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$273 Cheap Flights from Columbia (CAE) to Indianapolis (IND)

Cheap Flights from Columbia to Indianapolis (CAE-IND)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $273 for one-way flights and $313 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Alternative airports near Indianapolis

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

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Columbia (CAE) to Indianapolis (IND) at a glance

Travel from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore options for Columbia to Indianapolis flights, comparing various carriers to find the best airfare that aligns with your budget and travel schedule. Whether you're interested in the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Indianapolis or seeking cheap flights from Columbia, you'll find key details to plan your journey effectively.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (805 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$390, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Columbia to Indianapolis. Common layover spots include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with a 1 hour layover. These options allow you to balance cost, travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a leading full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $105 and $390. This carrier handles around 44% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including any layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares that typically range from $105 to $405. Representing about 40% of the departures on this route, Delta's flights have an in-flight time of 3 hours, with a combined travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes when factoring in layovers.
  • United: United is a full-service airline that provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $120 and $370. Accounting for approximately 16% of the departures on this route, United's flights entail 3 hours of in-flight time and a total journey duration of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover times.

Best time to fly from Columbia (CAE) to Indianapolis (IND)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbia to Indianapolis are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Indianapolis reach up to 63.5°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 74.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $178). Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $178, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $183.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Columbia to Indianapolis, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
MonthTemperatureDemandWeekly FlightsAverage one-way Fare
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Average9$200
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Average10$213
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Slightly High10$273
April52.5°F (11.4°C)Slightly High10$233
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Slightly High13$203
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Average10$209
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Slightly Low11$178
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average10$183
September67.6°F (19.8°C)Slightly Low11$199
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Average10$199
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Slightly Low11$238
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Average11$217

*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 route from Columbia (CAE) to Indianapolis (IND)

  • Aiken to Indianapolis (AIK-IND): Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK) is located roughly 38 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to Indianapolis (IND)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia to Indianapolis is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Afternoon departures (12 PM to 6 PM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper options, while Friday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 Indianapolis International Airport from Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Indianapolis 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. Here's how to reach Indianapolis efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Indianapolis, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Indianapolis International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Indianapolis International Airport on Expedia.
  • 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 Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana University-Riley Station, a metro station, is located approximately 7.8 miles away.

Columbia to Indianapolis Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbia to Indianapolis

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 Indianapolis are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbia to Indianapolis with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Columbia to Indianapolis

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbia to Indianapolis: 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 Indianapolis

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 Indianapolis in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $273 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $273 and cheap return flights $313 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $133 and $647, and roundtrip flights usually range from $325 to $1004. 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

The cheapest month to fly from CAE to IND is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.

Which airlines fly direct from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

Enter CAE to IND 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) to Indianapolis Intl. (IND), with round-trip tickets starting from around $183 with a layover in Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT). 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.

What is the earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This flight is part of a seasonal service active in May, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Indianapolis. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Indianapolis, IN (IND) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it lets you maximize your day in Indianapolis after arriving.

How long does it take to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

Flights from CAE to IND with one stop typically take around 4 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 490 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

First class is available on flights from CAE to IND. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?

If you're planning to travel to Indianapolis from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), you can fly into Indianapolis Intl. (IND) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), LaGuardia (LGA) before reaching Indianapolis. 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) Indianapolis Vacation Packages 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?

If you booked your Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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.

Travel information

Origin airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Destination airport
Indianapolis Intl. Airport
Distance
490 miles away
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Popular airline
American Airlines
Roundtrip price
$313
*Available to One Key members.