John Glenn Columbus International Airport Guide (2024)

Named for notable Ohio native son and astronaut John Glenn, the Columbus airport skillfully services 20,000 air travelers each day as they pass through the country’s 14th largest city. Formerly known as Port Columbus and originally opened in 1929, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport relaunched in 2016 with updated facilities, new restaurants, and modernized services.Together with the Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) passenger terminal, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) facilitates approximately 160 daily departures to nearly 50 destinations (40 nonstop) on a number of regional, national and international carriers.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport Code, Location, and Contact Info:

• Airport Code: CMH
• Address: 4600 International Gateway Columbus, OH 43219. The airport is located 7 miles east of downtown Columbus and north of Whitehall.
• Phone number: (614) 239-4000
• Website: https://flycolumbus.com
• Flight Tracker: https://flightaware.com/live/airport/KCMH
• Terminal Maps: https://flycolumbus.com/at-the-airport/terminal-maps

Know Before You Go

The John Glenn Columbus International Airport debuted a fresh new look and services when the facility was renovated in 2016 and renamed in honor of the Ohio native aviator and astronaut.

The airport now welcomes travelers through a breezy gateway area with skylights and terrazzo flooring, and also boasts new ticket counters, art installations, modernized seating/workstations with Wifi, and an expanded selection of on-site restaurants. Additionally, airport management partners with local businesses to showcase the industries that make Columbus run with informative displays throughout the terminal.

The three jet concourses branching off from an airy centralized ticket lobby are populated with a diverse variety of restaurants and shops along with ATMs, accessible restrooms, private spaces for nursing mothers, an interfaith meditation room, and designated pet relief areas. Strategically positioned video banks across the facility keep visitors up to date as to arrivals and departures. The airport also works to provide special-needs travelers with services like handicapped-accessible parking, wheelchairs, Braille signage, Aira service for the visually impaired, and visual paging displays for the hearing-impaired.

The Rickenbacker International Airport passenger terminal accommodates cargo carriers and Allegiant Airlines, transporting air travelers to 10 scheduled destinations. Together, the two airports are working hard to support continued economic growth in the greater Columbus metro region 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

The airport offers a number of convenient parking options for travelers and visitors, from short-term hourly spaces, valet, garages and long-term lots with shuttles that operate 24 hours a day. Complimentary parking space is available for bicycles, but the airport does not currently provide motorcycle parking.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Parking Garage:Intended for stays of 24 hours or less, short-term parking is available on level four of the on-site garage within easy walking distance to the terminal in a facility that includes elevators and handicapped-accessible spaces. Rates are $5 for the first hour and $3 for each additional hour with a $30 maximum for a 24-hour period. Nearly 3,000 long-term garage spaces are also available on levels three to six at the same hourly rates 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: For trips and stays longer than 24 hours, the airport provides three long-term parking lots serviced by shuttle buses that transport travelers between stations and the terminal. The Blue lot offers the added advantage of covered spaces ($10 covered and $9 uncovered for 24 hours). Further out, the Red ($7 for 24 hours) and Green ($5 for 24 hours) lots are uncovered. A monitoring service allows passengers to check spaces and capacity in each lot online to see what’s available before they head to the airport.
• Walking Lot: For travelers who want to log some steps before boarding or stretch their legs after a long flight, the airport’s newest Walking Lot sits between the parking garages and the Fairfield Inn and Suites. 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? Let someone else take care of the parking with premium valet service on the main terminal’s ticketing level, offered 24/7. Rates are $10 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour with a $24 maximum for 24 hours (tips not included).
• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: If you’re picking up someone from the airport and don't want to pay to park, you can cool your heels in the free cell phone lot, then zip 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 Columbus visitors prefer to rent a car from any number of agencies on the ground floor of the airport parking garage so they can have their own wheels ready on demand. However, it is entirely possible to get around the city using public transportation and rideshares, especially in the spring, summer, and fall when the weather’s nice.

• Public Transportation:The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs direct bus service between the airport and Downtown Columbus for just $2.75 one way. The airport bus stop is located next to the taxi station with busses running every 30 minutes. Once downtown, the free-to-ride CBUS connects downtown Columbus to the Brewery District and the Short North Arts District.
• Taxis, Shuttles, Limos, and Rideshares:Taxi service and rideshares are plentiful in Columbus, meeting airport travelers at any hour of the day or night on the ground level of the main terminal. Rideshare rates vary depending on real-time demand; the average rate for a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Columbus hovers around $25. Limos, shuttles and charter buses present additional options to consider.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Columbus airport maintains a wide collection of eateries and bars from Charley’s Philly Steaks, Bob Evans Express, Wolfgang Puck’s Gourmet Express and hometown favorite Max & Erma’s to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Chili’s Too, Donato’s Pizza, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and of course, Starbucks Coffee. Relax with a glass of red or white at Vino Volo, or sip a pint of local craft beer at Land-Grant Brewing Co.

Shopping in John Glenn Columbus International Airport

The PGA Tour Shop caters to duffers of all skill levels, and Short North Marketplace carries lots of tasty Columbus-made souvenirs and gifts. If you really need to unwind before or after a flight, stop in the Massage Bar in Concourse B for a heavenly 10, 15, or 30-minute break.

Airport Lounges

Filled with photos, art, and other memorabilia, the Legacy of Leadership Lounges detail the history of the Columbus International Airport.

The Jake Brewer USO Lounge near Concourse C provides a comfortable, private respite for members of the military and their families.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

The Columbus airport keeps travelers connected with complimentary Wi-Fi via a dedicated guest network, and offers power outlets and charging stations strategically located across the entire facility.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport Tips & Facts

• The Columbus Airport originally opened in 1929 and was renovated and renamed the John Glenn Columbus International Airport in 2016.
  Three concourses plus the Rickenbacker terminal facilitate approximately 160 departures to nearly 50 destinations each day.
  Roy Lichtenstein’s colorful “Brushstrokes in Flight” sculpture was installed here in 1984.
  A 13-foot memorial in the atrium topped with a bronze eagle proudly honors our nation’s veterans.
• At the Concourse B checkpoint, a series of six pylons offers a history lesson on Ohio’s most notable aviators and astronauts.
• Nursing mothers can find private breastfeeding rooms in each concourse and at baggage claim.
• A number of services are available to special-needs travelers, including wheelchairs, handicapped-accessible parking and restrooms, Braille signage, and visual paging for the hearing-impaired.