Payless Car Hire
Columbus

At John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), all hire car companies, including Payless, are located in a dedicated rental car facility. This facility is conveniently linked to the main terminal, so you won't need to take a shuttle. After you collect your luggage, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars." A short walk along a covered walkway will bring you directly to the rental counters where you can complete your pickup.

Arriving late at CMH is common and hire companies are well prepared. After retrieving your bags, follow the well-lit signs to the rental car centre, which remains accessible for incoming flights. The Payless counter will be staffed to assist with your reservation and paperwork. Once everything is complete, you'll be directed to your vehicle, which will be parked in an adjacent, well-lit garage, allowing a safe and straightforward start to your journey.

To make the pickup smoother with family and kit, a good approach is to have one adult stay with the children and luggage in the baggage claim area. The other adult can go to the Payless counter in the rental facility to handle the paperwork. Once the rental agreement is finalised and the car is ready, the driver can fetch the vehicle from the garage and then drive to the terminal passenger pickup curb to load the rest of the family and the bags.

Hire companies at airports are used to flight delays, so there's no need to rush. As long as your flight number is included in your reservation, staff will be aware of the delay. Once you land, proceed through the airport at a comfortable pace. Collect your luggage first, then make your way to the Payless counter in the rental facility when you are ready, ensuring a more relaxed start to your trip.

The time to get your hire car can vary depending on factors such as how many other flights have landed at the same time. During peak periods you may experience a short wait at the counter. To help speed things up, have your reservation details and driving licence ready when you approach the agent. After completing the paperwork, the walk to your vehicle in the attached garage is typically very quick, getting you on your way efficiently.

Finding the correct rental counter at CMH is straightforward. As you leave the baggage reclaim area, look for the universal airport signage directing you to "Rental Cars." Follow these signs and they will lead you to the consolidated rental car centre where all the brands are located. Inside the facility you'll see clear overhead directories and individual signs for each company, making it easy to spot the Payless counter.

A convenient place to gather is the main baggage claim area, right by the carousel for your flight. This lets everyone collect their belongings in one central spot. Alternatively, you could meet at one of the coffee shops or seating areas located pre-security in the main terminal. Once everyone is accounted for, your group can proceed together to the rental car facility to pick up your vehicle.

The route from the terminal to the rental car facility at CMH is designed to be fully accessible and stress-free for travellers with pushchairs and luggage. The airport provides lifts and wide, smooth walkways to ensure an easy journey. Simply follow the standard signs for "Rental Cars," and you will find a clear, step-free path that accommodates luggage trolleys and pushchairs, leading you directly to the Payless counter area.

Driving out of the CMH rental car garage is generally clear and low-stress. The exit lanes guide you directly onto the main airport roadway, International Gateway. From there, large, clear overhead signs direct you to major routes like the I-670 and I-270. The signage is designed for travellers and provides ample warning for upcoming exits, making it relatively easy to navigate onto the correct route towards your destination.

For the most direct route to Downtown Columbus, set your GPS to a well-known landmark such as the Ohio Statehouse or the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The primary route will be I-670 West, which you can access directly from the airport. This road provides dedicated exits for various parts of downtown. Using I-670 helps you avoid the more complex I-70 and I-71 interchange until you are already closer to the city centre.

The most straightforward route from the airport to The Ohio State University is typically I-670 West to State Route 315 North. This path takes you along the western edge of campus, with several exits providing access to different areas. To minimise delays, try to avoid travelling during weekday rush hours (4–6 pm). Be especially mindful of heavy congestion and road closures on home football game days in the autumn.

The Short North Arts District is a lively area where on-street parking can be competitive. The most reliable and stress-free option is to use one of the many public parking garages located throughout the neighbourhood. Many hotels in the area also offer dedicated parking for guests. Using a garage ensures a secure spot and allows you to enjoy the district's galleries, shops and restaurants on foot.

When driving in downtown Columbus, be prepared for several major highways converging. This area, often called the "downtown split," requires attentive driving. Use a GPS with lane guidance and review your route before you start. Pay close attention to overhead signs to ensure you are in the correct lane well in advance of your exit, as some lane changes need to be made quickly.

