A rocky coastline with a sandy beach, dense forest, and calm sea.

$31 Cheap Flights to Columbia, MD

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Popular airlines to Columbia

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Today's featured flight deals to Columbia

NonstopCarry-on includedLower price than typical

How much is the cheapest flight to Columbia?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $31 for one-way flights and $62 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United
Alaska Airlines

Alternative airports near Columbia

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight to Columbia

Flights to Columbia at a glance

Traveling to Columbia is a breeze; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Evaluate journey durations and select the best flights to Maryland that align with your budget and plans to discover the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports near Columbia: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Closest (typical) airport to Columbia: Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, BWI (around 11 miles)
  • Flights per week: 7,650+ flights arriving across Columbia airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Columbia: around 50+ carriers

Popular airports near Columbia

Columbia is a vibrant city ideal for family outings, entertainment, and urban getaways. Visitors are drawn to Columbia for its outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and sports events. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Situated in Arlington County, Virginia, approximately 27 miles from Columbia, this airport provides a range of domestic and international flight options. Passengers can connect to over 225 domestic cities and more than 115 international locations. For enhanced comfort, travelers have the choice to upgrade to first class, premium economy, or business class seating, depending on the airline and route. Key airlines operating from this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue Airways.
  • Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Found in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, about 11 miles from Columbia, this airport also caters to both domestic and international travel needs. It connects to around 200 domestic cities and over 120 international destinations. Travelers can opt for first class, premium economy, or business class seating for a more comfortable journey, contingent on the airline and flight. Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and American Airlines are among the popular carriers serving this airport.

Top routes to Columbia

  • Boston (BOS) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with one-way flights starting at around $70
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with one-way flights starting at around $35
  • Miami (MIA) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with one-way flights starting at around $40
  • Atlanta (ATL) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with one-way fares starting at around $35
  • Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with one-way flight options from around $50

Cheapest routes to Columbia

  • New Haven (HVN) to Columbia (BWI), with cheap one-way fares from around $30
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with low one-way fares from around $35
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with low one-way fares from around $35
  • Atlanta (ATL) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with budget one-way fares from around $35
  • Miami (MIA) to Columbia (DCA/BWI), with budget one-way fares from around $40

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Columbia

  • American Airlines: This airline operates flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), managing roughly 37% of arrivals to Columbia. One-way fares hover around $310, with available service options including business class and first class, depending on the route.
  • Southwest Airlines: With routes to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Southwest Airlines accounts for about 21% of arrivals to Columbia. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $230.
  • Delta: Operating flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Delta makes up approximately 18% of arrivals to Columbia. One-way fares are roughly $290, with premium service options that may include premium economy class, business class, and first class, depending on the route.
  • United: This airline flies to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), representing about 11% of arrivals to Columbia. Average one-way fares are around $320, with first class offered as a premium cabin option depending on the specific route.
  • Frontier Airlines: Operating services to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Frontier Airlines contributes roughly 5% of arrivals to Columbia. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $160.

Best time to fly to Columbia

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Columbia are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Columbia can reach up to 54.1°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 69.4°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $200), roughly 6% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May, October, and August offer average one-way fares of around $204, making them good options for flexible travelers.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$243
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$215
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$229
April54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$237
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$201
June72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$213
July77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$212
August75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$208
September69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$200
October58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$201
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$211
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$213

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Columbia

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Columbia is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
  3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Columbia hotel and flight deals.
  4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Columbia flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Columbia

Columbia welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Columbia efficiently:

  • Public transportation: From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, National Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away by walking, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. For those heading to the waterfront, Washington Seaport is situated about 4.8 miles away, also reachable by car.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbia, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Columbia is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Columbia on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Columbia

