$51 Cheap Flights to Lincoln, IL

Flights to Lincoln at a glance

Traveling to Lincoln is easy; you can choose between full-service and low-cost airlines. Compare journey times and select the best option that fits your budget and schedule, ensuring you have time to explore the city's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Consider cheap flights to Lincoln for great deals!

• Major airports near Lincoln: Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), Decatur Airport (DEC)
• Closest airport to Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, SPI (around 27 miles)
• Flights per week: 550+ flights arriving across Lincoln airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Lincoln: around 5+ carriers

Popular airports near Lincoln

Lincoln is a charming city ideal for family-friendly outdoor adventures. Visitors flock to Lincoln for its scenic landscapes and various sports activities. The city is conveniently served by three major airports, including Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, making it easy to plan your trip to this vibrant destination.

• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): Situated in McLean County, Illinois, approximately 33 miles from Lincoln, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, linking to over 55 domestic locations and 2 international spots. Travelers can opt for upgrades to first class and premium economy service, based on the routes and airlines. Major carriers include American Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico.
• Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): Found in Sangamon County, Illinois, roughly 27 miles from Lincoln, this airport provides domestic services to around 10+ cities nationwide. Key airlines operating here are American Airlines and Breeze.
• Decatur Airport (DEC): Located in Macon County, Illinois, about 34 miles from Lincoln, this airport handles domestic flights, connecting to approximately 3 cities across the United States. The primary airline serving this airport is United.

Top routes to Lincoln

• Orlando (MCO) to Lincoln (BMI/SPI), with one-way tickets available from around $50
• Atlanta (ATL) to Lincoln (BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $180
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Lincoln (BMI/DEC/SPI), with one-way tickets available from around $150
• Seattle (SEA) to Lincoln (BMI/DEC/SPI), with one-way airfare from around $150
• Dallas (DFW) to Lincoln (BMI/SPI), with one-way fares starting at around $150

Cheapest routes to Lincoln

• Orlando (MCO) to Lincoln (BMI/SPI), with budget one-way fares from around $50
• Chicago (ORD) to Lincoln (DEC), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $80
• Richmond (RIC) to Lincoln (BMI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $120
• Chattanooga (CHA) to Lincoln (BMI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $130
• Jacksonville (JAX) to Lincoln (BMI), with low one-way fares from around $130

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

Top airlines with flights to Lincoln

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), American Airlines represents roughly 66% of arrivals in Lincoln. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $270, with first-class service available on certain routes.
• Delta: Providing service to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), Delta accounts for approximately 30% of Lincoln's arrivals. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $280, with options for premium economy and first class depending on the route.
• United: Serving Decatur Airport (DEC), United contributes about 2% of arrivals to Lincoln. The average one-way fare stands at around $210.
• Breeze: Offering flights to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), Breeze accounts for nearly 2% of arrivals to Lincoln. The typical fare for a one-way ticket is about $100.
• Aeromexico: Flying into Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), Aeromexico offers average one-way fares of approximately $210.

Best time to fly to Lincoln

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Lincoln are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Lincoln can reach up to 52.9°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 67.8°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $270, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, August, and February offer average one-way fares of around $282, 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 Lincoln

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Lincoln

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

• Public transportation: From Central Illinois Regional Airport, Uptown Station, a train station, is located about 5 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lincoln, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Lincoln is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Lincoln 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 Lincoln

• McLean: McLean is located 15 miles drive away from Lincoln and offers a delightful mix of family-friendly and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the Grossinger Motors Arena for various entertainment options, or explore the historic Atlanta Museum for a touch of culture. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic lake nearby, along with recreational areas perfect for a day out. With attractions like the Arcadia - America's Playable Arcade Museum, McLean is an inviting destination for those seeking fun and exploration.
• Elkhart: Elkhart is located 11 miles drive away from Lincoln and is a vibrant hub for outdoor and family adventures. The Illinois State Fairgrounds hosts various events throughout the year, while Railsplitter State Park offers beautiful trails and picturesque landscapes for hiking and picnicking. For a step back in time, the Railsplitter Covered Wagon serves as a historic site worth visiting. Elkhart is an excellent choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature and engage in community events.
• Emden: Emden is located 22 miles drive away from Lincoln and is known for its charming blend of outdoor activities, family fun, and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy leisurely days at local parks or challenge themselves at the nearby golf courses. The Railsplitter Covered Wagon and the Atlanta Museum provide fascinating insights into the area's history and culture. The Lincoln Heritage Museum is another cultural gem that adds depth to Emden’s offerings, making it a great destination for those seeking varied experiences.

Tips for short-haul flights to Lincoln

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 cost-effective to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits in advance. This approach also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. 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 wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic delays and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Lincoln

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 a comfortable experience. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, which typically occurs 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights, allowing sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity 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 to sync your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting 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 at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Lincoln

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Lincoln 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

October is the cheapest month to fly to Lincoln. 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 Lincoln. 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 Lincoln, 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 Lincoln

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Lincoln in 2026 starts from $128, while one-way tickets start from from $51. 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 Lincoln. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Lincoln

Allegiant Air, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Lincoln. 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 Lincoln and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Lincoln.

Stopover savings

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