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John Glenn Columbus Layover Guide (CMH)

What are you looking for in CMH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Columbus Airport (CMH) is an international airport located in Columbus, Ohio. It’s situated about 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Columbus. The airport officially opened in 1929. Columbus is the capital and largest city in Ohio, known for its vibrant economy and diverse culture. It’s considered a great place to live and work, with a strong emphasis on innovation, education, and a growing arts and entertainment scene.

Can you leave Columbus Airport (CMH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may leave John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) during a layover if you have the entry documents. Re-entry requires passing U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection. U.S. citizens require no visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA. Other nationals must hold a valid U.S. visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• German Village A charming historic neighborhood with brick streets, boutiques, and cozy eateries offering authentic artisan experiences highlighting Columbus’s rich heritage, vibrant community spirit, seasonal events, garden tours, bookstores, and local crafts. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or COTA bus 21 to downtown then 10 min walk.)
• Ohio Statehouse An imposing Greek Revival building housing the Ohio General Assembly, offering free guided tours, interactive exhibits, and panoramic dome views immersing visitors in state history, politics, and stunning architectural craftsmanship. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or COTA bus 21 to Broad & High stop.)
• Short North Arts District A dynamic arts district with colorful murals, eclectic galleries, trendy boutiques, diverse eateries, and vibrant nightlife showcasing local talent, unique crafts, creative events, and an inclusive atmosphere celebrating Columbusian culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or COTA bus 21 to High & Lynn stop.)
• Columbus Commons A beautifully landscaped urban park with fountains, winding paths, seasonal gardens, live music performances, fitness classes, food trucks, community events providing a serene oasis in the heart of downtown Columbus. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or COTA bus 21 to Town & Front stop.)
• COSI A hands-on science center featuring interactive exhibits, live planetarium shows, immersive simulations, and educational demonstrations inspiring curiosity across ages and exploring themes from space exploration to technological innovation and discovery. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or COTA bus 21 to Henry & Rich stop.)
• Franklin Park Conservatory An exquisite botanical garden housed in historic glasshouses showcasing diverse plant collections, seasonal art installations, butterfly exhibits, educational workshops, outdoor trails blending horticulture with artistic expression, conservation programs, family activities. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or COTA bus 2 to Bryden & Franklin Pkwy stop.)
• Easton Town Center A premier outdoor shopping entertainment complex featuring upscale retailers, diverse dining options, family-friendly trendy cafés, live music venues, boutique shops, seasonal events, scenic pedestrian plazas offering a vibrant leisure destination. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or COTA bus 102 to Easton stop.)
• Scioto Mile A scenic riverfront park system with paved trails, interactive fountains, public art installations, kayak launches, picnic spots, and skyline views providing a refreshing urban retreat along the Scioto River corridor. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or COTA bus 21 to Civic Center Dr stop.)

Things to Do in Columbus Airport (CMH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Columbus Airport offers a single Admiral Clubs lounge post-security for Admirals Club members and eligible travelers; it features comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, workstations and flight monitors. A quiet seating area near Gate C16 provides a more peaceful atmosphere for reading or napping without formal lounge access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
An on-site Hilton Garden Inn is connected via pedestrian walkway, providing day-use rooms and overnight stays. Several nearby hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles, including Hyatt Place and Residence Inn. For budget options, book day-use rooms for short rests or overnight stays; shuttle service operates every 30–60 minutes. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated rest zones near Gates A16 and C16 feature lounge-style seating and dimmable lighting. Some travelers report success napping in row seating with armrests removed. The airport is open 24/7, but restroom and security checkpoint hours vary. Bring a travel pillow and eye mask for added comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: CMH provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply select the “CMH Free Wi-Fi” network and accept the terms. No password is required. Speeds support streaming, video conferencing and basic browsing. Charging stations and power outlets are available near most gate seating areas to keep devices powered.

SIM/eSIM Card: For international travelers, SIM cards aren’t sold on site. Purchase SIM or eSIM plans at Columbus downtown shops or order eSIM online before arrival for immediate activation. Major U.S. carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer prepaid plans with nationwide coverage; kiosks at John Glenn Columbus International are limited to vending machines. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A licensed taxi stand operates outside of baggage claim. Standard flat rates apply to central Columbus destinations, with higher fees for Uber/Lyft surge times. Licensed drivers accept credit cards. Prepaid vouchers can be arranged at information desks. Expect wait times of 5–10 minutes during off-peak hours and 15–20 minutes during peak periods.

Train: There is no direct rail service to CMH. Amtrak services run from Columbus Union Station downtown, approximately a 15-minute drive away; taxis or ride-shares connect travelers to trains. For schedules and reservations visit more info.

Bus: Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates Route 10 from CMH to downtown Columbus weekdays. Buses run every 30 minutes, with extended hours during events. Purchase passes via the COTA app or on board. For routes, schedules and fares visit more info.

Shuttle: Several hotel shuttles operate 24/7 between the terminal and nearby accommodations. Look for shuttle pickup signs outside baggage claim. SuperShuttle and Go Airport Express offer advance reservations. Shuttles drop off at most major downtown hotels; complimentary options run every 20–40 minutes depending on property and time of day.

Car rentals: All major car rental companies have counters on the lower level of the terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Vehicles are parked onsite in the Rental Car Center, accessible by shuttle. Reservations are recommended during peak travel periods. One-way rentals to other cities incur additional fees. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: CMH offers short-term parking in the Garage A adjacent to the terminal and long-term parking lots B and C with shuttle service. Daily and hourly rates apply. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in Garage A. Online reservations secure lower rates; discounts apply for stays over five days.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage or locker service within CMH. Travelers can use bell services at the Hilton Garden Inn or downtown Columbus luggage storage providers. Otherwise, plan to carry bags through the terminal or arrange hotel early check-in or late-check-out for temporary storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Columbus Airport (CMH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks