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Getting from Columbus airport to Downtown

Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Home to one of the most prestigious universities in the country, Ohio State University, the city has also earned a reputation for its diverse neighbourhoods such as the historic German Village, the beautiful parks and trendy restaurants. What is more, as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the Midwest, Columbus has left its agricultural past behind and paved the way for a bright new future.

When it comes to getting from Columbus airport to downtown, there are two different transportation options, all depending on your time schedule and budget: the fastest option is to hop on a taxi and the cheapest one is to take the local bus. Taking a Columbus Airport Taxi is by far the most convenient way to get to the downtown area, as it reaches the centre in merely 10 minutes. At the same time, the bus is a slower but cost-efficient alternative, as it covers the same distance from the airport for just $2 (€2).

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Columbus at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €26 10min 24/7
Bus €4 50min 05:58–22:03

How to get from Columbus Airport to Downtown by Taxi

The most trouble-free way to get from Columbus airport to downtown Columbus is by hopping on a fast and reliable taxi. The total time for your shuttle downtown is just 10 minutes in light traffic, and the cost will be approximately $26 (€26).

Taxi Fare from Columbus Airport to Downtown

The distance from Columbus airport to downtown is 13 kilometres so the average ride lasts about 10 minutes. Passengers can expect a minimum fare of $26 (€26) for a downtown shuttle in a standard taxi from Columbus airport’s taxi rank. Kindly keep in mind that Columbus cabs do not offer pre-set tariffs, instead, they use a taximeter to determine the final price for your journey. Depending on the traffic conditions, the distance to your exact destination, your chosen taxi provider and other applicable surcharges, fares may vary. For that reason, pre-booking your transportation from Columbus airport to downtown is guaranteed to offer you security and extra peace of mind when planning your trip.

Cost

$26 (€26)

Trip Duration

10 minutes

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Columbus Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Columbus taxis are yellow and are parked outside the terminal area at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Just look out for the long line of vehicles and enter the first taxi.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is hands-down the most comfortable option for your transportation from Columbus airport to downtown. You may have to travel during the winter or summer months, but, thanks to your private vehicle, you won’t have to wait outside for the bus to arrive or worry about the safety of your luggage during your shuttle. Instead, you will be transferred directly to the door of your hotel in just 10 minutes in a comfortable and cosy cab.

Editor’s Note

US taxis expect at least a 10% tip for their services. If a driver has gone far and beyond for you, you can even tip up to 20% for the extra effort.

Useful Tips

We recommend booking your taxi in advance to secure a pre-set fare for your ride.
Ensure your driver starts the taximeter after you get in the taxi to avoid being overcharged.

How to get from Columbus Airport to Downtown by Bus

There is a bus route available for travellers on a budget that covers the distance from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to downtown Columbus in about 50 minutes. Bus 7 leaves from the stop “Airport Baggage Claim” at Columbus airport and takes you to the city centre for the price of $2 (€2). Unfortunately, although this route has a higher frequency for other stops, it only passes from the airport station once every 60 minutes.

Bus Fare from Columbus Airport to Downtown

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Columbus airport to downtown Columbus is really low, at only $2 (€2).  The Central Ohio Transit Authority has also established a discount price ($1 (€1)) for certain passenger groups, such as seniors, veterans and those on income assistance. Moreover, travellers with an ADA card or on a transfer get to travel for free. Undoubtedly, Bus 7 constitutes the cheapest option for your transportation from Columbus airport to downtown.

Cost

$2 (€2)

Trip Duration

50 minutes

*There's a waiting time of up to one hour for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Bus 7 operates 7 days a week, from approximately 05:58 until 22:03.

Where do I get the bus from?

Route 7 leaves from the bus stop “Airport Baggage Claim” at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in the direction “7 Mount Vernon to Downtown” every one hour or so. Once on board, you will stay on the same vehicle for 58 stops and get off at the station “W Broad St & S Front St”. Then all you need to do is walk for around 7 minutes and you will be able to reach the downtown area in Columbus.

Convenience

Although a great budget alternative, taking Route 7 can be tedious, especially when travelling in a larger group or with younger children. The ride can be extremely long and the bus only passes by the station every 60 minutes or so. Due to its low frequency and extended travel duration, this option is not recommended to passengers who prefer a swift shuttle downtown. Moreover, if you are looking for door-to-door transportation, the bus is not a good fit, as you will need to walk or find another way to get to your hotel once you get off at your nearest stop.

Timetables

Editor’s Note

Children under 4 and 5-12 years old benefit from a discount ($1 (€1)).

Useful Tips

Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival to avoid missing the bus.
Travellers who plan to travel a lot by public transport or stay in Columbus longer can buy a standard or a 31-day Day Pass.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Columbus airport to downtown?

There are two available options for your transportation from Columbus airport to downtown; taxi or bus. A ride with a Columbus Airport Taxi will take around 10 minutes to complete for a fare of $26 (€26), while the bus ride, which lasts approximately 50 minutes, will cost you only $2 (€2) per traveller.

What’s the distance from Columbus airport to downtown Columbus?

The total distance from Columbus airport to downtown Columbus is 13 kilometres and there are overall two transportation options you can choose from; one is to get a taxi and the other is to hop on Bus 7. A taxi ride lasts only 10 minutes, while the journey by bus takes approximately 50 minutes.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Columbus airport to downtown?

Travellers can expect to pay at least $26 (€26) to get from Columbus airport to the downtown area in a standard taxi. Kindly keep in mind that Columbus cabs do not offer pre-set fares but instead use a taximeter to determine the final tariff. If what you are looking for is pre-set prices, pre-booking your Columbus airport to downtown taxi to reach your accommodation is a guaranteed way to ensure you are stress-free when planning your vacation in Columbus.

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