Key Highlights
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Columbus has two main airports. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is for travelers. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is mostly for cargo and has some passenger flights.
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John Glenn International (CMH) is about 10 minutes away from downtown Columbus. This makes it easy for people to get there.
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Big airlines like Delta, American, United, and Spirit fly from CMH. There are over 150 flights each day.
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Rickenbacker International (LCK) is important for cargo. It is also used as a second airport for passenger flights, mostly by Allegiant Air.
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The Columbus Regional Airport Authority manages both airports. It takes care of Bolton Field too, which is a general aviation airport.
Introduction
Welcome to Columbus! Traveling by air in Ohio’s capital is simple and easy. No matter if you land at John Glenn Columbus International Airport for work or to relax, you can expect things to go well. The people here try to make sure your visit goes smoothly right from the start.
This short guide will tell you all you need to know about the airports here. It covers where to find them, what services they offer, and which airlines fly in and out. Use this guide to find out why air travel at Columbus International Airport can work well for you. Get set for a easy trip as you see which features help make flying with John Glenn Columbus International Airport and other Columbus International locations a good choice for most people.
Overview of Columbus Airports
When you fly into Columbus, you will mostly use one of two airports. Each airport is set up for a different kind of travel. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority looks after the main airports in the city. They work hard to keep service strong for people and for shipping.
Every Columbus airport has its own airport code. This makes it simple for you to find flights. You need to know which airport is the best for your plan, if you focus on commercial flights or use general aviation. This can help you have a better trip to Columbus. In the next few lines, we will look at each main columbus airport and what they offer.
Main Airports Serving Columbus, Ohio
The main airport for most people coming to this city is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). This international airport is the biggest place for domestic and international flights. This columbus international airport links people in the city to more than 50 places. People often pick it because of its good service, and it has even won some awards for this.
The next important airport is Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). This columbus international airport is known around the world for moving large amounts of cargo. But it does have some flights for travelers too, and these are mostly from airlines that give lower prices. You will find this airport south of the city’s downtown. It helps many companies move things in and out, so it is an important airport for business.
Last, there is Bolton Field (TZR), which is a general aviation airport. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority runs this place as well. This general aviation spot is where you see private planes, business jets, and many companies that do flight lessons. It helps make the columbus regional airport system more complete.
Differences Between Columbus Airports
The main difference between these airports is what they are meant to do. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is the main place for people to fly in and out of the city. If you fly with big airlines for work or fun, you will use this airport for your trip. The airport’s official name changed from Port Columbus International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport to honor John Glenn, who was a well-known astronaut from Ohio. Even with its name now changed, it is still the main Columbus International place for travelers.
Rickenbacker International Airport is not about people as much as it is about moving packages. It brings in and sends out a lot of packages from different places in the world. There is a place for travelers too, but it only flies to a few places, mostly with low-cost airlines.
So, if you need to remember, think of John Glenn Columbus International Airport as the spot for people. And think of Rickenbacker International Airport as being for packages, but there are some flights for travelers too. This clear difference helps each airport do its job well and keeps every kind of air travel in the city moving the right way.
Airport Codes and Quick Facts
Knowing the airport code for your destination is essential for booking flights and checking in. Each Columbus airport has a unique three-letter identifier used by airlines and travel agencies worldwide. For example, the airport code for John Glenn Columbus International Airport is CMH.
Similarly, Rickenbacker International Airport uses the code LCK, and the general aviation airport, Bolton Field, is identified as TZR. Using the correct code ensures you book your travel to the right location without any confusion.
Here’s a quick-reference table with essential facts about each airport to help you distinguish between them.
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Airport Name |
Airport Code |
Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
|
John Glenn Columbus International Airport |
CMH |
Main passenger airport |
|
Rickenbacker International Airport |
LCK |
Cargo and limited passenger flights |
|
Bolton Field |
TZR |
General aviation and private planes |
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the main international gateway in central Ohio. Many people use this airport because it makes travel easy and good for both domestic and international travelers. CMH is known for giving a great experience to its passengers.
The airport has many airlines, lots of places to go, and plenty of good services for you to use. It is also the busiest columbus international airport in the area. In this guide, you will find out more about the airport’s easy-to-reach location, the airlines you can fly with, and all the columbus international amenities you can use inside the terminal.
Location, Accessibility, and Distance from Downtown
One of the best things about flying into John Glenn Columbus International Airport is where it is. This international airport sits just eight miles from downtown Columbus. You can be at your hotel, a meeting, or an attraction in about 10 minutes. That makes everything fast and simple.
The trip from this international gateway to downtown is easy. There are many ways to get to where you need to go. For example, you can use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, and the average cost to downtown is around $25.
Because of this easy access, you spend less time on the road and more time enjoying Columbus. If you have a work event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center or want to walk through the Short North Arts District, you are close to both from john glenn columbus international airport.
Airlines Operating at John Glenn Columbus International Airport
You will find many top airlines at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. They offer nonstop flights to more than 50 places. There are over 150 flights leaving every day. This gives you many options for your plans in the United States and other places.
At this international airport, you can pick from both well-known and budget airlines. This means you can get good prices and lots of flight times, no matter if you travel for work or fun. You can fly to main hubs or straight to busy cities from Columbus International.
Here are some of the biggest airlines at the airport:
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Air Canada
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Alaska Airlines
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American Airlines
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Delta Air Lines
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Spirit Airlines
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United Airlines
Terminals, Amenities, and Passenger Services
The terminal building at John Glenn Columbus International is made to help you get around easily. There are three parts: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Each one is for different airlines. You will see clear signs and flight information displays all over the terminal so you can find your gate fast.
There are many things in the airport that help make your time there better. You can eat, shop, or go to the welcome center in the baggage claim area. The airport wants you to get all you need for your trip. If you need a car, the car rental services are right at the airport.