  • Ellicott City: Ellicott City is located 5 miles drive away from Columbia and offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and vibrant city life. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping centers and theaters, making it a great spot for entertainment. The area features notable landmarks such as urban parks and national state parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Key points of interest include the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina for adventure seekers, the historic Johns Hopkins University for culture buffs, and the Baltimore Convention Center for business travelers looking to connect.
  • Elkridge: Elkridge is located 7 miles away from Columbia, making it an accessible destination for families and business travelers. This city boasts a variety of shopping options and is known for its lively music concerts. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby stadiums and sports facilities. While visiting, don’t miss the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina for outdoor fun, the historic Johns Hopkins University for a touch of culture, and the Baltimore Convention Center, which caters to business needs with its excellent facilities.
  • Hanover: Hanover is located 8 miles away from Columbia and is a bustling city that caters to families, business travelers, and city explorers alike. With accessible shopping malls and wellness centers, it’s a great spot for those looking to unwind or indulge. The city is surrounded by significant landmarks, including a variety of event venues and sports facilities. Highlights for visitors include the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina for adventure seekers, the Baltimore Convention Center for business events, and the historic Johns Hopkins University for a cultural experience.

Tips for short-haul flights to Columbia

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning outfits thoughtfully. This also allows you to avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Columbia

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

  • Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in becomes available, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may even allow seat selection earlier than this.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, feel free to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Columbia?
The cheapest month to fly to Columbia is September when there's less demand. Off-peak months are typically when you'll find cheap flights. To keep costs down, steer clear of flying during school breaks and major holidays.
Which US cities have the cheapest flights to Columbia?
Typically, Boston, Chicago and Atlanta offer cheap flights to Columbia. However, flexibility is the secret to scoring yourself the lowest fares. Plan your getaway during low season or midweek to keep costs to a minimum.
Which US cities fly direct to Columbia?
There are 92 US cities you're able to fly to Columbia directly from. Compare the options by selecting the "Direct flights only" box on Expedia and pick the best departure point for your trip. Here are some of the major cities to head out from:
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Atlanta
  • New York
  • Orlando
How to find a cheap flight to Columbia?
Book your trip early to maximize your chances of getting cheap flights to Columbia. Also, consider traveling during off-peak months like January and February. If you jet off on a Thursday, you'll save 16% on average compared to those departing on a Sunday.* Save time checking every day and set up a price alert on the Expedia app. We'll update you when fares drop.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Columbia?
It's possible to get cheap deals on last-minute departures to Columbia, especially if your travel plans are flexible. Consider departing from a different airport, tweaking your trip dates or selecting an alternative carrier to get a cheap flight to Columbia.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Columbia?
To nab some of the biggest savings on domestic journeys, book your flight to Columbia 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, it's two to four months in advance. This improves your chances of getting your preferred departure dates, times and seats.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Columbia?
Sundays are usually the best day to book a cheap flight to Columbia, where you can save 8% on average compared to Fridays. If you choose to purchase on a Friday, expect to pay more as this is often the most expensive day.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Columbia?
There are 7 carriers that connect Columbia with 98 airports worldwide. The primary gateway to this city is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Book a fare with any of these top airlines to Columbia:
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
Where do you fly into Columbia?
The main airport when you fly to Columbia is Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), but there are some good nearby alternatives like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD). You can also arrive at Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) and Tipton Airport (FME) when flying to Columbia.
How far is the airport from central Columbia?
Flying into Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) puts you approximately 11 mi east of the center of Columbia.
Can I save money by booking a Columbia trip package?
Bundle your flight and hotel and you could save hundreds of dollars. Plus, you can add extras like activities and car rentals to your Columbia flight and hotel package deal. With Expedia, it's a breeze to manage all your Columbia travel arrangements in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Columbia?
You can usually change or cancel your flight to Columbia within 24 hours of booking. However, keep in mind that some fares are non-refundable. In those cases, you may be issued credit for future travel instead of a direct refund. It's important to check the airline's terms and conditions in your itinerary for specific details. You can use Expedia's "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters when you search to find cheap flights to Columbia with flexible change policies. To learn more, visit our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

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Tips to find the cheapest flights to Columbia

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Columbia on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Columbia. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Columbia. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Columbia, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Columbia

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Columbia in 2026 starts from from $62, while one-way tickets start from from $31. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Columbia. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Columbia

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Columbia. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Columbia and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Columbia, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Columbia. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Columbia plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Columbia

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Columbia.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Columbia are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Columbia. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Columbia for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Columbia. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Columbia flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Columbia. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Columbia

Travel information

Destination airport
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Destination airport IATA code
BWI
Destination city name
Baltimore
Roundtrip price
$62

Trending flights to Columbia

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $31 for one-way flights and $62 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines

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