$43 Cheap Flights to Wood River, IL

Flights to Wood River at a glance

Traveling to Wood River is easy—simply explore a variety of options for flights to Wood River, whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly airlines. Compare journey times and select the best choice that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Wood River: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Flights per week: 3,150+ flights arriving at Wood River airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Wood River: around 40+ carriers

Popular airport near Wood River

Wood River is a charming city perfect for family getaways and outdoor adventures. Visitors are drawn to its rich culture, stunning scenery, and romantic spots. Conveniently, the area is accessible through major airports, including the Illinois Valley Regional Airport, making travel to Wood River easy for all.

• Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL): Situated in St. Louis County, Missouri, approximately 17 miles from Wood River, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects passengers to around 210 domestic cities and 110 international locations. For those seeking enhanced comfort, options include first class, premium economy, and business class seating based on the airline and flight route. Key airlines operating here are Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta.

Top routes to Wood River

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Wood River (STL), with one-way airfare from around $90
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Wood River (STL), with one-way fares starting at around $60
• Orlando (MCO) to Wood River (STL), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Denver (DEN) to Wood River (STL), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Wood River (STL), with one-way tickets available from around $120

Cheapest routes to Wood River

• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Wood River (STL), with affordable one-way prices from around $40
• Kansas City (MCI) to Wood River (STL), with budget one-way fares from around $40
• Quincy (UIN) to Wood River (STL), with low one-way fares from around $40
• Orlando (MCO) to Wood River (STL), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• Denver (DEN) to Wood River (STL), with cheap one-way fares from around $45

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

Top airlines with flights to Wood River

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), American Airlines represents about 28% of arrivals in Wood River. Expect an average one-way fare of around $330, with premium cabin services potentially including first class based on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Also flying into Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Southwest Airlines accounts for roughly 27% of arrivals to Wood River. The average one-way fare is about $240, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
• Delta: With flights to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Delta captures approximately 20% of arrivals in Wood River. Average one-way fares hover around $290, and travelers may find premium options like premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• United: United Airlines operates flights to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), holding about 15% of the arrivals to Wood River. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $320, with premium options that may include first class, depending on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Flying into Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Frontier Airlines contributes roughly 5% of arrivals to Wood River. It's an economical choice, with average one-way fares around $150 for budget-conscious travelers.

Best time to fly to Wood River

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Wood River are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Wood River can reach up to 55.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 69.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $222), roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares of around $230, 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 Wood River

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Wood River

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

• Public transportation: From Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Lambert Main Terminal Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles from the airport, providing easy access for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Wood River, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Wood River is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Wood River 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 Wood River

• Alton: Alton, located 5 miles away from Wood River, is an inviting city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Explore its scenic recreational areas, campgrounds, and nearby national state park. Don’t miss the iconic Robert Wadlow Statue, a cultural highlight, or take a leisurely stroll through Lincoln Douglas Square. Families will enjoy the National Great Rivers Museum, which offers engaging exhibits about the region’s natural history. Alton's charm makes it a delightful day trip for those seeking romance or family fun.
• Edwardsville: Situated 7 miles away from Wood River, Edwardsville is an appealing destination for outdoor adventures and family outings. Visitors can explore the beautiful Gardens at SIUE, a botanical garden ideal for a romantic escape or family day. The Edwardsville Watershed Nature Center provides eco-friendly insights, making it perfect for environmentally conscious travelers. Additionally, the Gateway Conference Center offers modern amenities for business events. With its vibrant community and recreational facilities, Edwardsville is a versatile stop for any traveler.
• Florissant: Florissant is located 13 miles away from Wood River and offers a mix of family-friendly activities and urban exploration. This city features shopping centers and entertainment venues, making it a lively spot for both leisure and fun. Visitors can explore Washington University in St. Louis, which showcases modern architecture and a lively campus atmosphere. Westport Plaza serves as a bustling neighborhood hub, perfect for dining and socializing. Florissant's blend of city life and family-oriented attractions makes it an enjoyable destination.

Tips for short-haul flights to Wood River

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 using travel-size toiletries, dressing in your heaviest clothing, and planning versatile outfits. This strategy also means you can avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Be sure to charge your devices fully 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 before departure, allowing for potential traffic and security delays.
• 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 Wood River

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 seat selection for free once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines even permit seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. This will give you enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take a moment 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 adapting your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Wood River

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Wood River 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

December is the cheapest month to fly to Wood River. 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 Wood River. 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 Wood River, 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 Wood River

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Wood River in 2026 starts from $74, while one-way tickets start from from $43. 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 Wood River. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Wood River

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Wood River. 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 Wood River and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Wood River, 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 Wood River. 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 Wood River 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 Wood River

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 Wood River.

Stopover savings

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