Car Rental at Ohio State University Airport (OSU)

Reasons to book a car rental at Columbus Airport

Renting a car at Columbus Airport is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the area. With a rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to visit attractions around Columbus at your own pace, making it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. This flexibility is particularly appealing to families and groups who want to enjoy a friendly experience without the constraints of public transport.

From Columbus Airport, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as COSI, a science museum located just 9 miles away, or Bridge Park, which is only 3 miles away and perfect for outdoor family experiences. Additionally, the Wexner Center for the Arts, situated 6 miles from the airport, offers a rich cultural experience. Beyond these attractions, you can explore the vibrant city of Columbus, the charming city of Dublin, or the nearby neighborhood of Northwest Columbus, all of which are easily accessible with a rental car. This convenience allows you to discover the best of the area, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals near Columbus Airport

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is a popular choice for travelers at Columbus airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers along with 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal selection for couples or families looking for comfort and space while exploring the area. With a Midsize vehicle, you'll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace, ensuring a pleasant experience during your stay.
• Economy: For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Economy car type is an excellent fit. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families who want to keep rental costs low while still enjoying the freedom of having a car. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through Columbus and find convenient parking.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is another highly booked option at Columbus airport, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for those who desire a bit more versatility, offering a higher driving position and additional cargo space. Whether you're a solo traveler or with family, a Compact SUV provides comfort and practicality for your journey around the Columbus area.

Top rated car suppliers near Columbus Airport

• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers at Columbus airport. Its nearest location is less than 1 mile away, providing quick access for your rental needs. Known for their excellent customer service, the most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, making it a great option for families and groups looking for spacious vehicles.
• Budget: Budget offers convenient car rental services with 3 locations, all situated within 1 mile of Columbus airport. This supplier is ideal for travelers seeking value, as they frequently offer competitive prices. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are popular choices among customers, ensuring you have plenty of options to suit your travel plans.
• Avis: Avis is another strong contender with 3 rental locations, also within 1 mile of Columbus airport. This supplier is praised for its reliable service and a well-maintained fleet. Travelers often choose Fullsize and Midsize SUVs from Avis, providing a comfortable ride for both solo travelers and families exploring the area.

Where to stay near Columbus Airport

• Columbus: As a vibrant metropolis, Columbus offers a variety of accommodations near the airport. The area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and business-themed experiences. Within proximity, you can explore attractions like COSI, a science museum perfect for culture and family vacations, and the Columbus Museum of Art, ideal for art enthusiasts. Additionally, enjoy the urban parks and shopping centers that enhance your stay.
• Central Ohio: Located 4 miles from Columbus, this area is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Central Ohio features attractions such as Alum Creek State Park, suitable for outdoor activities, and the Wexner Center for the Arts for culture enthusiasts. This neighborhood offers a peaceful environment with access to recreational areas and shopping centers, making it a great place to stay while exploring the region.
• Muirfield Village: Situated 6 miles from Columbus, Muirfield Village is a luxurious neighborhood known for its outdoor and sports experiences. With its renowned golf courses and private clubs, this area caters to sports enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include the urban Bridge Park, ideal for family outings, and the Wexner Center for the Arts for cultural experiences. Muirfield Village provides a blend of luxury and leisure, making it an attractive option for travelers.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Columbus

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: Generally, it's advantageous to book your OSU car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Ideally, make your reservation 1-3 months in advance, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—may have restricted availability. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver’s name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan on spending a lot of time driving, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Columbus Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Columbus Airport is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. March and April also offer reasonable options with slightly low prices and average demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and prices to match. June through August continue this trend, making them busier and pricier times for rentals. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.6°F (-1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average