Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Columbus travel guide

Columbus Tourism | Columbus Guide

You're Going to Love Columbus

With a population of 44,061, Columbus is a must-see destination in Indiana, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Columbus deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Columbus

If you’re looking for affordable options, Blacksheep Pizza & Cocktails (319 Washington St) and Upland Brewing Co. - Columbus (148 Lindsey St) are great picks.

When to visit Columbus

Columbus in January
Estimated hotel price
$110
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbus in January
Estimated hotel price
$110
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Columbus in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 21.2 °F, with an average temperature of 28.4 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 5.3″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Columbus, with an average rainfall of 2.6″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Columbus

Plane

Although Columbus doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Indianapolis Airport (IND), which is located 41 miles from Columbus. Louisville Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Columbus departs from Tampa and takes around 2h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbus. The train journey from Columbus to Chicago takes 4h 54m and costs around $33 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Washington, D.C., expect to pay about $124 for a 18h 16m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbus is to pick up a car rental from Indianapolis, which is about 41 miles from Columbus. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Turo, among others, in Indianapolis.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbus, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Chicago, the bus ride to Columbus takes 220 miles and will cost you around $73. From Detroit, the ticket costs about $110 for a journey of 300 miles.

Plane

Although Columbus doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Indianapolis Airport (IND), which is located 41 miles from Columbus. Louisville Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Columbus departs from Tampa and takes around 2h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbus. The train journey from Columbus to Chicago takes 4h 54m and costs around $33 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Washington, D.C., expect to pay about $124 for a 18h 16m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbus is to pick up a car rental from Indianapolis, which is about 41 miles from Columbus. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Turo, among others, in Indianapolis.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbus, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Chicago, the bus ride to Columbus takes 220 miles and will cost you around $73. From Detroit, the ticket costs about $110 for a journey of 300 miles.

Airports near Columbus

SDFLouisville Intl
CVGCincinnati Cinci./N. Kentucky
INDIndianapolis

Airlines serving Columbus

Lufthansa
Good (7,046 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,844 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,933 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,791 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,701 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (781 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,697 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,216 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,251 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,972 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (967 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (769 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,076 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Columbus

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Super 8 by Wyndham Columbus/Edinburgh and Sleep Inn & Suites.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbus

Most booked hotels in Columbus

See all
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus, IN
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 280 reviews)
$159+
View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 787 reviews)
$94+
View
Sleep Inn & Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8, 535 reviews)
$89+
View
Super 8 by Wyndham Columbus/Edinburgh
2 stars
Excellent (8, 328 reviews)
$90+
View
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus IN
2 stars
Good (7.2, 621 reviews)
$90+
View
Red Roof Inn Columbus - Taylorsville
2 stars
Good (6.7, 326 reviews)
$79+
View

Renting a car in Columbus

Renting a car in Columbus costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 3% cheaper than airport locations in Columbus.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Columbus (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Columbus, while also 37% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Columbus costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 3% cheaper than airport locations in Columbus.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Columbus (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Columbus, while also 37% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Columbus

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$34/day

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$38/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Columbus

Columbus Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Columbus city guide for the best Columbus travel tips. To help you organize your Columbus trip ideas, this Columbus visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.