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Transportation

Getting around Columbus without going broke

🚌 Unbiased Transportation Advice

No sponsorships from transport companies means honest reviews.

We don't get paid by COTA, ride-share companies, or car dealerships. Our transportation advice comes from actually using these services with our own money. When we say something saves you cash, it's because it saved us cash.

Real people sharing real experiences with Columbus transportation - not paid promotional content.

Columbus Transportation Resources

📱 Apps & Tools

Useful Apps & Websites

  • COTA app: Real-time bus tracking, mobile tickets
  • CoGo app: Find bikes and stations
  • ParkColumbus: City parking meters and garages
  • Google Maps: Transit directions and real-time updates
  • GasBuddy: Find cheapest gas prices
COTA App CoGo App GasBuddy
🆘 Help & Support

Getting Help

  • COTA customer service: (614) 228-1776
  • Reduced fare applications: Available online and at COTA offices
  • Bike repair co-ops: Community shops with tools and guidance
  • AAA for car owners: Roadside assistance, travel planning
Call COTA Reduced Fare Info AAA Membership
🚌 COTA Bus System Photo Placeholder

Transportation Reality Check

Columbus is a car-centric city, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with a car payment. Smart transportation choices can save you hundreds per month and thousands per year. We'll break down real costs and practical strategies for every budget level.

Monthly Transportation Cost Comparison

Method Monthly Cost Best For
COTA Bus Pass $62 Central Columbus, regular schedule
CoGo Bike Share $15-96 Short trips, exercise, good weather
Used Car (paid off) $250-400 Insurance, gas, maintenance only
Used Car (financed) $400-650 Plus payment, full coverage insurance
New Car $600-1000+ People with money to burn

COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)

🚌 Public Bus

COTA Fare Structure 2025

Single Ride: $2.00 (exact change required)

Day Pass: $4.50 (unlimited rides)

31-Day Pass: $62.00

Reduced Fare: $1.00 (seniors 65+, disabilities, Medicare cardholders)

Student Discounts: Available for qualifying students

COTA Website Fare Information Call (614) 228-1776 Routes & Schedules
🗺️ Route Map

Key Routes for Budget Living

Route 2 (High Street): OSU campus to downtown, most frequent service

Route 1 (Cleveland Avenue): North Columbus to downtown

Route 23 (Town Street): East to west across city

CMAX: Bus rapid transit on Cleveland Ave

Weekend service: Limited but covers major areas

All Routes CMAX Info Real-Time Tracking

Money-Saving COTA Tips

COTA Reality: Works great if you live near High Street, Cleveland Ave, or downtown. Service drops off significantly in suburbs. Sunday service is limited. Not ideal for late-night workers or jobs requiring cars.

CoGo Bike Share

🚲 Bike Share

CoGo Pricing Structure

Single Trip: $1 unlock + $0.15/minute

Day Pass: $15 (unlimited 30-minute trips)

Monthly: $96 (unlimited 45-minute trips)

Annual: $180 (best value for regular users)

Income-qualified discount: 50% off for SNAP/Medicaid recipients

CoGo Website Pricing Plans Station Map How It Works
📍 Bike Stations

Station Locations (600+ bikes, 80+ stations)

Highest concentration: Downtown, Short North, Campus area

Coverage area: German Village, Clintonville, Grandview Heights

Integration: Many stations near COTA stops

App required: CoGo app for finding bikes and stations

Live Station Map iOS App Android App
CoGo Reality: Great for short trips in the urban core during good weather. Limited coverage outside central Columbus. Winter usage drops dramatically. Helmet safety is your responsibility.

Rideshare & Taxi Services

🚗 Rideshare

Uber/Lyft Pricing (Columbus averages)

Base fare: $1.50-2.00

Per mile: $1.15-1.85

Per minute: $0.15-0.35

Surge pricing: 1.5x-3x during peak times (bar close, events, bad weather)

Airport trips: $25-35 from downtown

Uber Lyft Uber Price Estimate Lyft Columbus

Money-Saving Rideshare Tips

Car Ownership on a Budget

💰 Car Costs

True Cost of Car Ownership (Monthly)

Used car payment: $200-400

Insurance (liability only): $60-120

Insurance (full coverage): $100-200

Gas (12,000 miles/year): $120-180

Maintenance/repairs: $50-100

Registration/taxes: $15-25

TOTAL: $545-1025/month

🚙 Smart Buying

Budget Car Buying Strategy

Sweet spot: 3-7 year old cars with 50K-100K miles

Reliable models: Honda Civic/Accord, Toyota Corolla/Camry, Nissan Sentra

Avoid: Luxury brands (expensive repairs), very high mileage, flood damage

Financing: Credit unions typically offer better rates than dealers

Pre-purchase inspection: $100-150 investment can save thousands

Cars.com AutoTrader Kelley Blue Book CARFAX Reports
Columbus Car Reality: Ohio requires minimum liability insurance ($25K/$50K/$25K). Full coverage runs $100-200/month for most drivers. Gas currently $3.07/gallon citywide. Parking downtown costs $5-15/day, but many neighborhoods have free street parking.

Transportation Decision Framework

Questions to Ask Yourself

Combination Strategies That Work