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$274 Cheap Flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Lexington (LEX)

Cheap Flights from Cedar Rapids to Lexington (CID-LEX)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $274 for one-way flights and $319 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Cedar Rapids (CID) to Lexington (LEX) at a glance

Travel from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Lexington (LEX) with a range of airlines offering domestic short-haul flights. Discover options from full-service carriers that cater to your budget and schedule while you explore the renowned sights and neighborhoods of Lexington. Get all the essential information you need for flights from Eastern Iowa Airport to Blue Grass Airport and plan your journey to this charming Kentucky destination.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Cedar Rapids to Lexington. Many passengers select routes with layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1h 30m), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, around 2 hours), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, about 2h 45m). These choices offer the flexibility to optimize your travel experience by balancing price, total journey time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

  • United: This full-service airline provides a seamless one-stop experience, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $140 and $380. United represents around 55% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes when including layover.
  • American Airlines: Offering a comprehensive one-stop service, American Airlines has one-way fares that usually range from $120 to $385. It accounts for about 35% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Delta: As a full-service provider, Delta offers one-stop travel with one-way fares typically priced between $290 and $450. This airline accounts for roughly 10% of the route's departures, featuring an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a complete journey time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.

Alternative route from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Lexington (LEX)

  • Cedar Rapids to Frankfort (CID-FFT): Capital City Airport (FFT) lies approximately 19 miles from Blue Grass Airport (LEX), providing an accessible travel option.

How to find the best prices for flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Lexington (LEX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Cedar Rapids to Lexington 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 typically available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers book within 2 weeks. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM-6 PM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday provides both cheaper fares and increased popularity among travelers.
  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 Blue Grass Airport from Eastern Iowa Airport

Lexington welcomes travelers from Cedar Rapids with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Lexington efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lexington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Blue Grass Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Blue Grass 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 Blue Grass Airport, Versailles Seaport, a seaport, is located about 7.2 miles away, providing convenient access to the waterfront for travelers.

Cedar Rapids to Lexington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Cedar Rapids to Lexington

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

The best time to book a flight from Cedar Rapids to Lexington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cedar Rapids to Lexington: 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 Lexington

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 Lexington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Lexington 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 Lexington 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights $319 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $289 and $791, and return flights often range between $342 and $972. 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

The cheapest month to fly from CID to LEX 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

Enter CID to LEX 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

To find a cheap flight from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass), 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

The earliest flight from Cedar Rapids (Eastern Iowa Airport) to Lexington (Blue Grass Airport) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service, so make sure to check for flights during November. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

For flights from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) to Lexington, KY (LEX), the most popular departure times are from 6am to 9am. About 27% of passengers choose this time window. Major carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta operate flights during this time. This early timing is great for travelers looking to make the most of their day in Lexington.

How long does it take to fly from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

Flying from CID to LEX with a connection usually takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 461 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

First class is available on flights from CID to LEX. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) 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 Lexington from Eastern Iowa (CID)?

If you're planning to travel to Lexington from Eastern Iowa (CID), you can fly into Blue Grass (LEX) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL) before reaching Lexington. 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) Lexington 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 Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)?

If you booked your Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) to Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) 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
Eastern Iowa Airport
Destination airport
Blue Grass Airport
Distance
460 miles away
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Popular airline
American Airlines
Roundtrip price
$319
*Available to One Key members.