Columbus Airport Guide
Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our John Glenn Columbus Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.
I noticed an old ticket counter that was no longer being used, so I went behind the counter and made a bed on the floor in front of the old luggage conveyer belt. – Denmark
CMH Airport Overview
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (code: CMH) has one terminal with three concourses: A, B and C. Restaurants and shops are mostly airside, with free WiFi and charging points available throughout the terminal.
The terminal building is open 24 hours a day. Security checkpoints open daily at approximately 4:15 AM and close after the final departing flight. Confirm hours with your airline if you have an early departure or plan to stay overnight.
Sleeping in Columbus Airport
Past information indicates the terminal is open 24 hours, but plan to sleep landside overnight. In April 2023, a traveller stayed in Concourse B until around 3:00 AM, when security asked them and several others to move to the public lobby.
Concourse B gets the best feedback for resting, with comfortable chairs and benches. An undated review also mentions a quiet area behind Gate 25 with couches, carpet and softer lighting. Concourses A and C have fewer comfortable seating options, according to a January 2023 review. The concourses have separate security checkpoints, so you cannot freely move between them airside.
Landside, the lobby has couches, though a traveller found it brighter and louder than Concourse B. A February 2020 reviewer managed about four hours of sleep on an air pad in an upstairs public hallway near the Concourse B entrance, despite noise and staff passing through. They also considered the meditation room near baggage claim, but found it hot and stuffy.
Bring an eye mask, earplugs and a warm layer. A January 2023 reviewer described the terminal as particularly cold in summer. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer airport shuttles. Check hotel rates and availability.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for firsthand traveller reviews.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Help Keep This Airport Guide Updated
Have you recently travelled through Columbus Airport? If any information is outdated or missing, we’d love to hear from you. Your updates help fellow travellers know what to expect.
Write a Review
Last updated: 2026-02-11
This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.