There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Columbus into a quick city adventure. From CMH, the COTA AirConnect Bus can get you into town in around 70 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of CMH:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by COTA AirConnect Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting from CMH to Columbus
You have two main options for getting from John Glenn Columbus International Airport into town:
- COTA AirConnect Bus: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Columbus might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Columbus.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage is available at Not available due to security regulations at most US airports.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Columbus.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Columbus, here are two things worth checking out:
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Short North Arts District is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CMH, check out Escape Lounge, The Centurion Studio Partner or CMH Airport Art Program to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
In Columbus
If you make it into town, North Market Downtown is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace.
Inside CMH
If you’re staying in the terminal, Eddie George’s Grille 27 is your main option. Max & Erma’s works too if you want something quick.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CMH
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CMH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CMH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Columbus itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Columbus with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Columbus may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.