Renting a car at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) runs through a dedicated Rental Car Center served by nine major companies. It’s a short shuttle ride from the terminal — here’s exactly where to go, who rents there, the center’s hours, and tips to get on the road fast.
Where Is the CMH Rental Car Center?
The Rental Car Center is a standalone facility a few minutes from the terminal — you can’t walk to it. After collecting your bags on the arrivals (lower) level, head outside to the ground transportation area and look for the rental car shuttle buses (follow the purple rental-car wayfinding signs). The shuttle runs regularly between the terminal and the center, so you’re typically on your way within minutes. All pickups and returns happen at the center itself, not at the terminal curb.
Rental Car Companies at CMH
Nine rental companies operate out of the CMH Rental Car Center:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
The lineup covers the full range from budget (Payless, Thrifty, Dollar) to business-travel staples (Hertz, Avis, National, Enterprise). Booking in advance — especially for SUVs, minivans, or holiday weekends — gets you better rates and guarantees the vehicle class you want.
Rental Car Center Hours
The CMH Rental Car Center is listed as open 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily. If your flight lands outside those hours, confirm after-hours pickup and return procedures with your rental company before you travel — most companies have key-drop boxes for late returns, but pickup after closing usually needs advance arrangement.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
- Bring the essentials: driver’s license, the credit card used for booking, and your confirmation number. Most companies require renters to be 25+, and debit-card rentals typically face extra verification and holds.
- Join the loyalty program before you arrive. Free programs like Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club, or Avis Preferred let you skip the counter entirely at many locations.
- Inspect the car before leaving. Walk around it, photograph any existing scratches or dings, and check the fuel level against your agreement.
- Ask about tolls. Columbus-area toll roads are limited, but if you’re driving to other Ohio cities, ask whether the car has a toll transponder and what the daily fee is.
- Plan your exit. The center sits just off International Gateway with quick access to I-670 — downtown Columbus is about 6 miles (roughly 10–15 minutes) west.
Returning Your Rental Car
Allow extra time on return day: ride the shuttle back from the Rental Car Center to the terminal, then walk to check-in and security. Refuel near the airport before returning unless you prepaid for fuel — the per-gallon rate rental companies charge is almost always higher than the gas station’s. Keep your return receipt until the final charge posts to your card, in case of toll or damage disputes.
Tips for Renting a Car at CMH
- Compare all nine companies. Prices at CMH vary widely by company and date — a two-minute comparison can save $20+ per day.
- Watch for the shuttle, not the curb. Rental pickups don’t happen at the terminal — you must take the shuttle to the Rental Car Center.
- Traveling for Ohio State game day or a convention? Book early. Big Columbus weekends drain the airport fleet fast.
- Need a different way into the city? Compare costs with Uber, Lyft, COTA buses, and taxis in our CMH transportation guide — for a short downtown stay, rideshares can beat a multi-day rental.
Keep planning: CMH parking guide · Columbus Airport Guide for every CMH guide in one place
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