Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 50+ nonstop flights.
What to know
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
- Bonus: Enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to help speed up your time at security checkpoints.
The ColumbUS Mosaic is the most photographed “gateway” in the airport. | Photo by @columbusairport
Current airport updates
Construction began on the new $2 billion terminal project in December 2024. The new terminal will be able to serve 50% more passengers with 36 gates (there are currently 29). It will also feature one security checkpoint and a central plaza with restaurants, shops, and bars. Project completion is expected in 2029.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. CMH has plenty of parking options if you want to drive yourself. The price is as listed:
- Red long-term shuttle lot | $9/day
- Green long-term shuttle lot | $8/day
- Short term garage | $30/day
- Long term garage | $23/day
- Walking lot | $15/day
- Valet parking: $30/day
Because CMH only has one terminal, all of these parking options are within walking distance or a free shuttle ride to TSA and your gate.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out rideshare services like Lyft or Uber that will drop you off directly at your requested airline entrance. The rideshare pick-up location is located right outside of baggage claim.
Visit the Escape Lounge on Concourse B near Gate 32 for premium offerings like 7,000+ digital books. | Photo by @columbusairport
Nonstop flights
CMH offers 50+ nonstop flight destinations, including international flights to Toronto and Cancun. Here are a handful of nonstop flights to consider for your next trip.
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Los Angeles | American Airlines | Daily
- Cancun | American Airlines, Viva, Southwest Airlines | 3-4 times per week
- Salta Lake City | Delta | Daily
Food and drink
CMH is a hub of local eateries with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Eddie George’s Grill 27 | Concourse B | Menu highlights: Grab a local craft beer and try the street tacos or deep-fried cheeseburger.
- Donatos | Concourses A + C | Menu highlights: In addition to pizzas, try a salad or baked sub.
- Land-Grant Brewing Co. | Concourse B | Menu highlights: Sip on local brews like “Oh Sure” and “Lemon Glow.”
- Brew Dog | Concourse B | Menu highlights: Brew Dog’s first American airport bar features headliner brews and bar food like a giant soft pretzel and buffalo chicken bites.
- American Craft Tavern | Concourse C | Menu highlights: Grab a breakfast sandwich in the morning or cold craft beer in the afternoon at this Samuel Adams-themed bar.
