A Group Travel Guide to Columbus, Ohio's Best Destinations

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the nation, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-negotiable stop for groups visiting the area. Located just north of the city in Powell, this massive complex spans 580 acres and is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species. It’s perfect for school field trips , large family outings, and corporate family days.

Your group can travel from the frosty shores of "Polar Frontier" to the humid jungles of "Congo Expedition" all in one afternoon. If you are visiting in the summer, don't forget Zoombezi Bay, the adjacent water park that offers a refreshing break from the Ohio heat. Because the zoo is so expansive, walking is the name of the game. Having a climate-controlled charter bus waiting for you at the end of a long day of exploring is a luxury your feet will thank you for. Your driver can drop your group off right at the main entrance, allowing you to skip the long trek from the back of the massive parking lot.

Group Travel Tip: If you are planning a winter trip, the zoo's "Wildlights" holiday display is legendary. Traffic on Powell Road can get heavy during this event, but with a private bus rental, your group can relax with holiday music and hot cocoa onboard while your driver handles the gridlock.

Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

For a touch of elegance and serenity, bring your group to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Located just two miles east of downtown Columbus, this horticultural landmark is situated within the 88-acre Franklin Park. It is a premier destination for wedding parties, senior citizen tours, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

The Conservatory features exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and the famed Dale Chihuly glass artwork collection, which is interwoven throughout the biomes. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, a Victorian-style glass greenhouse dating back to 1895, is a stunning backdrop for photos. If you are organizing a corporate gala or a wedding reception here, a shuttle bus rental is essential. We can shuttle guests from downtown hotels like the Hilton Columbus Downtown or the Le Méridien directly to the Conservatory's doorstep, ensuring everyone arrives on time and in style.

Charter Bus Parking: The Conservatory has a designated lot, but it can fill up quickly during special events like "Blooms & Butterflies." Your driver can drop your group at the main visitor center and park off-site if necessary, returning precisely when you are ready to leave.

Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Perched on the west bank of the Scioto River in the Franklinton neighborhood, COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is a science center that sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages. This is, hands down, the most popular destination for STEM field trips in Central Ohio. With over 300 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant screen theater, you could easily spend an entire day here.

Rent a charter bus for your school group or scout troop, and you can turn the travel time into an educational opportunity. Use the onboard PA system to brief students on the exhibits they are about to see, or play a science documentary on the overhead TV screens. We offer ADA-accessible buses to ensure every student and chaperone can participate in the fun comfortably.

Logistics Tip: COSI is located downtown, where parking can be pricey and confusing for multiple vehicles. A charter bus rental eliminates this cost for individual drivers. We will drop your group off right at the main entrance on West Broad Street so you can get straight to the science.

Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Easton Town Center

Often referred to as the "Rodeo Drive of the Midwest," Easton Town Center is far more than just a shopping mall. It is an open-air town square designed to look like an early-20th-century American city, featuring fountains, brick-paved streets, and a staggering array of retail and dining options. It is located in the northeast quadrant of the city, near I-270.

This is a fantastic destination for tour groups, bachelorette parties, or spouse programs during conventions. Your group can split up to explore high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., or catch a movie at the massive AMC dine-in theater. With dozens of restaurants ranging from quick bites to fine dining steakhouses like Smith & Wollensky, feeding a large group is never an issue.

The best part about taking a charter bus to Easton? Storage space. After a long day of retail therapy, your group won't have to cram shopping bags onto their laps. Our motorcoaches feature spacious undercarriage luggage bays perfect for storing all your purchases, leaving the cabin clutter-free for a relaxing ride back to the hotel.

Address: 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219

German Village & The Book Loft

Step back in time with a visit to German Village. Just south of downtown, this historic neighborhood is famous for its charming brick cottages, cobblestone streets, and meticulously maintained gardens. It is a walking paradise, but getting a large group there can be tricky due to the narrow, historic streets and very limited street parking.

By renting a minibus from Charter Bus Rental Company Columbus, you can navigate these tight streets with ease. We can drop you off right in front of iconic stops like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for a legendary Bahama Mama sausage and a cream puff. After lunch, walk over to The Book Loft of German Village. This is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores, boasting 32 rooms of books packed into a pre-Civil War era building. It is a maze of literature that book clubs and student groups absolutely adore.

Pro Tip: Due to the brick streets, the ride can be a little bumpy in a small car, but our modern charter buses are equipped with superior suspension systems to smooth out the journey.

Address: 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206 (The Book Loft)

North Market Downtown

If your group consists of foodies, the North Market Downtown is non-negotiable. Established in 1876, it is Columbus’s only remaining true public market. It houses more than 30 independent merchants offering fresh produce, meat, cheese, and prepared foods from around the globe. From authentic Polish pierogies to Vietnamese pho and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (born right here in North Market!), there is something to satisfy every palate.

This is an excellent lunch stop for corporate groups or tour buses passing through the city. Instead of trying to coordinate a reservation for 50 people at a sit-down restaurant, bring them here. Everyone can grab what they want and meet up on the second-floor mezzanine seating area. Parking in the Short North area is notoriously difficult, but your charter bus driver can drop you curbside on Spruce Street and circle the block or park in a designated oversized lot while you eat.

Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215

Ohio Stadium ("The Shoe")

In Columbus, football isn't just a sport; it's a religion. Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as "The Horseshoe" or "The Shoe," is the home of the Ohio State University Buckeyes. With a seating capacity of over 100,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world. The energy on game day is electric, but the traffic is chaotic.

If you are planning to attend a game with a large group of friends, alumni, or corporate clients, do not try to drive separately. Game day traffic and parking fees can dampen the spirit before kickoff. Renting a charter bus allows you to tailgate properly! We offer buses with plenty of under-bus storage for your coolers, tents, grills, and cornhole boards. Your driver will navigate the sea of scarlet and gray, drop you off near the stadium, and wait for you until the clock hits zero. We handle the logistics; you handle the cheering.

Address: 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210

The Scioto Mile

Connecting downtown Columbus to the Franklinton peninsula, the Scioto Mile is a stunning urban oasis comprising more than 175 acres of lush parkland. It features miles of multi-use trails stretching along the Scioto River, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. At the heart of it is Bicentennial Park, home to a magnificent 15,000-square-foot fountain that kids (and adults) love to splash in during the summer, as well as a performance pavilion.

This is a great spot for groups to unwind after a conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. You can book a bus to drop your team off at one end of the Mile and pick them up at the other after a leisurely sunset stroll. It’s also adjacent to COSI and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, making it easy to combine multiple attractions into one seamless itinerary.

Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215

Ready to Explore Columbus? Let's Get Rolling!

Columbus, Ohio, is a city that demands to be explored together. Whether you are diving into history in German Village, cheering on the Buckeyes, or marveling at wildlife in Powell, the logistics of moving a group shouldn't hold you back. Charter Bus Rental Company Columbus is dedicated to providing you with safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t waste time coordinating carpools or waiting for rideshares. Experience the capital city the right way. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you build the perfect itinerary.

Call us today at 614-369-3546 for a free, no-obligation quote in less than 30 seconds!