutes from terminal
- **Economy Parking Lot** — Surface lot · $12/day · 0.5 mi from terminal
- **Garage Parking** — Garage · $30/day, $5/hr · Across from terminal
- **Green Long-Term Lot** — Economy parking · $9/day
- **Long-Term Garage Parking** — Garage · $22/day · Across from terminal
- **Long-Term Surface Lot** — Surface lot · $18/day · 0.3 mi from terminal
- **Parking Garage** — Long stay · $20-30/day · next to terminal
- **Red, Green, and Blue Lots** — Remote · $5-10/day · next to terminal
- **Red Long-Term Lot** — Economy parking · $11/day
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · $30/day · At terminal curb
- **Vohnt Car Care** — Valet
- **Walking Lot** — Short stay · $13/day · 0.5 mi

## Ground transport (13)

- **Airport Taxi Stand** — Taxi · 15-20 min to downtown Columbus · $25-35 · On demand
  Taxis queue outside the baggage claim level in the designated ground transportation area.
- **COTA AirConnect** — Bus · 20-25 min · > route 7 · > route 7
- **COTA Route 7** — Local bus · 30-40 min · < airconnect · > route 92
- **COTA Route 7 Bus** — Bus · 25-35 min to downtown Columbus · $2.00 · Every 30 min
  Board at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim following signs for public transit.
- **COTA Route 92** — Local bus · > route 7 · > route 7 · < route 7
- **Hotel Courtesy Shuttles** — Shuttle · 10-25 min to nearby hotels · $0 · Every 15-30 min for participating hotels
  Pickup locations for hotel shuttles are signed in the ground transportation zone; check with your hotel for exact schedule.
- **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy van · 10-30 min · free for guests · phone required; non-continuous
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 15-25 min · < uber during surges · < uber during off-peak
- **Off-Airport Parking Shuttles** — Shuttle · 5-10 min from remote parking to terminal · Included with parking · Every 5-15 min
  Shuttles pick up at marked stops in each off-airport parking facility and drop at the terminal ground transportation area.
- **Rental Car Center Shuttle** — Airport shuttle · 5-10 min · free · continuous during peak
- **Rideshare Pickup (Uber, Lyft)** — Rideshare · 15-20 min to downtown Columbus · $20-35 · On demand
  Follow signs for app-based ride services to the designated pickup zone outside baggage claim.
- **Taxi Stand** — Metered taxis · 10-20 min · competitive>rideshare during surge · > rideshare during surge
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 15-25 min · 20-25 · > late night traffic or surges

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Security is smoothest from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., ideal before the intense morning rush.
- _Time_: Allocate extra time for rental returns during OSU games to sidestep potential traffic snarls.
- _Money_: Opt for the Green or Red Long-Term Lots over garage parking for trips of 3+ days to save on costs.
- _Local_: Sip on Columbus’s own Crimson Cup coffee post-security for a local touch over chain options.
- _Avoid_: Don't rely on public transit early in the morning; taxis or rideshares are better for early or late arrivals.
- _Quiet_: Walk the concourses for plane spotting without the long treks typical at larger airports.
- _Local_: Sample local craft brews like Land-Grant at the airport locations — a taste journey right in the terminal.
- _Quiet_: Even with construction, wayfinding remains straightforward. Keep an eye on signs to navigate CMH seamlessly.