The I-270 outerbelt is Columbus's main orbital motorway and experiences significant congestion during peak commuter times, roughly 7–9 am and 4–6 pm on weekdays. The heaviest traffic is often on the northern and southern sections. For the easiest cross-town drives, plan your travel during off-peak hours, such as mid-day between 10 am and 2 pm, or after 6.30 pm in the evening.

For events in the Arena District, the easiest approach is to park in one of the many garages surrounding Nationwide Arena. Arriving early, about an hour before your event, gives you the best chance of finding a spot in a close and convenient garage, such as the McConnell Garage. Some parking services even let you pre-purchase a space online, which can save time and reduce stress on the day of the event.

On a Buckeyes game day, parking near the stadium requires planning and an early arrival. Many visitors use the official university parking lots on West Campus and take a shuttle bus to the stadium. Others find parking in private lots or garages along High Street or in the neighbourhoods surrounding campus. Regardless of where you park, be prepared for a festive walk with fellow fans as part of the match-day experience.

The drive to the Columbus Zoo is straightforward, typically involving I-270 to the north-west side of the city, with clear road signs guiding you the rest of the way. The zoo has a very large, dedicated car park for visitors right at the main entrance. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a weekend or bank holiday, is a good idea to secure a spot closer to the entrance and avoid the main entry rush.

A key part of planning a trip to Hocking Hills is preparing for unreliable mobile signal. Before you leave Columbus, download offline maps of the region using your preferred navigation app. It's also wise to input the specific trailheads you want to visit, like Old Man's Cave or Ash Cave, while you still have a strong signal. Having a printed map from the park's website as a backup is also a good idea.

For an efficient day trip, drive south from Columbus on US-33 and make your first stop at the main Hocking Hills State Park visitor centre near Old Man's Cave. From there, you can easily visit Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, as they are all located along the same stretch of road. This route allows you to see three of the park's most iconic features in a logical order. Pack snacks and water, as services are limited within the park.

The best strategy for exploring German Village is to park once and enjoy the historic neighbourhood on foot. Look for on-street parking along the brick-paved side streets, but be sure to read all posted signs for any time limits or restrictions. Another excellent option is to park near Schiller Park, which provides a central base from which you can easily walk to the Book Loft and the area's charming shops and restaurants.

Yes, driving to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is very easy for visitors. It is located just a couple of miles east of downtown Columbus and is well signed. The conservatory offers a large, free car park directly on its grounds, making it an exceptionally convenient destination. You can park your hire car without any hassle and spend your time enjoying the beautiful gardens and exhibits.

Both Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place are easily reached from the airport via the I-270 outerbelt. For Easton, you'll take I-270 North a few miles, and for Polaris you'll continue on I-270 North/West. To avoid the heaviest traffic and crowds, plan your visit for a weekday morning or early afternoon. Weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, and weekday evenings are typically the most congested times at both shopping centres.

While downtown Columbus is quite walkable, a hire car provides the freedom to explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods and attractions. It's especially useful for visiting destinations like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the historic suburb of Dublin, or the Franklin Park Conservatory. A car also makes it easy to plan a scenic day trip to nearby natural areas like Hocking Hills State Park, greatly expanding your itinerary options.

Travellers in the Columbus area will find that there are no toll roads to worry about. All major motorways around the city, including the I-270 outerbelt and the interstates used for regional day trips to places like Cincinnati or Hocking Hills, are free to use. The only major toll road in Ohio is the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), located in the far north of the state, well away from Columbus.

A common parking challenge downtown can be navigating older garages with narrow spaces and tight turns, especially in a larger hire vehicle like an SUV. To avoid this, look for surface parking lots or newer, more modern parking garages, which often have more spacious layouts. Checking online maps or parking apps beforehand can sometimes provide user reviews or photos that give you a better idea of a garage's accessibility.

The rental car centre at CMH is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps providing a smooth path from the terminal. When you get to the Payless counter, you can discuss any specific needs with the staff. They can offer guidance on the best place to park temporarily for loading and ensure you have adequate space. The rental car garage has designated accessible parking spots that provide extra room for manoeuvring.

When you arrive at your downtown hotel, pull into the designated passenger loading zone, usually right in front of the main entrance. This allows you to unload your luggage onto a trolley without blocking traffic. You can then check in while your car is temporarily parked. The hotel staff can then direct you to the valet stand or give you clear instructions for the best nearby self-parking options.

