CMH Rental Car Guide: John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Renting a car at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at CMH that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at CMH
Rental cars are at the CMH Rental Car Center, a separate building reached by free shuttles that run 24/7 from the terminal.
Follow the purple signs to the arrivals curb on the baggage claim level and board a purple shuttle to the Rental Car Center. On return, catch the shuttle back from the center's curbside.
CMH pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Customer facility charge $6.50 per rental day (per CMH's published fee schedule), plus Ohio and Franklin County taxes and any concession recovery fee your company passes on. Check your agreement for the current amounts.
That means a $50/day economy rental at CMH picks up $6.50/day in facility charges before taxes and other fees are added. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at CMH
CMH hosts 9 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Payless, Dollar and Thrifty (often lower base rates; compare the all-in total)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
CMH-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
CMH is east of downtown Columbus, so city branches are a short ride away, but the savings rarely cover the rideshare for short trips.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Easton and downtown branches can undercut airport rates for rentals of a week or more.
How to save the most at CMH
- Compare the all-in total. At CMH, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at CMH?
Follow the purple signs to the baggage claim curb and take the free 24/7 shuttle to the separate Rental Car Center.
What is the average rental car price at CMH?
There is no reliable average for CMH: prices change with season and spike on Ohio State home football weekends. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at CMH?
A $6.50 daily customer facility charge, Ohio and Franklin County taxes, and any concession recovery fee your company passes on.
Which rental car company is best at CMH?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, and Payless, Dollar and Thrifty often have lower base rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from CMH?
Rarely for short trips, since the rideshare eats the savings. Easton and downtown branches can win for a week or more.
Are there any quirks to renting at CMH?
Central Ohio has no toll roads, but book early for fall football weekends and leave time for the shuttle on return.