Hertz Car Rental
Columbus

Arriving late at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is a straightforward experience. After you collect your bags, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." These signs will guide you to the shuttle bus stop located just outside the terminal. A dedicated shuttle runs regularly to the consolidated rental car facility, where the Hertz counter is clearly marked. The facility is designed for easy navigation, and the exit provides direct access to the main airport roadway, ensuring a simple start to your journey.

Navigating from the CMH terminal to the Hertz counter with luggage and a stroller is manageable. After you've gathered your belongings at baggage claim, look for the signs directing you to the rental car shuttle. The pickup area is located just outside the terminal doors, and the shuttles are equipped to handle luggage and foldable strollers. The ride to the separate rental car facility is short, and once you arrive, you can use a luggage cart to easily transport your items from the shuttle drop-off point to the Hertz service desk to complete your rental process.

For a simple return to CMH, especially in the early morning, the key is to follow the airport's excellent signage. As you approach the airport via I-670 or Stelzer Road, begin looking for the large, well-lit signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you off the main road and onto a dedicated path that leads directly to the rental car facility entrance. While your GPS will get you to the airport's vicinity, relying on the official airport signs for the final few turns is the most reliable way to avoid any confusion and find the Hertz return lane smoothly.

After leaving the CMH rental facility, a convenient place for a quick stop to organize your luggage is the Easton Town Center area, just a few minutes north of the airport. This large shopping district has numerous spacious parking lots where you can safely pull into a spot and take a few minutes to adjust your belongings. Alternatively, for a quieter option, you could find a spot in the parking lot of a large grocery or retail store along Hamilton Road. These locations provide ample space and are situated right off the main routes, making it easy to get back on your way toward downtown.

To reach the Short North from CMH while bypassing the most complex downtown interchanges, a great option is to take I-670 West toward Columbus. Instead of continuing into the heart of the I-70/I-71 split, you can exit onto North 4th Street or North 3rd Street. These exits occur just before the most intricate parts of the highway system. Following either 4th or 3rd Street north will lead you directly toward the Short North Arts District on a more predictable city grid, offering a less stressful introduction to driving in the city.

Driving in the Arena District at night is generally straightforward, but it's wise to be prepared for its urban layout. The area features a grid of one-way streets, so it's helpful to review your hotel's specific location on a map beforehand. Most hotels have their own designated parking garages or partnerships with nearby public garages, which are typically well-lit and clearly signed. Pay close attention to your GPS as you get near, as it will help you navigate the one-way system to find the correct entrance for your hotel's parking or drop-off zone.

On a home football Saturday, driving and parking near the Ohio State campus becomes extremely challenging. Major roads like Lane Avenue, Olentangy River Road, and High Street experience gridlock several hours before and after the game. Many streets are closed or have restricted access, and official parking lots are often pre-sold or fill up very early. If you're driving in, your best strategy is to arrive many hours ahead of kickoff and be prepared to park a significant distance from the stadium, often in a private lot or garage, and then walk. Navigating the area requires patience and planning for major delays.

For a smooth experience at Nationwide Arena, the best strategy is to select a parking garage slightly farther from the venue and walk the last few blocks. The garages directly attached to the arena fill up quickly and can be slow to exit after an event. Consider parking in one of the many garages west of Neil Avenue or south of Nationwide Boulevard. Arriving about an hour before your event starts usually ensures you can find a spot without stress. This approach allows for a much quicker departure, as you'll avoid the concentrated traffic right at the arena's exits.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a very popular destination, and its main parking lot can fill up, especially on weekends, holidays, and sunny summer days. For families with young children, the best arrival window is typically right when the zoo opens or even slightly before. This strategy not only helps you secure a closer parking spot, minimizing the walk for little legs, but also allows you to experience some of the animal habitats before the biggest crowds arrive. Arriving after lunch, particularly around 1:00 PM, often means parking in more distant lots.

Driving to Franklin Park Conservatory is quite straightforward, as it is located just off of East Broad Street, a major city thoroughfare. To avoid navigating the surrounding residential streets, simply approach the conservatory directly from Broad Street. The entrance to the large, dedicated parking lot is clearly marked and provides ample free parking for visitors. By staying on this main artery, you can easily access the entrance without any need to cut through the tighter, more confusing neighborhood roads, making for a very low-stress arrival.

