Default HTG hotel image

$51 Cheap Flights to Columbus, AL

View $51 flight on Mon, Sep 28, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines

How much is the cheapest flight to Columbus?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $51 for one-way flights and $102 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Breeze Airways
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta

Alternative airports near Columbus

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Birmingham (BHM)

From $226 - $640 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight to Columbus

Flights to Columbus at a glance

Traveling to Columbus is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare different travel times and select the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports near Columbus: Birmingham International Airport (BHM), Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
  • Closest airport to Columbus: Birmingham International Airport, BHM (around 14 miles)
  • Flights per week: 3,200+ flights arriving across Columbus airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Columbus: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Columbus

Columbus is a charming village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, scenic views, romantic getaways, family vacations, and thrilling adventures. Conveniently, it is served by two major airports, making travel to and from this delightful destination easy for visitors.

  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM): Situated in Jefferson County, Alabama, approximately 14 miles from Columbus, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking to around 175 domestic cities and over 40 global destinations. Travelers can opt for upgraded service in first class or premium economy for enhanced comfort, based on the chosen routes and airlines. Major carriers operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines.
  • Huntsville International Airport (HSV): Located in Madison County, Alabama, about 61 miles from Columbus, this airport provides connections for both domestic and international flights, serving around 140+ domestic locations and more than 20 international spots. Passengers have the option to enhance their journey with upgrades to first class or premium economy seating, depending on the airline and routes. Key airlines at this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Columbus

  • Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with one-way tickets available from around $90
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with one-way flight options from around $60
  • Washington (IAD/DCA) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with one-way airfare from around $100
  • New York (JFK/LGA) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with one-way flights starting at around $100
  • Houston (IAH/HOU) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with one-way fares starting at around $95

Cheapest routes to Columbus

  • Tampa (TPA) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $50
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with budget one-way fares from around $60
  • Nashville (BNA) to Columbus (BHM), with cheap one-way fares from around $70
  • Miami (MIA) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
  • Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbus (HSV/BHM), with affordable one-way prices from around $90

*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 both Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and Birmingham International Airport (BHM), American Airlines represents roughly 36% of incoming flights to Columbus. Average one-way fares hover around $270, with first-class service available on select routes.
  • Delta: Servicing Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and Birmingham International Airport (BHM), Delta accounts for about 30% of arrivals in Columbus. The average one-way fare is approximately $280, and premium cabin service may include options like premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
  • United: With flights to Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and Birmingham International Airport (BHM), United makes up around 19% of arrivals to Columbus. The typical one-way fare is around $290, and first-class service may be available based on the route.
  • Southwest Airlines: Flying into Birmingham International Airport (BHM), Southwest Airlines contributes about 13% of the arrivals in Columbus. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $260.
  • Breeze: Offering services to Huntsville International Airport (HSV), Breeze accounts for about 1% of arrivals to Columbus. The average cost for a one-way ticket is roughly $130.

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 62.2°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 74.7°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $246, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May, September, and July offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $249 to $260, making them good options for flexible travelers.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$292
February47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$270
March55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$302
April62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$277
May70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$249
June77.9°F (25.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$264
July80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$260
August79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$246
September74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$251
October64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$268
November53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$271
December47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$276

*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.*
  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 Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham Station, a train station, is located about 6.4 miles away by car.
  • 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

  • Warrior: Located 5 miles away from Columbus, Warrior is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. With its beautiful recreational areas, visitors can enjoy activities like golfing or relaxing by the scenic Lewis Smith Lake. Nature lovers will appreciate the adventure opportunities at Rickwood Caverns State Park, where stunning rock formations await exploration. For sports fans, Protective Stadium offers exciting football games, making Warrior a great spot for both relaxation and excitement.
  • Pinson: Pinson is located 6 miles away from Columbus and is an excellent destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and culture. The Turkey Creek Nature Preserve provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor activities, while the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum showcases a unique collection of historic motorcycles, appealing to culture enthusiasts. For a taste of local history, Sloss Furnaces offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial past. Whether you're racing at the local racetrack or enjoying the scenic parks, Pinson is sure to delight.
  • Fultondale: Fultondale is located 19 miles drive away from Columbus and caters to families, outdoor lovers, and business travelers alike. The city features a range of shopping options, from local boutiques to larger malls, making it a great place for retail therapy. Sports enthusiasts can catch events at Protective Stadium, while history buffs will enjoy visiting Sloss Furnaces. For families seeking outdoor fun, Black Creek Bark Park is perfect for letting pets enjoy some fresh air. Fultondale offers a blend of activities for every traveler.

