$19 Cheap Flights to Columbus, OH

Flights to Columbus at a glance

Traveling to Columbus is easy, with a choice between full-service and budget airlines. Evaluate travel times and select the option that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport in Columbus: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Flights per week: 3,000+ flights arriving at Columbus airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Columbus: around 45+ carriers

Popular airport in Columbus

Columbus is a vibrant metropolis perfect for families, business trips, and urban getaways. Visitors flock to this dynamic city for its outdoor activities, cultural attractions, family-friendly options, and entertainment. A major airport conveniently serves the Columbus area, enhancing travel accessibility.

• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): Situated in Franklin County, Ohio, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking to over 195 domestic cities and approximately 110 international locations. Passengers can opt for enhanced comfort with upgrades to first class, business class, or premium economy seating, depending on the specific routes and airlines. Major carriers operating at this airport include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta.

Top routes to Columbus

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Columbus (CMH), with one-way fares starting at around $80
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Columbus (CMH), with one-way flight options from around $110
• Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (CMH), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Boston (BOS) to Columbus (CMH), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Columbus (CMH), with one-way fares starting at around $95

Cheapest routes to Columbus

• Atlanta (ATL) to Columbus (CMH), with low one-way fares from around $35
• Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (CMH), with low one-way fares from around $45
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbus (CMH), with affordable one-way prices from around $50
• Charleston (CHS) to Columbus (CMH), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH), with cheap one-way fares from around $55

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

Top airlines with flights to Columbus

• American Airlines: Operating to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), this airline represents about 33% of arrivals in Columbus. The typical one-way fare is around $330, with options for business class and first class service varying by route.
• Delta: Serving John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Delta accounts for roughly 21% of arrivals to Columbus. Average one-way fares are approximately $310, with premium cabin options including premium economy and first class depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Also flying into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Southwest Airlines contributes nearly 20% of arrivals to Columbus. Travelers can expect average one-way fares of about $240, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious flyers.
• United: With flights to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), United makes up around 19% of arrivals in Columbus. The average one-way fare is close to $320, and first class service is available on select routes.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating flights to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Frontier Airlines accounts for about 2% of arrivals to Columbus. This low-cost carrier offers average one-way fares of approximately $160, appealing to value-seeking travelers.

Best time to fly to Columbus

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Columbus are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Columbus can reach up to 52°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 43.2°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $231, roughly 7% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May, September, and November offer average one-way fares of around $238, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*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 Columbus

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Columbus

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

• Public transportation: From John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbus, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Columbus is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Columbus 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 in Columbus

• Dublin: Dublin is located in the area of Columbus and offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. This charming city features several key attractions, including Ohio State University, a historic college perfect for culture enthusiasts, and Bridge Park, an inviting urban park ideal for outdoor gatherings. For those interested in business, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is a prominent event venue. Dublin's shopping centers and educational institutions make it a great spot for both leisure and learning.
• Westerville: Westerville is located in the area of Columbus and is a vibrant community well-suited for families and business travelers alike. You can explore LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, an engaging venue for interactive fun, or visit Otterbein University, a historic college that enhances the area's cultural appeal. Nature lovers will appreciate Alum Creek State Park, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. With its shopping options and recreational areas, Westerville is perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
• Grove City: Grove City is located in the area of Columbus, providing a unique mix of family-friendly adventures and urban conveniences. Visitors can enjoy COSI, a science museum that sparks curiosity for all ages, or take in events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The local shopping centers and recreational areas make it easy to enjoy a leisurely day out. Grove City's proximity to urban parks and sports facilities enhances its appeal as a destination for both relaxation and activity.

Tips for short-haul flights to Columbus

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim when you arrive.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Don’t forget 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 prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks along with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Columbus

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 begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have time to spare, explore the shops, find a coffee shop, 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 synchronizing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Columbus

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Columbus 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Columbus in 2026 starts from $43, while one-way tickets start from from $19. 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 Columbus. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Columbus

Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Columbus. 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 Columbus and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Columbus, 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus

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 Columbus.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Columbus are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Columbus 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 Columbus. 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.