When visiting German Village, the best parking strategy is to look for spots along the wider main streets like 3rd Street or High Street, which often have metered or public parking available. Another excellent option is to use the public parking lot located near the corner of City Park Avenue and W. Schiller Street. This provides a central starting point for exploring the neighborhood on foot. Avoid parking on the very narrow, brick-paved side streets, as these are primarily for residents and can be difficult to navigate, ensuring you respect local access.

For a quick visit to North Market, the most convenient option is to use the surface parking lot located directly across the street from the market's main entrance on Spruce Street. While there is an adjacent parking garage, the surface lot is much faster for getting in and out. To avoid the heaviest downtown traffic, try to plan your stop outside of the weekday lunch rush (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM). Approaching from the north via Neil Avenue or High Street can also be simpler than navigating the denser traffic coming from the south or east.

Navigating Easton Town Center is designed to be intuitive, with a main loop road, Easton Town Center Loop, that circles the primary shopping and dining areas. For a full day of exploring, the most convenient places to park are the large, multi-level parking garages located on the north and south ends of the district. These garages offer easy access to the entire area and are a better option than trying to find a street spot, which often have time limits. Once parked, the entire district is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to walk everywhere.

Weekday rush hour in Columbus, typically from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, can cause significant slowdowns on the major interstates. The most congested area is the downtown interchange where I-70 and I-71 merge, often referred to as the "split." I-670 also gets backed up heading toward the airport in the afternoon. To avoid the worst of it, plan your travel to be on the road before 7 AM or after 6:30 PM. Using a real-time traffic app can also help you navigate around unexpected delays or accidents during these peak times.

When a large convention is in town, expect increased traffic congestion and pedestrian activity in the heart of downtown Columbus. The areas most affected are around the Greater Columbus Convention Center, particularly on High Street, Nationwide Boulevard, and Goodale Street. Traffic can become gridlocked during the morning arrival and evening departure times for the convention. Parking garages in the vicinity fill up quickly, so it's wise to allow extra travel time and consider parking further away and walking or using alternative transportation to reach your downtown destination.

For a first-time visitor, the easiest drive out of Columbus is generally west toward Dayton or southwest toward Cincinnati. These routes primarily use I-70 West and I-71 South, which are straightforward, multi-lane interstates that quickly get you out of the city's metropolitan area. The drive to Hocking Hills, while beautiful, involves transitioning from a major highway (US-33) to smaller, two-lane country roads that can be more challenging to navigate, especially if you are unfamiliar with rural driving. Therefore, heading toward Dayton or Cincinnati offers a more direct and less complex driving experience.

The drive from Columbus to the Hocking Hills region transitions from a multi-lane highway to two-lane rural roads that become very dark after sunset. Street lighting is minimal to nonexistent in many areas, so using your high beams when appropriate is essential. Be particularly alert for wildlife, as deer frequently cross these roads, especially during dusk and dawn. Additionally, services like gas stations and restaurants become sparse the closer you get to the parks, so it's a good idea to ensure you have enough fuel and any necessary supplies before you leave the more populated areas along US-33.

For a sunrise hike in Hocking Hills, your best bet is to fuel up your car and grab supplies in Lancaster or Logan, the last major towns you'll pass through on US-33 before reaching the park entrances. These towns have 24-hour gas stations and fast-food restaurants or diners that open very early, allowing you to get coffee and a quick breakfast. This ensures you can head directly to the trailhead, like Old Man's Cave or Ash Cave, without needing to backtrack. Planning this stop in advance is key, as services are very limited once you are in the immediate park area.

To maximize your time at Cedar Point on a day trip from Columbus, an early start is crucial. Plan to be on the road by 6:00 or 6:30 AM to avoid the tail end of Columbus rush hour and to arrive in Sandusky as the park is opening. The drive is roughly two hours, primarily on US-23 North and OH-4 North. Pre-purchasing your park tickets and parking pass online will save significant time at the entrance. When leaving, consider departing slightly before the park closes to get ahead of the mass exodus from the parking lot, which can save you considerable time on your journey back.

