Top rated 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.
Top hosts in Columbus, OH
Will S.
Jeff O.
Jeff O.’s vehicles
Try car sharing 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!
Book 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.
Recent reviews
Wanjema vechele was very fresh and clean he also supplied water and safety bar which was really nice the ride was smooth from Columbus to Memphis I really appreciate this type of service will rent from him again
Ben was an excellent host and the car was in great condition for my trip to Columbus.
Without a doubt the smoothest transition for picking up a car, using it for a week and returning it.
Way cheaper and easier than renting a car through conventional rental companies.
Awuah was very helpful during the rental process I would recommend Awuah if you are looking for an affordable well maintained car.
Very organized, with helpful information that made the rental process very simple.
Such a great car - did mostly highway driving on my trip and it gets great mileage!
Rental process was simple and efficient with friendly, helpful service.
I’ll definitely love to rent her car again when I’m in the Columbus area. 5 stars ⭐️!
Rented the 2021 Tesla, the car was clean and waiting for me at the airport when I arrive.
Cool car I always wanted to try and much better experience than hopping a shuttle to the rental car counter and waiting forever for one overworked person.
Leroy is my #1 Columbus Turo host and vehicle whenever I come in town.
Great experience and cost was so reasonable compared to commercial rental companies.
Came to Columbus to visit family for Thanksgiving and Jeff was an exceptional host.
Incredible car, super nice guy, very communicative, easy to pick up and return.
Very professional and on top of her game would rent from her next time I’m in Columbus no brainer!!!
Car was perfect and Will was flexible when I made my reservation incorrectly.
The car was wonderful and gets excellent mileage especially with gas prices the way they are.
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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
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* 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. 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.
When a trip is booked in the state of Washington, physical damage to the host’s vehicle is covered by insurance purchased by Turo, but Turo’s insurance does not change the contractual responsibilities of hosts or guests with respect to physical damage to a host’s vehicle.