Athens, Ohio
Athens airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs
Athens, Ohio has no commercial airport; the nearest are Columbus (CMH, about 120 km (75 mi)) and Parkersburg (PKB, about 80 km (50 mi)). Most travellers land at CMH and drive or take a bus or shuttle in 1.5–2 hours. There is no train or direct airport rail link, so a car or booked transfer is the practical choice.Athens, Ohio has no commercial airport; the nearest are Columbus (CMH, about 75 mi (120 km)) and Parkersburg (PKB, about 50 mi (80 km)). Most travellers land at CMH and drive or take a bus or shuttle in 1.5–2 hours. There is no train or direct airport rail link, so a car or booked transfer is the practical choice.
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GuideAthens, Ohio
Key facts
- Nearest commercial airportcheck
- Columbus (CMH), about 120 km / 1.5–2 h by road
- Other nearby airportcheck
- Parkersburg (PKB), about 80 km; few flights
- Train to Athens
- None; no passenger rail station in the city
- Airport rail link
- None
- Typical transfer costcheck
- Taxi or ride-hail from CMH roughly US$120–180; shuttle and bus less
- Driving time from CMHcheck
- About 1.5–2 h via US-33
- Local transitcheck
- Athens has a small bus network; coverage is limited
Options at a glance
Athens sits in southeast Ohio, roughly 120 km from Columbus and 80 km from Parkersburg. Because the city has no commercial airport, the trip is a road transfer, not a rail or metro ride.
The table below compares the realistic ways in. Prices are 2026 estimates and vary with time of day, luggage and how far ahead you book.
| Option | Time | Cost (2026 estimate) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car from CMH | 1.5–2 h | US$45–110 a day plus fuel and fees | Flexibility, onward trips in the region |
| Taxi or ride-hail from CMH | 1.5–2 h | US$120–180 | Door-to-door without driving |
| Shared shuttle or booked transfer | 2 h | US$50–100 per person | Solo travellers and small groups |
| Intercity bus to Athens | 2–3 h | US$20–50 | Cheapest option if the schedule fits |
| Drive from Parkersburg (PKB) | 1–1.5 h | Fuel only | Travellers on the few PKB flights |
Times assume normal traffic; Columbus rush hour adds 20–30 minutes. Fares are estimates, not quoted prices.
Detail on each option
Rental car. Picking up at CMH is the most flexible choice, and it is the default for anyone continuing to Hocking Hills or other parts of southeast Ohio. Expect a one-way drop fee if you return the car somewhere else, and check what insurance the base rate includes.
Taxi and ride-hail. Both run from CMH to Athens, but this is a long out-of-town trip, so confirm the fare before you set off and expect surge pricing at peak times. Pickup zones at the airport are signposted.
Shuttle and booked transfer. Shared shuttles and private transfers can be cheaper than a taxi for one or two people, but they usually need booking ahead and may run on a fixed schedule.
Bus. Intercity coaches link Columbus and Athens, but service is limited and some stops are kerbside rather than at a staffed station. Check the timetable against your arrival before relying on it.
No train. There is no passenger rail station in Athens, so rail is not an option for this leg.
What it costs
Budget roughly US$20–50 per person by bus, US$50–100 by shared shuttle, and US$120–180 for a taxi or ride-hail from Columbus. A rental car is US$45–110 a day before fuel, tolls and parking, which usually works out cheaper for two or more people staying several days.
Tipping follows US norms: 15–20% for a taxi or ride-hail, added in the app, and US$2–5 per bag for a porter.
Tips
Book your transfer or rental before you fly; walk-up options at a small regional arrival point are thin.
If you land late, a rental car or pre-booked transfer is safer than hoping for a bus.
Allow extra time in Columbus rush hour, roughly 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00.
Check the return leg too: buses out of Athens can be as limited as buses in.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How do I get from Athens airport to the city centre?
Athens, Ohio has no commercial airport. Fly into Columbus (CMH, about 120 km) or Parkersburg (PKB, about 80 km), then drive, take a taxi or ride-hail, or book a shuttle or bus. Allow 1.5–2 hours from CMH.
How much is a taxi from Athens airport?
There is no Athens airport taxi rank. From Columbus (CMH) a taxi or ride-hail to Athens is roughly US$120–180 (2026 estimate), more at peak times. Confirm the fare before you set off.
Is there a train from Athens airport?
No. Athens, Ohio has no passenger rail station and no airport rail link. The realistic options are car, taxi or ride-hail, shuttle, or intercity bus.
What is the cheapest way to reach Athens, Ohio?
An intercity bus from Columbus is usually cheapest at about US$20–50, but schedules are limited. For two or more people a rental car often costs less overall.
Do I need a car in Athens, Ohio?
It helps. Local buses cover part of the city, but a car makes trips to Hocking Hills and around southeast Ohio far easier.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialOhio Department of Transportation
- officialColumbus Regional Airport Authority (CMH)
- officialAthens County, Ohio
- secondaryWikivoyage – Athens, Ohio