The routes from Columbus to both Pittsburgh and Indianapolis are very straightforward. To get to Indianapolis, you simply take I-70 West the entire way; it's a direct, multi-lane interstate with minimal complexity. For Pittsburgh, you'll take I-70 East, which is equally direct. The key to minimizing traffic is timing your departure to avoid passing through the Columbus downtown interchange during peak rush hour. Once you are outside the I-270 outer belt, the drive in either direction is typically smooth and easy to navigate.

If your visit is focused on downtown, the Short North, and the Arena District, the best strategy is often to park your rental car at your hotel and explore on foot. These neighborhoods are very walkable and well-connected. For destinations further afield like German Village or the OSU campus, you can then decide whether to drive the car or use a rideshare service for that specific trip. This approach saves you the hassle and potential cost of finding parking multiple times a day in different busy areas, offering a more relaxed way to see the city's core.

Visitors often find the downtown interchange of I-70 and I-71, known as the "split," to be the most challenging area due to its multiple lanes and quick decisions. Another tricky spot can be the intersection of 5th Avenue and Olentangy River Road near the OSU campus, which has a unique configuration. Some surface streets downtown, like Front Street or 3rd Street, can have short merge lanes or turn-only lanes that can catch you by surprise. It's always a good idea to review your route beforehand and listen to your GPS directions a step or two ahead of time.

Driving near The Ohio State University requires heightened awareness. The biggest factor is the high volume of pedestrians, who may cross streets unexpectedly, especially along High Street and Lane Avenue. Be prepared for frequent stops at crosswalks. You'll also share the road with numerous CABS campus buses, which make frequent stops and can cause sudden lane changes. Traffic patterns can change abruptly, particularly during class change times, so maintaining a lower speed and being vigilant for cyclists and scooter riders is essential for safe navigation.

During the warmer months, road construction is common in and around Columbus. The best way to plan is by using a real-time traffic and navigation app, which will typically have the most up-to-date information on lane closures, closed exits, and official detours. Before you start your drive, especially on major highways like I-70, I-71, and I-270, check your app for any reported construction zones. Allowing extra travel time is always a wise precaution, as even minor construction can cause significant backups during busy periods.

During heavy rain, some low-lying areas and underpasses in Columbus are prone to flooding and should be approached with caution. The underpass on Olentangy River Road near 3rd Avenue is one well-known spot for water to collect. Additionally, parts of the I-70/I-71 interchange downtown can experience poor drainage, leading to significant pooling in the lanes. It's always safest to avoid driving through standing water if you cannot tell how deep it is. Expect traffic to slow considerably on all major highways during a downpour as visibility decreases.

For those unfamiliar with winter conditions, driving in Columbus requires a cautious approach. Icy conditions are most likely to form overnight and in the early morning hours, especially on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled side streets. The major interstates like I-270, I-70, and I-71 are the highest priority for road crews and are generally the safest routes to travel after a snow or ice event. Always allow extra stopping distance, reduce your speed, and avoid making sudden turns or braking to maintain better control of your vehicle.

Many Columbus attractions are well-equipped for visitors with limited mobility. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Columbus Museum of Art all have ample accessible parking spaces located very close to their main entrances. These venues also feature designated drop-off and pick-up zones, allowing you to let passengers out right at the door before you park the car. Downtown venues like the Ohio Theatre also have nearby garages with accessible options and curb cuts for easier sidewalk access.

Finding EV charging stations in downtown Columbus and the Short North is becoming increasingly convenient. Many public parking garages, including those near the Convention Center, North Market, and in the Arena District, have installed Level 2 charging stations. You'll also find chargers at some hotels and near newer developments. Using a dedicated app to locate chargers in real-time is the most effective strategy. This will allow you to see charger availability and plan your parking based on your vehicle's needs while you explore the city.

For a simple meetup that avoids downtown traffic, consider a large shopping center on the I-270 outer belt. Locations like Easton Town Center (northeast), Polaris Fashion Place (north), or the Tuttle Crossing area (northwest) are excellent choices. These destinations are directly accessible from the highway and feature massive, easy-to-navigate parking lots where you can find a landmark to meet. This strategy allows your friends to reach you easily from any direction without having to deal with the complexities of city-center driving and parking.

After leaving the CMH rental car facility, one of the most convenient options for a quick grocery stop is the Easton area, just a few minutes north. There are several large grocery stores with spacious parking lots right off of I-270, making for an easy exit and re-entry onto the highway. Another great option is to head west on I-670 for a few miles to the Grandview Yard development, which also has a major grocery store with ample parking and direct access back to the interstate. Both choices allow you to stock up without navigating complex side streets.

