John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): The Complete Guide

CMH Airport Overview

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) serves Ohio's state capital and the greater Columbus metropolitan area, which is home to about 2 million people. Named for astronaut and Ohio senator John Glenn, the airport handles around 8 million passengers per year with nonstop service to major domestic hubs and select international destinations. Columbus is served by all major US carriers, making it well-connected despite its mid-size footprint.

CMH is a compact and efficient airport with a single main terminal and three departure concourses. Security lines move quickly compared to many larger airports, and the layout is intuitive. One important note: each concourse has its own security checkpoint, meaning you must enter the correct one for your airline.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

The main terminal has two levels — upper for departures and lower for arrivals. Three departure concourses (A, B, and C) radiate from the terminal, each with its own security checkpoint.

Concourse A (7 gates)

Concourse A is the smallest concourse with 7 gates, primarily serving Southwest Airlines. Southwest passengers should head directly to Concourse A's dedicated security checkpoint.

Concourse B (16 gates)

Concourse B is the largest concourse with 16 gates, hosting American Airlines, Air Canada, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. This is the busiest concourse at CMH from an airline variety standpoint.

Concourse C (11 gates)

Concourse C has 11 gates serving Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Importantly, Concourse C also houses the customs facilities for non-pre-cleared international flights. International arrivals connecting through CMH will process through Concourse C.

Airlines at CMH

CMH serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Air Canada. Nonstop international service to Montreal begins in May 2026, adding to the airport's modest but growing international presence.

Getting To and From CMH

COTA Bus

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) serves CMH with Route 7, stopping at International Gateway/Sawyer Road and outside baggage claim. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes Monday through Friday and hourly on weekends, connecting to downtown Columbus and beyond. This is the cheapest option but significantly slower than rideshare.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up outside the baggage claim area. Downtown Columbus is about 15 to 20 minutes and $20 to $30. Ohio State University campus and Short North are 15 to 20 minutes and $20 to $30. Dublin and the northwest suburbs are 20 to 25 minutes and $25 to $35. German Village and the Victorian Village are about 15 to 20 minutes and $20 to $30.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at CMH. The rental facility is accessible from the main terminal. A rental car is useful for exploring central Ohio, visiting Ohio State, and reaching destinations in the surrounding region that are not served by transit.

Parking

CMH has terminal-adjacent garages and economy surface lots. Daily garage rates run $20 to $24. The Green Shuttle lot (3256 E 17th Ave.) and Red Shuttle lot (3795 International Gateway) both provide shuttle service every 15 to 18 minutes, with rates of $12 to $15 per day. Book economy parking in advance around Ohio State home football games and major Columbus events.

Lounges

CMH does not currently have traditional airline club lounges. No Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, or United Club operates at this airport. Priority Pass holders should check their network for any available options.

Dining and Shopping

CMH has a solid dining lineup with some local Columbus representation.

• Lindey's Kitchen — An outpost of the beloved Columbus restaurant serving American comfort food with Ohio ingredients.
• Schmidt's Sausage Haus — A Columbus German Village institution since 1886. Bratwurst, cream puffs, and authentic German fare in the airport. One of the most uniquely local airport food experiences in Ohio.
• Barley's Brewing Company — Columbus's oldest brewpub has an airport presence. Local craft beers on tap.
• Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's — National quick-service options across all three concourses.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

CMH offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at each concourse's security checkpoint. Power outlets are available at most gate areas, though coverage can be inconsistent at some gates in Concourse A.

Tips for Navigating CMH

• Know your concourse's security checkpoint. Each of the three concourses has its own separate security checkpoint. Unlike airports where you enter one central security and then choose your concourse, at CMH you must enter the correct checkpoint for your airline. Check your terminal assignment before arriving.
• Ohio State game weekends. Ohio State football home games in Columbus generate enormous travel demand. CMH gets very busy around game days (Saturday afternoons in particular). Parking fills up, rideshare demand spikes, and flights are expensive. Book early and budget extra time.
• Eat at Schmidt's. The cream puffs at Schmidt's are one of the most beloved Columbus food traditions. If you have never had them, the airport location is your chance.
• Montreal service starting May 2026. CMH is adding direct service to Montreal starting in May 2026, expanding its modest international offerings.
• Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights. Security at CMH is generally fast, but the separate concourse checkpoints mean you need to ensure you are in the right line from the start.

Nearby Hotels

The Hilton Columbus Airport and the Marriott Columbus Airport are the most convenient on-airport options, both within a 5 to 10 minute drive. Downtown Columbus, about 15 to 20 minutes by rideshare, has excellent hotel options in the Short North and Arena District neighborhoods, including the Le Méridien Columbus and the Hilton Columbus Downtown.