Cheap Flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus (CID-CMH)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $234 for one-way flights and $271 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH)
May is typically the cheapest month to flyMay is typically the cheapest month to fly
From $228 - $416 per traveler.
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Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance
Discover a range of Columbus flights departing from Cedar Rapids (CID) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) on this convenient domestic route. Compare Cedar Rapids to Columbus airfare options from various airlines to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit, be sure to explore the iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods of Columbus while securing the cheapest flights from Cedar Rapids that suit your travel needs.
Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 500 miles (805 km)
Flights per week: around 9 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 Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus, typically offering one-stop service. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximate 1 hour and 30-minute layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with around a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.
United: As a comprehensive service airline, United provides convenient one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $115 to $460. This carrier handles about 56% of departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 2 hours 45 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours 15 minutes, including layover time.
American Airlines: This full-service airline also offers one-stop travel, with one-way fares typically between $120 and $430. American Airlines operates around 35% of flights on this route, maintaining an in-flight duration of 2 hours 45 minutes and a total trip length of about 4 hours 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Delta: Known as a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way prices usually from $115 to $485. Delta accounts for roughly 9% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 2 hours 45 minutes and a total journey time of around 4 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
Best time to fly from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Cedar Rapids to Columbus are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 74.7°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 70.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $164). Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February, April, August, September, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.
Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $164, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average.
Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $181.
Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
28.6°F (-1.9°C)
Average
9
$229
February
31.5°F (-0.3°C)
Average
8
$264
March
41.7°F (5.4°C)
High
9
$254
April
52.0°F (11.1°C)
High
8
$220
May
63.1°F (17.3°C)
Average
9
$181
June
70.9°F (21.6°C)
Low
11
$164
July
74.7°F (23.7°C)
High
9
$196
August
73.0°F (22.8°C)
Low
8
$290
September
67.3°F (19.6°C)
Low
8
$233
October
55.8°F (13.2°C)
Average
9
$262
November
43.2°F (6.2°C)
Average
9
$252
December
35.4°F (1.9°C)
Average
8
$247
*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 Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH)
Cedar Rapids to Columbus (CID-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a convenient option for travelers.
Cedar Rapids to Columbus (CID-LCK): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is located about 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing another viable flight choice.
How to find the best prices for flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Departures in the morning (5 am-12 pm) often provide lower prices and are the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally offers cheaper rates, while Friday remains the most popular travel 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport from Eastern Iowa Airport
Columbus welcomes travelers from Cedar Rapids with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Columbus efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbus, 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles away by car, providing a convenient option for travelers needing longer-distance bus travel.
Cedar Rapids to Columbus Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Cedar Rapids to Columbus
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 Cedar Rapids to Columbus are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Cedar Rapids to Columbus
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cedar Rapids to Columbus: 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 Cedar Rapids to Columbus
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 Cedar Rapids to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $234 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 Cedar Rapids to Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids to Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $234 and cheap return flights $271 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $182 and $668, and return flights often range between $306 and $975. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with average round-trip fares around $261. This is about 22% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to drop after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months include May and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Enter CID to CMH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
When flying from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) to Columbus, OH (CMH), January and September are your best options. January features an average return flight price of around $261, making it an economical choice. September also offers good prices and pleasant weather, making it a great time to visit. This information is based on booking data from the past year.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from CID to CMH. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Columbus (CMH) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to maximize your day in Columbus after an early start.
How long does it take to fly from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying from CID to CMH with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 478 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CID to CMH route. First class cabins are available on:
United Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus from Eastern Iowa (CID)?
From Eastern Iowa (CID), you can fly into Columbus Metropolitan (CSG) and John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) in Columbus. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Columbus. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) Columbus 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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.