Cheap Flights from Columbia to Cincinnati (CAE-CVG)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $165 for one-way flights and $319 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel between Columbia (CAE) and Cincinnati (CVG) with a range of airlines offering convenient options for this domestic short-haul journey. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Columbia or exploring various full-service carriers, you can find the itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. Discover Cincinnati's iconic attractions and neighborhoods as you plan your trip, and get all the essential details for flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Columbia to Cincinnati. Popular layover options include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a 1-hour and 15-minute layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offering a 1-hour and 30-minute layover, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) featuring a 50-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary.
American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, representing about 51% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $125 and $405. Expect an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier with one-stop flights and accounts for around 38% of departures for this route. One-way fares typically range from $115 to $480. Passengers can anticipate an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, totaling about 4 hours and 15 minutes for the entire journey, layover included.
United: United offers a full-service experience with one-stop options, making up approximately 11% of the departures on this route. One-way fares usually vary from $130 to $430. The in-flight duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the complete travel time, factoring in the layover, is roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Best time to fly from Columbia (CAE) to Cincinnati (CVG)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbia to Cincinnati are January, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Cincinnati reach up to 56.8°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 74.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $141). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. November and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $141, roughly 40% cheaper than the yearly average.
Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Columbia to Cincinnati, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
30.9°F (-0.6°C)
High
8
$235
February
34.0°F (1.1°C)
Average
8
$235
March
44.1°F (6.7°C)
Average
8
$313
April
53.8°F (12.1°C)
High
8
$280
May
64.2°F (17.9°C)
Average
9
$238
June
72.3°F (22.4°C)
Average
9
$256
July
75.9°F (24.4°C)
Average
11
$194
August
74.7°F (23.7°C)
Low
9
$141
September
68.7°F (20.4°C)
Average
10
$213
October
56.8°F (13.8°C)
High
9
$225
November
44.6°F (7.0°C)
Low
7
$309
December
37.0°F (2.8°C)
Low
7
$197
*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.
Alternative routes from Columbia (CAE) to Cincinnati (CVG)
Columbia to Cincinnati (CAE-LUK): Located approximately 13 miles from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Cincinnati Municipal - Lunken Field Airport (LUK) serves as a convenient alternative.
Columbia to Hamilton (CAE-HAO): Butler County Regional Airport (HAO) is about 22 miles from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), offering another option for travelers heading to the area.
How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to Cincinnati (CVG)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia to Cincinnati is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) generally offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Sunday often results in cheaper rates, while Thursday is the most commonly traveled day.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
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.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Cincinnati welcomes travelers from Columbia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from central Columbia. Cincinnati city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Cincinnati efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cincinnati, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Public transportation: From Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Seaport, a seaport, is located just 0.2 miles away on foot, while Anderson Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated about 3.8 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.
Columbia to Cincinnati Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Columbia to Cincinnati
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbia to Cincinnati are during the month of April. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbia to Cincinnati with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Columbia to Cincinnati
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbia to Cincinnati: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbia to Cincinnati
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbia to Cincinnati in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $165 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbia to Cincinnati flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbia to Cincinnati airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $165 and cheap return flights $319 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $161 and $699, and return flights often range between $322 and $1072. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG), with average return fares around $307. This price is about 22% lower than the average throughout the year, as August typically sees less travel demand. Other affordable months to consider are February and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
Enter CAE to CVG and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Columbia (CAE) to Cincinnati (CVG), with round-trip tickets starting from around $618. This flight includes a layover in Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG) is in August or February. Return flights during these months average around $307, offering great value. August is particularly favorable as it often has better weather, making your trip more enjoyable.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from CAE to CVG. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
Flying from CAE to CVG with a connection usually takes about 4 hours, traveling roughly 404 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CAE and CVG. First class cabins are available on:
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cincinnati from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?
If you're planning to travel to Cincinnati from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), you can fly into Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) before reaching Cincinnati. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.