Cruising Around Columbus: Your Transportation Guide

Getting around is always a concern for anyone visiting an unfamiliar city. Luckily, transportation isn't too much of a problem in Columbus, thanks to an easily drivable—and for that matter, walkable—downtown and an extensive public transportation system. This Columbus travel guide will make it as simple as can be if you're wondering how to get from Point A to Point B in the city. So, you’ll have time to focus on more important things, like enjoying all the amazing attractions in Ohio’s state capital.

Getting There

You have a lot of options when it comes to getting into Columbus. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport, is served by most of the major airlines. So, you can get a flight to Columbus from most major American cities. Columbus also has a centrally located Greyhound Station right downtown. If you prefer to drive to Columbus, Interstate 70 enters the city from the east and west, and Interstate 71 enters from the north and south.

Public Transportation

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides reliable bus service throughout the city. A COTA AirConnect route also provides direct bus service between John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Downtown Columbus. State Routes 52 and 92 serve the airport as well. COTA provides routes to and from areas all over the city and surrounding communities. Your best option is COTA's CBUS if you want to explore the city on a budget. It provides transportation free of charge from the Brewery District through Downtown and to Short North every 10 to 15 minutes, seven days a week.

Car Services and Rentals

Several major car services are available in Columbus, including Uber, Car2Go, Lyft and Yellow Cab. The city is home to hundreds of taxicabs, and it's usually fairly easy to find one if you're Downtown. Taxis are available 24 hours a day at John Glenn Columbus International Airport without a reservation, and you can also use one of several on-site car rental agencies at the airport.

Driving in Columbus

Columbus is a fairly drivable city. High Street bisects Downtown from north to south, and Broad Street does the same from east to west. Interstate 270, also known as the Outerbelt, provides an easy route to outlying areas. Parking is reasonably priced in most areas and relatively easy to find. Street parking, surface lots and garages are all available downtown.

Walking and Biking

While you certainly have your choice of transportation services, Columbus, Ohio is also a highly walkable city. This is especially true of the Downtown area where few attractions are more than a 20-minute walk from each other. Bike lanes are also available, and the parks and trails along the downtown riverfront also provide a route to get around by foot or by bike. The CoGo network operates a bike share program that includes more than 300 bikes and 40 bike stations throughout downtown Columbus and nearby neighborhoods.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Columbus.