Airport Transportation FAQ

Booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance is recommended whenever
possible. Earlier reservations are especially helpful for early-morning
departures, holidays and other busy travel periods. Last-minute
availability may be possible, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. Many customers schedule their transportation as soon as their
flights are booked. Reserving early gives you the best opportunity
to secure your preferred pickup time.

Getting an airport transportation quote is quick and easy. Choose whichever option is most convenient:

• 🤖
  
  Get Your Airport Transportation Quote in Under 30 Seconds
  
• 📱
  Use Text2Book
  by texting (833) 694-0507
• 💬
  Text Steve
  at (614) 546-7661
• 📞
  Call Steve
  at (614) 546-7661

To provide an accurate quote, please include:

• Pickup address
• Travel date
• Requested pickup time
• Destination
• Number of passengers
• Approximate amount of luggage

Most quotes are provided within just a few minutes during normal business hours. You’ll always receive a clear, upfront price with no obligation, and every ride is personally driven by owner Steve French.

Please be prepared to provide:

• Your full pickup and drop-off addresses
• The date and requested pickup time
• Your airline and flight number
• The number of passengers
• The expected amount of luggage
• Your mobile number and email address

Yes. Round-trip transportation can be arranged at the same time so
that both portions of your travel are confirmed in advance.

Pricing depends primarily on the pickup location, mileage, time of
day, applicable taxes and airport access fees. You will receive an
exact quote before deciding whether to reserve.

No. Your quote will identify the total cost of the transportation.
Optional gratuity is not required and is not included unless clearly
stated.

No. Gratuity is always optional. It is appreciated when customers
feel they have received excellent service, but it is never required.

Smart Ride does not use app-based surge pricing. Your price is quoted
before the reservation is confirmed. Time-of-day charges may apply
to certain late-night or early-morning pickups and will be included
in the quote.

Your recommended pickup time depends on your location, airline,
departure time, expected traffic and whether you are checking
luggage. As a general rule, travelers should plan to arrive at CMH
approximately two hours before a domestic flight and earlier when
recommended by the airline.

Yes. Early-morning airport transportation is available by advance
reservation, subject to availability.

Yes. Provide your flight information and pickup location, and Steve
can recommend a pickup time that accounts for estimated driving time
and an appropriate airport arrival window.

Departing passengers are dropped off at the appropriate terminal
departure area for their airline. Assistance with unloading luggage
is included.

Yes. Flight status is monitored so Steve can account for early
arrivals, delays and other schedule changes.

Your flight will be monitored, and your airport pickup will be
adjusted based on the updated arrival information. It is still
helpful to send a quick message if your airline changes your flight
number or rebooks you on a different itinerary.

Early arrivals are monitored as well. Steve will adjust whenever
reasonably possible based on the updated arrival time.

Steve normally meets arriving customers inside the terminal near
baggage claim, at the bottom of the escalators. Specific instructions
will be provided before your arrival so you know exactly where to go.

Flight and arrival timing are monitored, and reasonable baggage-claim
delays are expected. Keep Steve informed by text if there is an
unusual baggage problem or airline service issue.

Yes. Steve will gladly assist with loading and unloading your luggage.

Most rides are provided in a black 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Hybrid with a clean, comfortable interior and room for passengers
and luggage. A Toyota Sienna may also be used when appropriate.

Capacity depends on both the number of passengers and the amount of
luggage. Five passengers are generally the most comfortable
arrangement for an airport trip. Some six-passenger trips may be
possible when luggage requirements allow.

Luggage capacity varies based on the number of passengers and the
size of each bag. When requesting a quote, please provide the number
of full-size suitcases, carry-ons, strollers, golf clubs or other
oversized items so the correct vehicle arrangement can be confirmed.

Often, yes. Smart Ride has additional cargo capacity available for
certain trips. Oversized items should always be disclosed before the
reservation is confirmed.

Yes. Families are welcome. Please provide the ages of the children
and discuss any child-restraint requirements when requesting the
reservation.

Smart Ride provides airport transportation throughout Central Ohio,
including many communities in Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking,
Madison, Pickaway, Union and surrounding counties.

• Powell
• Dublin
• Delaware
• Lewis Center
• Worthington
• Westerville
• Hilliard
• Upper Arlington
• New Albany
• Gahanna
• Marysville
• Granville
• Newark
• Pickerington
• Grove City

Contact Steve if your community is not listed. Transportation may
still be available.

No. Transportation may also be arranged for Rickenbacker
International Airport, regional airports, private aviation facilities
and other destinations, subject to availability.

Yes, multiple pickup stops may be possible. Include all addresses
when requesting the quote so enough time can be scheduled and the
correct price can be provided.

Every Smart Ride reservation is personally driven by owner Steve
French. You are not assigned to an unknown driver shortly before
pickup.

You will receive a confirmation containing the important reservation
details. Review it carefully and contact Steve promptly if anything
needs to be corrected.

Steve communicates directly with customers and commonly confirms
upcoming pickup details before the trip.

Although uncommon, emergencies and unexpected vehicle issues can
occur. Smart Ride maintains a backup vehicle and will make reasonable
efforts to arrange appropriate alternative transportation when
necessary.

Smart Ride Central Ohio accepts all major credit and debit cards through our secure online reservation and payment system. We also accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal for your convenience. If you have any questions about payment options, just let us know when booking your ride.

Yes. A receipt can be provided electronically. Contact Steve if you
do not receive one or need a replacement copy.

Yes. A family member, employer or other responsible party may arrange
and pay for transportation on behalf of the passenger.

Yes. Smart Ride provides scheduled transportation for individual
business travelers, executives, employees and visiting clients.

Yes. The reservation can be arranged and paid for by the company or
host while Steve communicates directly with the arriving passenger
regarding pickup instructions.

Recurring or frequently scheduled transportation may be arranged
based on availability. Contact Steve to discuss your travel schedule.

Yes. Smart Ride Central Ohio carries commercial automobile insurance
appropriate for its private transportation services.

Steve has completed more than 20,000 professional rides and has been
transporting passengers throughout Central Ohio since 2016.

Yes. When you call or text Smart Ride Central Ohio, you can request to speak directly with Steve—the owner and the person who will personally be driving you. No call centers, no dispatchers, and no surprises—just direct communication with the driver who will be providing your transportation.