Car rental at Columbus Airport

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Cheap car rentals at Columbus Airport

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Kia Rio car
Kia Rio
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$36/day
Kia Soul car
Kia Soul
or similar SMALL
4
2
2/4
$39/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
$39/day
Ford Fusion car
Ford Fusion
or similar LARGE
5
2
4-5
$41/day
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
$58/day
Toyota Highlander car
Toyota Highlander
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$61/day
Lincoln Continental car
Lincoln Continental
or similar LUXURY
5
5
4-5
$30/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$39/day
Jeep Cherokee car
Jeep Cherokee
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$44/day
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$48/day
Cadillac XT5 car
Cadillac XT5
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$75/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

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 $59 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 $73 per day.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company at Columbus Airport?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Payless ($39/day), Hertz ($40/day) and Thrifty ($43/day).

  • What is the best rental car company at Columbus Airport?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company at Columbus Airport is Budget (6.3, 77 reviews).

  • 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 Thrifty, Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and National.

Columbus Airport car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.5

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$56/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 614 239 1084

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

6.0 Okay

Mike, Aug 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
A little high priced fir a one day rental, otherwise clean car. No ‘cleaning product’ odor which was nice!

8.0 Very good

Tom, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff didn't seem overly friendly but were helpful enough. They failed to mention their return method at this location which caused a little confusion when I returned the car.

Cons:

I felt that they should have clearly explained their return method (or at least mentioned it).

1 out of 7

Budget

Best rated

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.1

Value for money

6.0

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$55/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 380 867 0247

Monday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Susan, Sep 2024

Compact

KAYAK
They gave me a huge van which had terrible gas mileage of course. Not similar to what I had booked. The agent didn’t mention what car and by the time I arrived at the lot to find it, I didn’t want to go back in, up the stairs with luggage and try to complain. It was a waste of money and I didn’t want to drive this mini bus around for my rental purposes.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
Car was really clean and comfortable 👌

6.0 Okay

DONNA, Aug 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
The car was dirty had garbage inside the Drivers door. The windows were all dusty and not clear. It was hard to see for nighttime pick up.

8.0 Very good

Henry, Apr 2024

Compact

KAYAK
The main focus is the airport , there aren’t many non-airport locations.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Drop off was easy and gentleman was nice. Pick up in CMH took forever and vehicle was dirty with bald tires. It wasn't worth it to spend another 45 minutes in line to get a new vehicle. Guy behind the counter in CMH was trying to con everyone into insurance and other add-ons which is what caused a 45 minute way for a line of 3 customers.

10.0 Wonderful

MaryJ, Mar 2024

Pickup truck

KAYAK
It was the most organized rental experience I’ve ever had. They are on point . From the counter to the drop off their customer service is outstanding. I wish more rental companies got it right like they have. A+ experience thank y’all so much !

1 out of 19

Payless

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.9

Value for money

6.5

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$45/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 380 867 0978

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Definitely a car that used by a smoker in the past.

10.0 Wonderful

Craig, Nov 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Easy to use!

2.0 Poor

John, Oct 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
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

10.0 Wonderful

Gary, Oct 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Amazing car and easy drop off.

1 out of 13

National

8.2

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.8

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$73/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 844 913 0740

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Nothing needs to b changeg as far as I can see.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
You guys have taken care of me every single time.man if your service gets any better I’ll be in total disbelief

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Always fast an speedy,vehicles always clean.customer service awesome

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Poorest management and the stuff needs more training

3.2 Poor

Crystal, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I reserved a Tahoe or equivalent but they gave me a Tacome truck with less space. The wait to check in and get vehicle was over an hour wait. The truck was dirty: the previous user had a dog in it and there was hair everywhere. The window have finger smudges on all of them and there was fish scales in the tail bed. I was definitely a lack luster experience.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2022

KAYAK
Customer services was top notch. Andrea from National was great - very friendly and gave her business card in the event anything went wrong. Pick up and drop off were both easy and enjoyable.

1 out of 4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.1

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.8

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$67/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 844 913 0741

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59
View deals

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
They gave me the smallest car in the lot. Constant text and email about car and returning it. The messages were annoying and unnecessary.

8.0 Very good

Tiffany, May 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
Overall outstanding, friendly, fast service.

2.0 Poor

Syed, May 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
The lady at time of pick up was very rude

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Easy, clean and the car I rented was new, did not have smoker's smell.

2.0 Poor

Melanie, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

No. I was sent back and forth and one manager openly derided one of his coworkers.

Cons:

They could work as a single unit. It seemed like I was dealing with two separate companies.

6.4 Okay

Jennifer, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

People were nice, even if not Covid-19 safe.

