Car rental in Columbus, OH
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Rental cars in Columbus, OH
Kick off a good time in Columbus
The largest city in Ohio, Columbus is a center for both arts and the tech industry. Of course, it’s also the home of the famous The Ohio State University. All of this makes Columbus a hip, happening place with adventures to explore during your vacation or business trip.
And that’s not all — surrounded by state parks and historic sites, Columbus is the jumping off point for your next day trip, whether you want to visit Native American caves, walk the old Erie Canal, or experience some of the best drives in the U.S.
Columbus favorites
From charming neighborhoods to massive stadiums, our Columbus list of favorites will leave you plenty to explore.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This cultural hub is much more than just a park. With award-winning gardens, changing art exhibits, a glass blowing studio, and a cafe that uses herbs and produce grown right there in the garden, Franklin Park is a place of natural beauty and creativity.
German Village
If quaint, historic neighborhoods are your thing, you’ll love Columbus’ German Village. 19th-century brick houses line these charming streets, along with bookstores, fudge shops, art galleries, and, of course, German pubs and breweries.
The Ohio State University
Located on a gorgeous campus, Ohio State University is famous for its high academics, celebrity alumni, and landmark Ohio Stadium. Sports fans will enjoy watching the Ohio State Buckeyes play in this massive on-campus stadium, the fourth largest in the nation.
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Rent cars in Columbus, OH
Hit the road
Columbus is centrally located, making it the perfect home base for road trips galore. Not only is it conveniently close to Cleveland and Cincinnati, it’s not far from historic towns, Native American earthworks, and numerous state parks. Make an advance reservation at one of the excellent restaurants, then hit stunning Cuyahoga National Park, where you can walk the old canal path, marvel at otherworldly waterfalls, and take a scenic train ride. And that’s just one of the day trips you can take from Columbus!
Rent the perfect carHocking Hills State Park
An hour southeast of Columbus, you’ll find unusual rock formations, caves, and waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park. In addition to hiking, this fascinating park is a great place to kayak, rock climb, or zip line. Don’t miss Ash Cave and Cedar Falls, two of the park’s most jaw-dropping features.
Newark
In Newark, just 40 miles from Columbus, you can see ancient earthworks built by Ohio’s first peoples, explore parks and museums, and view the largest basket in the world — which isn’t really a basket but the seven-story headquarters of the Longaberger Basket Company.
Alum Creek State Park
If you want an outdoor escape from the big city that’s not too far away, travel up to Alum Creek State Park, where you can spend the day jet skiing, paddling, or swimming. There’s also plenty of family-friendly hiking and biking trails.
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Best Columbus driving roads
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
If you want to experience the highlights of Hocking Hills without tramping all over the park, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is your best friend. Along this 260-mile route, you can travel the park at your own speed, hitting all the area’s best sites in one scenic drive.
Olentangy Heritage Byway
Starting at I-270 in Franklin County, this route follows ancient Native American trails to US 23. Though it’s a mere 10.5 miles long, this drive is packed full of historic barns and churches, beautiful scenery, and rewarding views of the Olentangy River.
Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
State Route 26 winds from Marietta to Woodsfield, making it a bit of a jaunt from Columbus. But if you’re a car enthusiast, you won’t want to miss one of the top-rated drives in America. Not only is it scenic with multiple covered bridges, but it’s a curvy ride free of traffic and stops.
Frequently asked questions in Columbus
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France, you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you or decline coverage in some cases. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy from Travelers — up to $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Columbus?
How do I get discounts on cars in Columbus?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you the occasional promotion, discount, and deals on car rental alternatives in Columbus!
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
**Learn how the loyalty bonus worksAre there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsWhat types of cars can I book in Columbus?
What types of cars can I book in Columbus?
Browse a wide selection of vehicles for all kinds of occasions and budgets on Turo. Find a full-size SUV for a family road trip, a pickup truck for some errands, or a sporty convertible for a special night out in Columbus. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Columbus?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Columbus?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced cleaning practices, using the latest recommendations compiled from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and vehicle detailing experts, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, Canada, and the UK. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near the Columbus airport?
Are there cars available near the Columbus airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Columbus airport. After arriving at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (also known as Port Columbus International Airport) or Rickenbacker International Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Columbus hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle. You can also use a shuttle service from the airport if you have time before your scheduled pickup time.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip (primary driver) can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add authorized drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US and Canada can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress with no extra charges.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What’s the best way to get around Columbus?
What’s the best way to get around Columbus?
The best and fastest way to get around the Columbus area is by booking a car on Turo, so you can explore every urban hot spot and outdoor activity Ohio has to offer on your own time.
Ohio’s biggest city is very walkable, with many of the top tourist sites like Franklin Park and Conservatory, German Village, and the Columbus Museum of Art fairly close together. If you prefer to avoid gas stations and rush hour traffic, the Central Ohio Transit Authority subway system serves all the popular neighborhoods, and stops near convenient locations like Stoneridge Lane, Bethel Road, Taylor Rd Extension, Hamilton Rd, and International Gateway near the John Glenn Airport.
How easy is street parking in Columbus?
How easy is street parking in Columbus?
Street parking can get tricky around popular tourist attractions like Ohio Stadium, especially during game time, but there are usually plenty of options for street parking, as well as the option to use surface lots or a parking garage. Just be sure to carry change for the meter so you have enough time to explore the city.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.