KAYAK’s insights & trends for Columbus Airport car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Columbus Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Columbus Airport?
You should book your rental car in Columbus Airport around 5 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Columbus Airport?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Turo ($23.27/day), Alamo ($33.80/day) and Budget ($34.63/day).
What is the most popular rental car in Columbus Airport?
Rentals in the SUV category (Class Full-size SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Columbus Airport, costing $100/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $83/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbus Airport?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Columbus Airport is January at an average cost of $42/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Columbus Airport when prices are $58/day on average, which tends to be 18% above the yearly average rental price for Columbus Airport.
Columbus Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Columbus Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$47 - $67
All Car Types
$72 - $84
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Columbus Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Columbus Airport?
Small car rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $55 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $47 per day which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 30% cheaper than the average rental in Columbus Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $69 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $62 per day which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 12% cheaper than the average rental in Columbus Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $71 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $64 per day which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 9% cheaper than the average rental in Columbus Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $85 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $78 per day which is about 9% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 9% more expensive than the average rental in Columbus Airport, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $105 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $80 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 26% more expensive than the average rental in Columbus Airport, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $81 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $65 per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 4% more expensive than the average rental in Columbus Airport, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $91 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $85 per day which is about 7% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 15% more expensive than the average rental in Columbus Airport, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Columbus Airport typically cost around $94 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $71 per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 18% more expensive than the average rental in Columbus Airport, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Budget
Large
$81/day
$67/day
Top tips for renting a car at Columbus Airport
For a convenient trip from Columbus Airport (CMH) to downtown Columbus, consider taking a car rental at Columbus Airport. A Columbus Airport car rental has several advantages that other transport means cannot afford. First, your trip will be comfortable and convenient, unlike with taxis or public buses. You will also enjoy the flexibility of planning your own journey, and even if you want to stop and grab a bite, you’re free to do so.
If you’re not the only driver, notify your car rental provider before taking your car rental at Columbus Airport. Additional drivers are allowed for Columbus Airport car rentals. However, each other driver must pay a small fee a day and should meet the license and age requirements provided. A spouse or a domestic partner can be an additional driver, and no charge will be applied, but they must be present at the time of taking the rental.
Several types of cars are available for renting at Columbus Airport car rentals. From cheap economy rentals to big rugged pickup trucks, CMH car rentals have them all. A cheap economy rental should suffice for business travelers or couples on vacation. For a group of friends, you should find passenger van rentals or minivans also available at Columbus Airport car rentals, and for those looking for some style, there’s a fleet of luxury cars, including convertibles available.
The I-70 and I-71 are two of the busiest roads in Columbus and two roads that link CMH to other parts of the city. However, this means that they are two of the busiest roads during rush hour, between 7 and 9 am during the morning and 5 to 7 pm in the evenings. Plan your trips around these hours to avoid being stuck in traffic when picking or returning your Columbus Airport car rental.
25% of our users found rental cars at Columbus Airport for $72 or less
Book your rental car at Columbus Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car at Columbus Airport
What documentation will a foreign driver need to get a car rental at Columbus Airport?
If you’re visiting Columbus from a foreign nation and would like the convenience of driving yourself around town, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and a debit or credit card in your name. Your driver’s license should be in English or the Latin alphabet, but if not, an International Driving Permit will be required. Please note that the international permit on its own can’t be used to get a car rental at Columbus Airport and must always be accompanied by the driver’s license. Photocopies or pictures of your driver’s license, temporary permits, and learner’s permits are not accepted at the car rental counters at CMH.
Where are the car rental counters located at Columbus Airport?
Anyone who would like to drive off CMH in a car rental should head to the car rental desks located at the Arrivals area in the main terminal building. You should find several reputable car rental agencies offering different vehicles and rates, and you should pick one that best meets your needs. Once you’ve been given the keys to your rental, head to the ground floor of the multi-story parking building connected to the terminal building to pick up your rental car. This lot is the same one you will use for dropping off your Columbus Airport car rental.
How can I pay for car rentals at Columbus Airport?
CMH car rentals offer several means of payment for renters looking for vehicles. The most accepted payment method is by credit card with several major credit cards, including MasterCard, American Express, Visa, and Discover Network, accepted at rental desks at CMH. You can also opt to pay for your Columbus Airport car rental using a debit card, but this method has some restrictions. First, some companies require you to be at least 25 years old, and you’ll be subjected to a creditworthiness check before a deposit is placed. The other means of payment accepted are cash, money order, and prepaid cards, all of which are only taken when clearing up any balances remaining at the end of your rental agreement.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Columbus Airport?