Passenger services and amenities include:
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Restaurants and retail shops
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A welcome center for visitor information
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Multiple parking options, including short-term, long-term, and valet
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Free shuttle service from economy lots
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is different from other airports in the Columbus area. The airport is mostly used for global cargo. This makes it an important part of the international supply chain. You can find it about 10 miles south of downtown Columbus. The airport gets its name from Eddie Rickenbacker, who was a famous pilot.
Rickenbacker International Airport is not just for cargo. It also gives passenger services. This makes it handy and often a good option for some trips because of the cost. Now, let’s take a look at what you get at this civil-military international airport.
Cargo and Passenger Services
Rickenbacker International Airport is an important place for air cargo in North America. It is one of the fastest-growing international airports for cargo. The airport works with major carriers like Cathay Pacific Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, and FedEx Express. Its modern facilities and intermodal terminal help it handle a lot of air shipments well.
The airport also offers some passenger services. Allegiant Air is the only airline for passengers here. It gives low-cost flights to fun places such as Florida and South Carolina. This is good for people who want to travel to these spots without paying too much.
Rickenbacker International Airport helps with general aviation as well as military jobs. It has a fixed-base operator who can offer jet fuel and airplane care. The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing also uses this airport.
Facilities, Lounges, and Amenities at Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker is not as big as CMH when it comes to the number of people flying, but it still has what you need for a good trip. The passenger terminal was finished in 2003. It is clean, quick to get through, and simple to use. You can get from your car to your gate without much trouble.
There are also things for people who travel for work or with private planes. The airport has special services from its fixed-base operator. These help both flight crews and people flying for business. The columbus international aircenter gives you what you need to enjoy your time here.
At Rickenbacker, you can find the following:
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A place for crews to sit and relax or rest rooms
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Showers to get clean before or after you fly
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Conference rooms for work meetings
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Free rides around the area
Transportation Options to and from Rickenbacker
Getting to or from Rickenbacker International Airport is easy, and you have many ways to travel. The airport is a bit more to the south than downtown CMH, but you can still get to the city or other places with no trouble.
You can use public transportation to get to the airport. The Central Ohio Transit Authority offers a bus service that goes to the area. You can also set up shuttle rides for groups, which will take you right to your spot.
For the most freedom in how you travel, think about using these ways:
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Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft
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Charter buses or shuttles you book in advance
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Car rental companies there at the airport
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COTA bus service routes 22 and 24
Smaller Regional and Private Airports in Columbus
Columbus is not just known for its two big international airports. There are also smaller airports in the area that are important for general aviation. These places are helpful for private pilots, business trips, and flight training. One of the main sites is Bolton Field (TZR), which is good for people who like to fly their own plane.
These small airports give important services to support the whole flying community in central Ohio. We will talk about some other regional airports nearby and what you can get at local private airports like the ones at the Columbus Municipal Hangar.
Popular Regional Airports Near Columbus
If you have some flexibility with your travel plans or if you are coming from another place in the state, you might want to look at other regional airports. The main option is John Glenn Columbus International airport, but it helps to know about the other airports near Columbus. Sometimes, using these other airports may fit better with your flight time or trip plan.
A big airport close by is Dayton International Airport (DAY). It is about an hour west of Columbus by car. Dayton International Airport is another way to get in and out of this area. Many major airlines fly from there, so it gives you another choice if you want to reach central Ohio.
There are also other airports not far from Columbus that give you more flight choices. Looking into them might give you better flight times or prices.
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Dayton International Airport (DAY)
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Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Services Offered at Local Private Airports
Local private airports like Bolton Field focus on serving the general aviation community. These places are made for non-commercial aircraft. That means they welcome private planes, business jets, and planes used by flight schools. The people who fly from here get a more personal and less busy experience than at a big international airport.
Companies such as Lane Aviation work as fixed-base operators (FBOs) at these airports. They give a lot of help to pilots and plane owners. Pilots can get fuel, repairs, and places to keep their planes. These FBOs play a big part in general aviation. They help keep flying safe and easy for everyone.
Along with helping pilots, many FBOs give good options for those who fly and for their teams. You can find nice lounges, places to take a nap, showers, and conference rooms for meetings. Because of these things, private airports can be a great pick for business travelers who want to fly in, get their work done, and head out fast.
Conclusion
Getting around the Columbus airports can be simple if you have the right information. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is the main place most people use. Rickenbacker International Airport is also there, giving different services for travelers. You will find other regional and private airports in the area too. It is good to know what each airport offers because it can help make your trip better. Whether you are flying inside the country or going out of the country, these choices can help your trip go from start to finish smoothly. If you are planning a trip soon, you can always ask for more details or for help that fits your needs. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I use for domestic flights in Columbus?
For most trips inside the United States, you should use John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The airport code is CMH. This is the main columbus international airport for passenger travel. You will find all the main airlines here. There are many choices for places you can go and when you can fly. This international airport makes it easy to get in and out of Columbus.
How do I find parking at John Glenn Columbus International Airport?
John Glenn Columbus International Airport makes it easy for people to park. You will find many parking choices there. You can pick valet parking, short-term, or long-term garages, so you can get the right one for your needs. The Blue Lot at the airport is good if you want to spend less. It gives economy parking as an option. The Blue Lot also has a continuous free shuttle service that will take you to the terminal. This will help you worry less about the cost of parking at the columbus international airport.
Are there public transportation or shuttle options to Columbus airports?
Yes, there is public transportation you can use. The Central Ohio Transit Authority, or COTA, runs a bus service that goes to both John Glenn Columbus Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport. You can also book a shuttle before your trip, or get a rideshare to travel to or from any Columbus airport.