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, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits carefully. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. 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, allowing time for traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack your favorite snacks and 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 long flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free when online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines even permit seat selection earlier than this.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to ensure adequate time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with 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 syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting 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 of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Columbus?
Schedule your trip for September if you're hoping to get a deal on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Columbus. Try to avoid traveling during busy periods such as public holidays or major events.
Which US cities have the cheapest flights to Columbus?
Get cheap flights to Columbus from Dallas, Atlanta and Charlotte. These cities typically offer the lowest fares to this exciting destination. But keep in mind that demand, seasonality and stopovers will also have an impact on rates, so remain flexible and book when prices are right.
Which US cities fly direct to Columbus?
Choose from 15 US destinations with direct flights to Columbus. When reserving on Expedia, click on "Direct flights only" to find nonstop routes. Fly to Columbus from any of these top cities:
  • Dallas
  • Atlanta
  • Charlotte
  • Houston
  • Chicago
How to find a cheap flight to Columbus?
To get cheap flights to Columbus, book ahead of time and consider traveling during the low season. Want a handy tip? Fly on a Thursday and you'll save 16% on average compared to those who travel on a Sunday.* Set up price tracking on the Expedia app and we'll let you know as soon as prices 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 Columbus?
While booking in advance is typically the easiest way to save money, don't worry if your Columbus trip is last minute. It's still possible to find cheap flights to Columbus, especially if your plans have a little wiggle room. Try changing your trip dates, looking at different ticket types or jetting out of another airport.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Columbus?
Get the departure dates you want and a price your budget will love by booking your domestic flight to Columbus up to 28 days in advance. Lock in tickets two to four months ahead if you're flying to Columbus from an international destination.**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 Columbus?
You can usually get cheap flights to Columbus on Sundays. Travelers can save about 8% on average compared to booking on a Friday, which is often the most expensive day to purchase tickets.**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 Columbus?
A couple of the most well-known airlines to Columbus are Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. A total of 3 airlines link Columbus with 11 airports across the world. Birmingham Intl. Airport (BHM) is the chief gateway to this destination.
Where do you fly into Columbus?
The main airport when you fly to Columbus is Birmingham Intl. Airport (BHM), but there are other nearby choices like Huntsville Intl. Airport (HSV) and Gadsden, AL (GAD-Northeast Alabama Regional). You can also land at Anniston, AL (ANB-Anniston Municipal) and Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL-Tuscaloosa Regional) when flying to Columbus.
How far is the airport from central Columbus?
Touching down at Birmingham Intl. Airport (BHM) puts you roughly 14 mi south of central Columbus.
Can I save money by booking a Columbus trip package?
Book a Columbus flight and hotel package deal on Expedia, and you could enjoy significant savings. It's easy to bundle your flights and accommodations, and you can add tours and car rentals to create your own personalized Columbus vacation. Plus, there's nothing like the convenience of booking everything in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Columbus?
You can often change or cancel your flight to Columbus within 24 hours of booking. However, keep in mind that some flights are non-refundable. In those cases, you may receive a credit toward future travel rather than a direct refund. Remember to check the airline's terms of service 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 Columbus with flexible change policies. For additional information, browse our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

Book with confidence

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 from $102, 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 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

Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, United 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.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Columbus

Travel information

Destination airport
Birmingham Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
BHM
Destination city name
Birmingham
Roundtrip price
$101

Trending flights to Columbus

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $51 for one-way flights and $102 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Breeze Airways

Explore a world of travel with Expedia