For a smooth early-morning return, it's best to have your luggage packed and the car ready to go before you leave for the airport. As you approach CMH, follow the large overhead signs for "Rental Car Return." These will guide you to a dedicated entrance for the return garage. The process is typically very efficient, and from there, it's just a short walk back to the main terminal to check in for your flight.

The key to an easy return is to get into the correct lane as you approach the airport terminal area. Look specifically for the large green and white signs that say "Rental Car Return." These signs are separate from those for "Departures" and "Arrivals." Following them precisely will lead you directly into the entrance of the rental car facility garage, completely avoiding the passenger drop-off and pickup loops.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the upper-level "Departures" roadway. Here you can pull up to the kerb in front of your airline's entrance and unload all passengers and luggage. Once they are safely on their way into the terminal, you can then proceed to follow the "Rental Car Return" signs alone. This separates the two tasks and makes the final car return process much quicker and simpler.

If you think you've left something behind, the best course of action is to return to the Payless rental counter as quickly as possible. Do not go through security if you can avoid it. The staff at the counter can immediately contact their vehicle service team to check the car for your item. Acting fast gives you the highest probability of recovering your belongings before the car is cleaned for the next customer.

The most surprising winter driving hazard for many visitors in Columbus is black ice. It often forms on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas, even when the main roads appear clear and dry. While major motorways are generally well ploughed, sudden snow squalls can appear with little warning, drastically reducing visibility and making roads slick. Always drive with caution, reduce your speed and increase following distance in cold weather.

During heavy rainstorms, drivers in Columbus should be prepared for reduced visibility from road spray, especially on multi-lane motorways like I-270 and I-71. Water can pool in the outer lanes, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Some local underpasses and low-lying roads can be prone to temporary flooding, so it is always safest to avoid driving through any significant amount of standing water.

Driving during major Columbus events requires extra planning. Events like the Ohio State Fair, the Arnold Sports Festival, or large downtown concerts will cause predictable road closures and significant traffic delays in the surrounding areas. Before heading out, it's wise to check a local traffic app or the event's official website for information on street closures and recommended alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in gridlock.

For simple pickups around the city, arranging to meet in the car park of a large supermarket or a major retail centre is often the easiest solution. These locations offer ample, free short-term parking and are typically easy to navigate. This avoids the challenge of finding on-street parking in a residential neighbourhood or dealing with the congestion of a busy commercial street, making for a quick and low-stress rendezvous.

When planning a multi-city Ohio trip, schedule your drives between cities for the middle of the day, from about 10 am to 3 pm. This helps you avoid the morning and evening rush hour traffic in each metropolitan area. The drives are primarily on major interstates like the I-71 and I-75, which are well maintained and easy to navigate. Be sure to research parking options in the city centres of Cincinnati and Cleveland ahead of time.

An excellent and easy day trip from Columbus is a visit to Yellow Springs, located about an hour's drive west. The town is known for its vibrant, artsy high street with unique shops and restaurants. It's also adjacent to John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen Nature Preserve, offering beautiful and accessible walking trails. This combination of a charming town and scenic nature makes for a perfect, relaxing day away from the city.

To get a smooth start on a road trip to Indianapolis (west on the I-70) or Pittsburgh (east on the I-70), it's best to avoid Columbus's morning rush hour. Plan to depart after 9.30 am on a weekday. This allows local commuter traffic to clear out, giving you an easier exit from the city. For your return trip, timing your arrival back in Columbus for after 6.30 pm will help you miss the evening commute.

Navigating the downtown interchange where I-70, I-71 and I-670 meet requires focus and preparation. The best strategy is to use a GPS app with lane guidance, which tells you exactly which lane to be in for your next turn. Review your route before you start driving and pay close attention to the large overhead signs well in advance of the interchange. Knowing your exit number and the highway you need ahead of time is crucial.

When staying in a Columbus suburb, the key to avoiding traffic is timing and technology. Try to schedule your drives into the city or across town outside of peak commuter hours (7–9 am and 4–6 pm). Before you leave, always check a real-time traffic app like Waze or Google Maps. These apps can alert you to accidents or congestion on I-270 and suggest faster alternative routes using local roads.