Last Updated on August 8, 2026 by Kristin
Flying into Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH) and need a rental car? Columbus’ airport is located about 6 miles from downtown, making it easy to get to attractions such as the Ohio State University campus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Columbus Zoo. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car from Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH).
Rental Cars at CMH Airport
Thanks to its one-terminal layout and rental car center, picking up a rental car at Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH) is straightforward. CMH has one terminal with 29 gates. The terminal is divided into three different concourses: A, B and C.
All nine on-site rental car options at Columbus’ airport are located in a 90,000-square-foot rental car center. Purple shuttles to the rental car center pass by the terminal 24/7, and the same buses will take you back to the airport after dropping off your vehicle.
After picking up any luggage from baggage claim, exit the airport and follow the purple signs to the shuttle waiting area. The area is located in the center median and denoted by purple columns. Hop on the next purple shuttle and you’ll be on your way to the rental car center.
Rental Return Tip: The Columbus airport is undergoing an extensive terminal construction project affecting traffic patterns near the airport. Check the Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH)’s official website for the status of road closures and be sure to allot extra time to return the vehicle before catching your flight.
Note that while some rental car companies may use different addresses, all on-site rental options are available at the same consolidated rental car center.
Alamo (844) 913-0739
Available Services: Alamo offers the option to select “Accelerated Check-In” online to skip the counter. After-hours returns and airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus. To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Alamo return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal. For after-hours returns, leave the keys in the vehicle.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am
Avis (380) 867-0002
Preferred Services: If you’re an Avis Preferred member, look for your name on the Preferred board in the rental car center to find your vehicle’s preassigned space. After-hours returns and airport shuttle service available. Agents stay until the last flight of the night.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus. To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Avis return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal. For after-hours returns, leave the keys in the dropbox.
Location Hours: 8 am-1 am
Budget (380) 867-0247
Preferred Services: Fastbreak service available. Once you reach the rental car facility, look for the Fastbreak kiosk and an agent will assist you.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus. To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Budget return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal. For after-hours returns, lock the car and put the keys and contract in the dropbox.
Location Hours: 8 am-1 am
Dollar (614) 918-7241
Return Location: 4600 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Dollar return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Location Hours: Sun-Thurs 5 am- 1 am; Fri 5 am-11:59 p.m.; Sat 5 am-1am
Enterprise (844) 913-0741
Preferred Services: Enterprise offers its Exotic Car Collection at Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH). After-hours returns available.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Enterprise return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am
Hertz (614) 918-7241
Available Services: Airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Hertz return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Location Hours: Sun-Thurs 5 am- 1 am; Fri 5 am-11:59 p.m.; Sat 5 am-1am
National (844) 913-0740
Preferred Services: After-hours return and Drop & Go services available. Emerald Club members can also skip the counter and pick their preferred vehicle from the Emerald Aisle.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the National return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal. For after-hours returns, leave keys in the vehicle.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am
Payless (380) 867-0978
Available Services: Airport shuttle service.
Return Location: 4106 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Payless return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Location Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 8 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat. 8 am-9 pm
Thrifty (614) 918-7241
Return Location: 4600 International Gateway, Columbus.To return the car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for rental car returns. Look for the Thrifty return lane and take the shuttle back to the terminal.
Location Hours: Sun-Thurs 5 am- 1 am; Fri 5 am-11:59 p.m.; Sat 5 am-1am
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