On average a rental car at Columbus Airport costs $85 per day.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Columbus Airport?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Columbus Airport to off-airport locations include Budget, Alamo, Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Dollar, and National.
Easy process, decent cost, people were nice and helpful.
2.0 Poor
Alex, Jun 2025
Premium
Very bad
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Luxury
When I got there, they took it up charge me for fuel that was for an electric car at about $50. I refused and then they told me I could upgrade to a standard vehicle for $10 more. I declined and I went online and canceled my reservation on the phone before hand Reserving a vehicle to rent from Columbus airport to Cleveland airport. It was totaled $49 and then I got the bill and it was $447 and I filled out the gas right before I dropped it off and then on my bill it shows that the tank was not full and they charged me $9.99.a gallon Now I must also mention that they gave me a dirty car inside and out and it smelled like marijuana, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. I must also say that they charge me a $300 one-way fee that was not disclosed at the time of purchase and I went over all the aspects of the contract that the size of the vehicle, the price insurance and everything with the agent at the gate before I picked up the car so they basically switched everything in the contract and said that that’s what I reserved and then I do a chargeback and I’m Losing
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2025
Luxury
Completely rude, hire new people.
8.0 Very good
Aaron, Feb 2025
Luxury
Slow line at checkout
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Passenger van
There was one agent for Avis, Budget, and Payless, and even though I was #2 in line, it took me 20 minutes to see her. Then she told me the van I had reserved was not at that location, and that they would have to go get it. I didn't end up renting the van.
My rental was worry free accept for the debit card hold. That’s annoying, also my husband gives me. Card to make most purchases and I couldn’t use that. However, the car and service were great.
2.0 Poor
Elizabeth, Dec 2024
Intermediate SUV
Ran out of cars despite having a reservation. Had to wait over an hour. Staff were not very polite and car had dirt all over back seat. Drop off was simple which was the best part of the whole experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
Trying to submit lost & found report and no way to contact them and link sent from phone logic tree is invalid when selecting my return location.. calling the location directly results in being put on hold for 10 minutes and hung up on. Caling the corporate customer service live agent directed me to Avis website.. They are unreachable and it seems like its intentional.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate
Definitely a car that used by a smoker in the past.
10.0 Wonderful
Craig, Nov 2023
Economy
Easy to use!
2.0 Poor
John, Oct 2023
Standard SUV
The car smelled like stale cigarette smoke and didn’t seem very clean. I felt like I was borrowing somebodies car and not renting. The battery died while I was out with my family. Would not recommend Payless car rentals
Everything went smoothly only complaint I got is you guys don't take chime
6.0 Okay
Mike, Aug 2024
Full-size
Pickup (CMH) staff did not apologize for giving me a car with a dead battery and made it seem like it was my fault. Drop off (PHL) shuttle bus drivers did their best to avoid picking up passengers - a few of us had to walk to the terminal. Hertz used to be a premium brand - now they are just average.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size
You should remove the option for Ft Wayne airport return. Hertz is not at the airport - I had to ask the protocol from the other car rental companies that basically said “ this is hertz MO” to charge the extra fee. Thankfully I didn’t have a flight - just a return. Had to drive to a downtown location (closed) to return on time.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Hertz still charges an extra daily fee to add a spouse as an authorized driver. Luckily it looks like a lot of car rental companies are moving away from this, but it's ridiculous
8.0 Very good
Ellen, Nov 2021
There was an extra charge for a second (spouse) driver which I don’t think we have ever had from another company. When I looked back at the agreement it did mention additional charges for another driver but didn’t say what they were (13$/day). I would have looked at another rental company if I had been aware upfront (like, the info not buried in the middle of the rental agreement) as it did push the price much past the competition’s price. The car was nice, clean, etc.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
A little high priced fir a one day rental, otherwise clean car. No ‘cleaning product’ odor which was nice!
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Columbus Airport
Locations in Columbus Airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
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AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Columbus Airport
Locations in Columbus Airport
Columbus John Glenn International Airport
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Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Columbus Airport
Locations in Columbus Airport
4106 International Gateway
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VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Columbus Airport
Locations in Columbus Airport
4600 International Gateway, Columbus, , USA Ohio
+1 914 368 0091
Saturday
09:00 - 15:00
Sunday
09:00 - 15:00
Filters
No reviews available
215 travelers who rented a car in Columbus Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8
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