Getting In, Getting Around Columbus

Port Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH) is served by all the major airlines, with direct flights to most major American cities. Aside from rental cars, the airport can also be reached by the #92 bus, or by taxi. A taxi ride to downtown is only 10 minutes and will cost approximately $25. Depending on your schedule and where you are connecting to, it may be worthwhile to check flights to Dayton as well, as they are often cheaper.

Columbus is a day's drive from one half of the U.S. population. Major highways include I-71 & Rte. 315 (north and south), I-70 & I-670 (east and west), and the outer-belt, I-270. US Routes 33, 23, and 40 also converge downtown.


The COTA bus service can take you to most important places in the city, which should be about 5 blocks away from any conceivable location you need to go to. This service costs $2.00 for an express bus and $1.50 for a normal bus. Transfers are free; ask for one from the bus driver when you pay your fare.

The entire corridor of High Street (US Route 23) from Clintonville in the North to Merion Village in the South is extremely pedestrian-friendly, though it does pass through some less-than-scenic areas, particularly the few blocks between campus and the short north. Downtown Columbus is a walkable city with most attractions located within a 20 minute walk of each other. The Columbus Landmarks Foundation conducts walking tours, too.

True to the Midwest spirit, Columbus is built to be car-friendly. Parking is extensive (and reasonably priced) at almost all major destinations. Downtown is the only place where things may be a little tight. Try the parking beneath the City-Center Mall for reasonable day rates if you don't mind a short walk, or small independently-owned surface lots throughout the city.