A calm lake surrounded by dense forest and tall trees.

$19 Cheap Flights to Columbus, IN

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Popular airlines to Columbus

How much is the cheapest flight to Columbus?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $19 for one-way flights and $38 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Allegiant Air
Delta
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines

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 Indianapolis (IND)

From $195 - $551 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight to Columbus

Flights to Columbus at a glance

Traveling to Columbus is easy—choose from full-service or budget airlines. You can compare journey times and find the best deals to suit your plans, whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Columbus or the cheapest flight available to explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airport near Columbus: Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
  • Flights per week: 3,250+ flights arriving at Columbus airport
  • Number of airlines that fly to Columbus: around 35+ carriers

Popular airport near Columbus

Columbus is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering stunning scenery and eco-friendly experiences. Travelers are drawn to its romantic atmosphere and diverse activities. The city is conveniently accessible via a major airport, making it easy to plan your visit.

  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Situated in Marion County, Indiana, approximately 41 miles from Columbus, this airport offers a variety of domestic and international flights, linking travelers to about 205 domestic cities and over 105 international locations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to first class, premium economy, or business class seating, depending on the airline and flight. Notable carriers operating here include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta.

Top routes to Columbus

  • New York (JFK/LGA) to Columbus (IND), with one-way tickets available from around $90
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (IND), with one-way airfare from around $45
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Columbus (IND), with one-way airfare from around $95
  • Denver (DEN) to Columbus (IND), with one-way airfare from around $60
  • Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Columbus (IND), with one-way flight options from around $45

Cheapest routes to Columbus

  • Atlanta (ATL) to Columbus (IND), with cheap one-way fares from around $40
  • Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (IND), with low one-way fares from around $45
  • Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Columbus (IND), with affordable one-way prices from around $45
  • Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Columbus (IND), with budget one-way fares from around $50
  • Tampa (TPA) to Columbus (IND), 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 flights to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), American Airlines represents roughly 35% of arrivals in Columbus. The average fare for a one-way ticket hovers around $310, with first-class service available based on the route.
  • Delta: Providing service to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Delta facilitates about 21% of arrivals to Columbus. One-way fares average close to $300, and premium cabin services may feature both premium economy and first class, depending on the specific route.
  • United: With routes to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), United accounts for nearly 20% of arrivals in Columbus. The average fare for a one-way flight is around $340, with first-class seating available based on the route.
  • Southwest Airlines: Serving Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Southwest Airlines contributes approximately 18% of arrivals into Columbus. Travelers can expect one-way fares averaging about $250.
  • Frontier Airlines: Also flying to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Frontier Airlines makes up around 4% of arrivals to Columbus. It's a budget-friendly option, with average one-way fares around $150.

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 53.2°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 67.8°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $224, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, October, and May offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $225 to $237, making them good options for flexible travelers.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately High$287
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverage$245
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$271
April53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$269
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$237
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$242
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$241
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$224
September67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$225
October56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$233
November43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$244
December36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately Low$248

*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 Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana University-Riley Station, a metro station, is about 7.8 miles away, providing convenient access to the area.
  • 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 in and around Columbus

  • Edinburgh: Edinburgh is located 11 miles drive away from Columbus and offers an inviting blend of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. Visitors can explore the bustling shopping mall center or unwind at the local recreational areas. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate nearby attractions like the national state park and environmental center, as well as Sweetwater Lake, a picturesque spot perfect for romance and outdoor scenery. Don't miss the Kidscommons Children's Museum for a cultural experience the whole family can enjoy, or the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds for seasonal festivities.
  • Stone Head: Stone Head is located in the area of Columbus and is a charming village that captivates visitors with its scenic outdoor offerings. Ideal for romantic getaways or peaceful hikes, this destination is home to beautiful recreational areas surrounded by nature. Explore the stunning Brown County State Park, perfect for adventure seekers, or indulge in the arts at the Brown County Playhouse and Brown County Art Gallery. The village's serene environment makes it a wonderful escape for those looking to reconnect with nature.
  • Nineveh: Nineveh is located 22 miles drive away from Columbus and is a delightful city for outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful lakes, campgrounds, and hiking trails, it's an excellent choice for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery. Brown County State Park is a highlight, offering a wealth of activities amidst nature. Sweetwater Lake is another romantic spot that invites visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. For a touch of culture, visit the Camp Atterbury Prisoner of War Chapel, a unique historical site 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—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also lets you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • 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 entertained. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, aim 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 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 longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may even provide seat selection earlier than this.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to allow sufficient time for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have 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. Most airports provide free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Columbus?
Plan your trip for September if you want to land a good price on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Columbus. Try to avoid traveling during busy periods such as major public holidays or events.
Which US cities have the cheapest flights to Columbus?
New York, Chicago and Atlanta typically offer cheap flights to Columbus. Keep in mind that fares vary based on factors such as time of year, number of stopovers and demand.
Which US cities fly direct to Columbus?
There are 33 US cities that you can fly to Columbus directly from. Compare the options by selecting the "Direct flights only" box on Expedia and pick the ideal starting point for your trip. Here are some of the top cities to take off from:
  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Atlanta
  • Washington
  • Orlando
How to find a cheap flight to Columbus?
Book your trip early to snag cheap flights to Columbus. Also, consider visiting during off-season months like December and January. If you fly on a Thursday, you can save an average of 16% compared to those departing on a Sunday.* Save time searching every day and track your flight prices using 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 Columbus?
You can find great deals on last-minute flights to Columbus, especially if your plans aren't set in stone. Consider departing from a different hub, changing your dates or picking another carrier to get a cheap flight to Columbus.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Columbus?
To pick up some of the best deals on domestic journeys, book your flight to Columbus 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, search for your ticket between two and four months in advance. This improves your chances of locking in your preferred departure 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 Columbus?
Sundays are typically the best day to book a cheap flight to Columbus, where you can save 8% on average compared to a Friday. If you decide to buy tickets on a Friday, expect to spend more as this is typically 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 Columbus?
There are 8 carriers connecting Columbus with 28 airports around the globe. The chief entry point to this city is Indianapolis Intl. Airport (IND). Book a fare with any of these popular airlines to Columbus:
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
Where do you fly into Columbus?
The main airport to fly to Columbus is Indianapolis Intl. Airport (IND). You also have the option to touch down at Columbus, IN (CLU-Columbus Municipal) when flying to Columbus.
How far is the airport from central Columbus?
You'll be around 40 mi northwest of the center of Columbus after touching down at Indianapolis Intl. Airport (IND).
Can I save money by booking a Columbus trip package?
Bundle your accommodations and flights and you could save hundreds of dollars. Better yet, you can add extras like car rentals and tours to your Columbus flight and hotel package deal. With Expedia, it's simple to organize all your Columbus travel plans in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Columbus?
If you booked your flight to Columbus within the last 24 hours, you can usually change or cancel it for free. After that, additional costs may apply depending on the airline's rules and restrictions. For more information, visit our Customer Service Portal. Remember that some flights are non-refundable, so you may be issued a credit toward future travel instead of a direct refund. When browsing Expedia, use the "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters to compare tickets with flexible change policies.

*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 $38, 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, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines 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
Indianapolis Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
IND
Destination city name
Indianapolis
Roundtrip price
$274

Trending flights to Columbus

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $19 for one-way flights and $38 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines

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