How to find a cheap car hire deal in Port Columbus (CMH)
In search of a cheap Port Columbus rental car? With an average price of $143 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a roomy SUV, or something else entirely, we compare all the best offers to land you a bargain.
Daily rental prices at Port Columbus start from just $59.
Planning extra time in Columbus and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? $411 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to snag a cheap CMH car hire. Beyond just getting a great price, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.
Alamo, Budget and Avis are some of the most popular providers at Port Columbus.
The coverage Alamo or another company offers for your Port Columbus car hire can differ, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in CMH. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Port Columbus with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Explore without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $172 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $137.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $174 a day.
If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Medium rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle at CMH.
Compare car hire types from Port Columbus (CMH)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Port Columbus rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this CMH car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Port Columbus that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your CMH car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Port Columbus by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always go over your home company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Check if you need to add one to your CMH car rental booking.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the home desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're new to driving in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your bank cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've collected the keys to your CMH car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you choose, but if you're headed to central Columbus, it'll take you around 20 minutes to cover the 16 kilometres or so southwest.
The drive from Port Columbus to the city centre in peak travel times can take up to 40 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in Columbus instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Port Columbus (CMH)
Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Columbus, such as Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Whetstone Park / Park of Roses. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, you'll want to explore these highlights before leaving town.
Around 80 kilometres west of CMH, Springfield deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House and Hollandia Botanical Gardens.
Or pick up your Port Columbus car hire and drive over to Newark. Around 40 kilometres east of the airport, National Heisey Glass Museum and Wright Earthworks are among the highlights that make the drive more than worth it.
Up for a bonus adventure? Cleveland is a popular road trip destination that's about 193 kilometres northeast of CMH. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art make perfect pit stops.
