From/to Columbus
By air
Columbus is easily and affordably reachable by air -- Chicago and New York are two major nearby hubs. Columbus is served by all major airlines via the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is located 20 minutes away from the conference venues and hotels in downtown Columbus.
To get from the airport to downtown, there are a few options:
- Taxi: Airport-licensed taxi services are available at the taxi station located at the exit of the luggage claim area, on a 24-hour basis. The approximate fare to downtown Columbus is USD 25.
- Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are licensed to pick up and drop off passengers from the airport. These require a smartphone, an account with the ride-sharing service, and an active Internet connection (the airport has free wi-fi). Shared rides are typically less expensive than taxis. The designated ride-sharing pick-up area is clearly marked outside the luggage claim area.
- Public bus service: The Central Ohio Transportation Administration (COTA) serves the airport via its AirConnect service, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. Ride passes can be be purchased with credit and debit cards at the bus stop just to the right of the taxi station. Find the ride schedule here.
- Shuttles, buses, and limos: On-demand shuttles, buses, and limos can be booked from many vendors on this list.
- Rental cars: Many rental car companies are present on-site at the airport. You can find them on this list. If you decide to take a rental car, we recommend reserving it in advance.
By car
Columbus is within one day's drive of about half of the population of the US. Google Maps can help with routes and navigation.
For parking options, see ParkingPanda, BestParking, or ParkMe.
For construction information, see pavingtheway.org.
By bus
Columbus is served by several bus companies from nearby US cities in Ohio and from other states. Greyhound and Barons are the two companies with the largest presence in Columbus. Affordable bus tickets can be found by searching Wanderu.
Getting around in Columbus
Getting around in Columbus is easy. There are many options:
- Bus: COTA public buses serve all of Columbus Monday to Sunday. COTA's CBUS is the city's free Downtown Circulator, covering the main points of interest, including the Davidson Theatre. Outside CBUS, one-way bus fares (including transfer option) are USD 2 and are paid in cash to the driver. You can view the full bus schedule and plan your trip on Google Maps or on the COTA webpage. Real-time information is available on Google Maps or via the COTA Transit App.
- Walk: Conference venues and hotels are located in and around the liveliest areas of Columbus, like the Short North. Weather in August is comfortable for walking.
- Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are popular choices in Columbus. These require a smartphone, an account with the ride-sharing service, and an active Internet connection. Shared rides are typically less expensive than taxis.
- Taxi: Orange Cab of Columbus (tel. (614) 414-0000) provides 24-hour, 7-day a week service. We recommend calling them on the phone. In the downtown and Short North areas, it might be possible to hail a taxi off the street.
- Car2Go: Popular on-demand smart-car rental service at an affordable rate. Sign-up is required.
- Bike: The bike-rental service CoGo service has 300+ bicycles located throughout downtown Columbus. Day passes (USD 8) are available.