To avoid hitting rush hour traffic on I-70 between Columbus and Dayton, try to schedule your travel between the two cities during off-peak hours. The ideal time for the roughly one-hour drive is mid-day, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you must travel in the morning, leave Columbus before 7:00 AM. For an evening trip, wait until after 6:30 PM to depart. This strategy helps you avoid the commuter congestion that builds up on the outskirts of both cities during the morning and afternoon peaks.

The drive from CMH to Dublin typically takes about 25 to 35 minutes in normal traffic, primarily using I-270 North. The Bridge Park area in Dublin is a popular and busy destination, especially on evenings and weekends. It features several large, multi-story public parking garages that are free and clearly marked. While the streets immediately within Bridge Park can be bustling with cars and pedestrians, the garage system is designed to handle the volume, making parking relatively straightforward once you arrive.

A great strategy for visiting both the Columbus Museum of Art and the Scioto Mile is to park in the museum's dedicated surface lot. From there, it's a pleasant and manageable walk of about 15-20 minutes to reach the Scioto Mile. You can walk west on Broad Street, passing the Ohio Statehouse, which leads you directly to the riverfront. This approach allows you to park just once for the day, avoiding the need to find and pay for a second spot, and lets you enjoy a scenic stroll through the heart of downtown Columbus.

In residential neighborhoods like Victorian Village and Clintonville, it's crucial to pay close attention to parking signs. Many streets have permit-only parking for residents, especially in Victorian Village near the Short North. Look for signs that specify parking restrictions, such as time limits or permit requirements, which can vary from one side of the street to the other. When in doubt, it's always safer to park on a main commercial street like High Street, which typically has metered parking, or to find a public lot to avoid the risk of a ticket.

When you arrive at a downtown hotel, pull into the designated loading zone, which is usually right in front of the main entrance. The key to a smooth process is to be efficient. Put your hazard lights on, and then quickly head inside to notify the bell staff or front desk of your arrival. They can often assist with your luggage while you check in. Avoid leaving the car unattended for an extended period, as these zones are intended for active loading and unloading to keep traffic flowing on busy city streets.

Driving between major Columbus neighborhoods at night is generally safe and well-lit, especially on main thoroughfares like High Street, Broad Street, and Olentangy River Road. However, once you turn onto smaller residential side streets in areas like German Village or Victorian Village, the lighting can be dimmer and the street signs smaller. Your GPS will be a reliable guide, but it's wise to drive a bit more slowly and be extra aware of one-way streets and stop signs that might be less visible in the dark.

A smart plan for a brewery tour is to use your rental car to travel to a central neighborhood, like the Brewery District or the area north of downtown, and park it for the evening. Find a public garage or a safe, long-term spot where you can leave the car. From there, you can walk between several nearby breweries or use rideshare services to travel to others that are farther apart. This strategy gives you the flexibility of your own car during the day while ensuring a safe and responsible way to enjoy the city's craft beer scene in the evening.

While there are no toll roads in the immediate Columbus area, you will encounter them if you drive north to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90) or into neighboring states like Pennsylvania or Indiana. Most rental car companies offer programs that allow you to use electronic tolling lanes for convenience. The system typically involves a transponder in the car that records the tolls, which are then settled after your rental period is over. It's a good idea to ask the Hertz staff at the counter about their specific tolling program when you pick up your vehicle.

Arriving at CMH during a busy morning means you'll likely merge into the tail end of rush hour traffic. The primary pinch point is the I-670 interchange with I-270, just a few miles west of the airport, where traffic from multiple directions converges. Another slowdown often occurs as I-670 approaches the downtown area and the I-71 interchange. The best approach is to be patient, allow for extra travel time to your destination, and use a real-time traffic app to anticipate the slowest sections of your route.

If you're short on time returning your car to CMH from downtown, the most direct and predictable route is I-670 East. This interstate provides a straight shot to the airport exit with minimal turns or complex navigation. Avoid surface streets, as traffic lights and potential congestion can add unpredictable delays. Once you take the airport exit from I-670, immediately follow the clear and prominent signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you directly to the facility without any guesswork, helping you save valuable minutes.