$39 Cheap Flights to Columbus, NC

Flights to Columbus at a glance

Traveling to Columbus, North Carolina, is a breeze. You can choose from a range of airlines, including budget-friendly options, and easily compare flight times. Select the flights to Columbus that best fit your budget and schedule, and prepare to explore the city's renowned attractions and unique neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Columbus: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
• Closest airport to Columbus: Asheville Regional Airport, AVL (around 23 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,200+ flights arriving across Columbus airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Columbus: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Columbus

Columbus is a charming city perfect for those seeking outdoor activities, picturesque scenery, and romantic getaways. It attracts visitors for family adventures and scenic experiences. The city is conveniently accessible through two major airports, providing easy entry points for travelers.

• Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP): Situated in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, approximately 25 miles from Columbus, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, offering connections to over 170 domestic cities and more than 50 international locales. Travelers can opt for enhanced comfort by choosing first class or premium economy seating, depending on their chosen airline and route. American Airlines, Delta, and United are among the prominent carriers operating at this airport.
• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Found in Buncombe County, North Carolina, about 23 miles from Columbus, this airport provides services for both domestic and international travel, linking passengers to around 140 domestic cities and upwards of 15 international destinations. For those looking for extra comfort, first class and premium economy seating options are available based on the airlines and routes. Major airlines servicing this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Columbus

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $90
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Boston (BOS) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Newark (EWR) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $50

Cheapest routes to Columbus

• New Haven (HVN) to Columbus (GSP), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Providence (PVD) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with low one-way fares from around $50
• Hartford (BDL) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $55
• White Plains (HPN) to Columbus (GSP/AVL), with low one-way fares from around $60

*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 flights to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), this airline represents about 48% of arrivals to Columbus. The typical one-way fare is around $260, with first class available on select routes.
• Delta: Serving both Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Delta accounts for roughly 29% of arrivals to Columbus. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $270, with options for premium economy and first class depending on the route.
• United: With flights to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), United makes up approximately 15% of arrivals in Columbus. The average one-way fare stands at about $290, with first class available on certain routes.
• Southwest Airlines: This airline operates flights to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), contributing around 6% of arrivals to Columbus. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $240.
• Breeze: Flying to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Breeze accounts for roughly 1% of arrivals in Columbus. The average one-way fare is approximately $110, making it a budget-friendly option for 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 58.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 70°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $227, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, May, and June offer average one-way fares of around $233, 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:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbus, with private rides that 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 around Columbus

• Tryon: Located 4 miles drive away from Columbus, Tryon is a charming city renowned for its outdoor recreation, family activities, and vibrant entertainment scene. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, including the Tryon International Equestrian Center, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the scenic Lake Lanier for a romantic getaway or a relaxing day on the water, and don't miss the Tryon Country Club, a delightful spot for golf lovers. With its mix of natural beauty and engaging experiences, Tryon is an excellent choice for a fun-filled day trip.
• Lake Lure: Lake Lure is located 15 miles drive away from Columbus and is a picturesque destination ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and romantic escapes. The heart of this city is Lake Lure itself, which offers beautiful beaches and breathtaking views. For nature lovers, Chimney Rock State Park provides thrilling hiking opportunities and spectacular vistas. Additionally, the Tryon International Equestrian Center is within reach, catering to families and entertainment seekers. Lake Lure's serene environment makes it a perfect spot for a tranquil retreat or an adventurous outing.
• Hendersonville: Situated 20 miles drive away from Columbus, Hendersonville attracts travelers with its magnificent outdoor settings, scenic landscapes, and adventurous activities. Nature enthusiasts can visit Jump Off Rock for family-friendly outings or head to High Falls for a romantic adventure in a stunning natural setting. The Fred W. Symmes Chapel offers a cultural touch with its serene ambiance, making it a lovely spot for reflection. Whether you seek thrilling outdoor experiences or simply want to soak in the scenery, Hendersonville is a captivating destination worth exploring.

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—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest outfit, and planning versatile ensembles. This approach also allows you to bypass the baggage claim wait upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a good book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for both short and domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and carry 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 may allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights, allowing sufficient time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse 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 synchronizing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to 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

November 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 $78, while one-way tickets start from from $39. 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

Allegiant Air, American 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.