Columbus Airport Guide

sleeping in columbus airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / September 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our John Glenn Columbus Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I noticed an old ticket counter that was no longer being used, so I went behind the counter and made a bed on the floor in front of the old luggage conveyer belt. – Denmark

CMH Airport Overview

Columbus Airport Guide — (Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / September 2019)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

What to Expect

Columbus Airport (code: CMH) consists of a completely renovated modern terminal with three concourses (A, B and C). The terminal includes almost three dozen restaurants, shops and concession stands, primarily on the airside. After airport restaurants and shops close for the night, vending machines are the only in-airport snack option. WiFi and over 2,000 built-in power outlets and USB ports are available. There are no lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Columbus Airport

Unfortunately, we do not have any current reviews from travellers who slept in this airport. An older reviewer reported sleeping fairly comfortably for two nights at the airport. The reviewer mentioned that the lights were bright and left on all night, so bring eyeshades. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Columbus Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The terminal building is open 24 hours a day. Security checkpoints open daily at approximately 4:15 AM and close after the final departing flight.

Keep in mind that TSA screening times and airline check-in/bag drop hours vary by carrier and flight schedule. If you are staying overnight in the public (landside) area, you will need to wait until security reopens in the morning to access the secure (airside) concourses.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Columbus Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:

Residence Inn by Marriott (0.3 mi)

Fairfield Inn & Suites (0.3 mi)

Hampton Inn (0.4 mi)

Hilton Garden Inn (0.5 mi)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (1.2 mi)

SpringHill Suites by Marriott (1.4 mi)

Towneplace Suites (1.4 mi)

Comfort Suites (2.5 mi)

Courtyard by Marriott (2.5 mi)

Tru by Hilton (2.5 mi)

Staybridge Suites (2.5 mi)

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program.

Escape Lounge – Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner – Location: Airside, Concourse B, near Gate 32 (John Glenn Columbus International Airport). Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (USD $45 per person for 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit Card rewards programs.

Military Lounge

Jake Brewer USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Ticketing level, near the Concourse C checkpoint. Hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM (Daily).

Drinking Water

A reader (July 2024) reports that water fountains and bottle-refill stations are located outside most restrooms.

Food & Drinks

Food and beverage options operate on varying schedules. There are no 24-hour dining options, so plan ahead if you are staying overnight.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

The terminal seating areas include built-in power outlets and USB ports. Fuel Rod portable charging kiosks are also available on Concourses A, B, and C (credit card payment is required).

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “CMH wireless network.”

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Art in the Airport – Works by local artists are displayed throughout the terminal, adding some regional character to the space.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in the Baggage Claim area and in the center of the Ticketing Lobby. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
Baby Care Facilities – Private nursing rooms for breastfeeding and diaper changing are available:

Landside: Baggage Claim, near Carousel 1
Airside: Concourse A (near A2) • Concourse B (near B29) • Concourse C (near C51)

Baggage Carts – Baggage carts are available throughout the terminal. Cost: $4 per cart, with a $0.25 refund upon return.
Business Center – A business center is located on the Ticketing Level toward Concourse B. Hours are unknown.
Children’s Play Area – There are no dedicated play areas. The Information Desk offers children’s activity books upon request.
Currency Exchange – Travelex provides currency exchange services in the Ticketing Lobby.
Duty-Free & Shopping – The terminal offers a small selection of retail shops and travel convenience stores for snacks, reading materials, and last-minute essentials.
Games Room – A coin-operated arcade is located in Concourse C (across from Gate B33). Open 24 hours.
Information Desk – An Information Desk is located in the center of the Baggage Claim level. Airport ambassadors wearing blue vests are also available to assist travellers.
Massages – Massage services are not available.
Meditation Room – An interfaith meditation room is available on the Baggage Claim level (across from Carousel 6). Religious texts are provided.
Pet Relief Area – An outdoor pet relief area is located outside the Baggage Claim area.
Postal Services – A mailbox is available in the center of the Ticketing Lobby for outgoing mail.
Security Checkpoint Mailers – Mail-back services are available at security checkpoints for items not permitted through screening. Complete the form, place your item in a provided bag, and deposit it in the drop box. Available in all three concourses.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas on the arrivals and departures levels.

Airlines

John Glenn Columbus Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Breeze • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Spirit • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

CMH airport is connected to downtown via the AirConnect bus service. The service runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week, and as of this update, a one-way ticket costs $2.75. Once downtown, you can use the free CBUS that connects the Brewery District, downtown and the Short North. The airport is also served by Bus Line 7. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the COTA website.

Car Rentals

Rental cars are available at Columbus Airport. Check-in counters are on the ground floor of the parking garage. The following companies have counters at the airport: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24 hours a day in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. A $3.00 airport fee applies, and at the time of this update, the average rate between the airport and downtown is $25.00.

Last updated: 2026-02-11

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.