Cons:

Had to check at three different rental car checkpoints before finding someone with the Enterprise group that could give us our rental car. Person who got our car wasn’t wearing a Covid-19 mask over her nose, and I had to touch the computer to finish. Lastly, the Ford we rented had a terrible navigation and audio interface, both of which were dangerous to use.

1 out of 5

Alamo

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

7.6

One location in Columbus Airport

Show locations
from$67/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 844 913 0739

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59
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Reviews

6.0 Okay

Robert, Apr 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Cars were not readily available in Columbus Had to wait 15-20 to get a car after check in process

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Minivan

KAYAK
It was great

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
It was perfect! Don’t change anything!

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff did a very nice job

Cons:

Car had been smoked in The odor became overwhelming during the rental

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick up and drop off were very easy.

6.0 Okay

Bariki, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I was not given clear direction to where to go pick up. I was in the garage for over 20min looking. After locating a person he pointed me to a vehicle that didnt have any keys... frustrated at this point i walk back to the booth and demand they get the van and bring it. That took forever.

Cons:

Have an attendant on hand. It SHOULD NEVER BE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND THE VEHICLE

1 out of 7

Avis

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.9

Value for money

7.1

One location in Columbus Airport

from$51/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 380 867 0002

Monday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
G Old

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
The worst customer service ever from start to fighting finish!

10.0 Wonderful

Didier, Sep 2023

Standard

KAYAK
not to wait 35" at the counter before Ito get my car...

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Long line at checkin and very few cars. Mostly vans and trucks. Car was dirty and had greasy stains on all the touch points. That said, everyone I dealt with was friendly. Drop off in Pittsburgh was great.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
Quick and easy

8.0 Very good

Arlan, Mar 2023

Standard

KAYAK
The pickup was a little slow because only one person was working. But the drop off was very easy.

Dollar

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.9

One location in Columbus Airport

from$59/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 614 239 1084

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was not there at the time of my pick up no help on the phone when I called dollar corporate services. Staff was late opening on the second day when I went back to get my car. Not wearing facemask. Very bad experience!

Cons:

Communications between dollar rental and carrentals.com, through who I made my reservation. More punctual and professional help both at the counter in person as well as online is needed.

2.0 Poor

Bonnie, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. They closed before 6 pm, my flight was late. No car to pick up. Rip-off.

Cons:

They could make provisions for early evening pickup. Ie 6 pm

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

We made a “reservation” for a Suburban. When we got there all they had left was a little 4 door car. We have 7 people in our family so that wouldn’t work. The man working was nice enough, but he told us when you reserve with a lower cost rental company it’s hit or miss. Sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you don’t. He showed us a long list of people he had to call to tell them they didn’t have any cars available. I would not recommend renting from Dollar because there NO GUARANTEE that you’ll get what you reserve, or any car for that matter!

2.0 Poor

Jessica, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They should have notified us that they close at 2pm and that, they would not be able to rent us a car. Their sign says go upstairs to the 2nd floor and someone will help you. Then upstairs it says we close at 2pm. So we had to pay double what our original reservation was and book with Hertz there on the spot.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

I booked a car at 7 pm. I reached at 7:30pm. Noone was there .

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

didn't pick up car - mom got corona 2 days before christmas and was unable to cancel. thanks priceline, won't be going through you anymore.

Cons:

not going through priceline

Thrifty

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.2

One location in Columbus Airport

from$51/day

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

+1 614 239 1084

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

Filters

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Whole process smooth

Cons:

Line at desk to check car out

10.0 Wonderful

S, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

easiest/fastest rental and return I have ever had!

Cons:

nothing

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

There was no refund on the rental, even though the charge was fraudulent. It caused me to have to manage the situation with my bank.

5.2 Fair

Anonymous, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was ok----Ford Eco Sport

Cons:

The Thrifty location was farthest from terminal. The staff was occupied with one customer. The wait was long. The attendant did not know how to open the back of SUV. Therebwas no one there when the car was returned---not a single person and they were aware fo when I was returning. Thrify is cheap for a reason!

2.0 Poor

lester, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

If I would hv got my car. Putting my money back in my account. Trying to get them back on the phone.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I never got the rental. I got to the airport and they stated I needed a major credit card. I canceled the rental car and You still kept my money. I want that taken off my debit card asap

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Columbus Airport

Locations in Columbus Airport

John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Columbus Airport

Locations in Columbus Airport

Columbus John Glenn International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Columbus Airport

Locations in Columbus Airport

4106 International Gateway

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

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

Saturday09:00 - 15:00
Sunday09:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

2358 travelers who rented a car in Columbus Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car rental locations at Columbus Airport

Good to know

Most popular agency

Payless

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$69/day

Good deal

$56/day

Car Rental CMH: Flying into Columbus Airport? Find the cheapest Columbus Airport car rental now with KAYAK. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best rental car deal at Columbus Airport.

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