Cheap Flights from Columbus to Milwaukee (CMH-MKE)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $100 for one-way flights and $209 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel between Columbus (CMH) and Milwaukee (MKE) with a range of airlines offering competitive options on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly flights or full-service experiences, you can compare various choices to find the best fit for your travel needs. Discover the details for flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) as you plan your visit to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Milwaukee.
Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 350 miles (565 km)
Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$340, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Columbus to Milwaukee, often featuring layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), with a typical layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a roughly 50-minute layover, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) also around 50 minutes. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.
American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $115 and $325. It operates around 31% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $325. Covering about 29% of departures on this route, it features an in-flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layover.
Delta: Delta operates as a full-service airline, providing one-stop services with one-way fares typically priced between $115 and $340. It accounts for around 26% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $115 to $360. It makes up about 14% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, layover included.
Travelers flying from Columbus to Milwaukee can opt for an upgrade, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.
Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Milwaukee (MKE)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to Milwaukee are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Milwaukee reach up to 54.9°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 39.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $185). Flight availability peaks in June, September, and October, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. July has the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.
Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $185, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $196.
Most flight options: June, September, and October have the highest number of flights from Columbus to Milwaukee, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
22.1°F (-5.5°C)
Average
9
$220
February
23.5°F (-4.7°C)
Average
9
$234
March
34.7°F (1.5°C)
Slightly High
10
$243
April
43.7°F (6.5°C)
Slightly High
11
$239
May
54.9°F (12.7°C)
Slightly High
11
$215
June
64.9°F (18.3°C)
Average
12
$248
July
71.4°F (21.9°C)
Slightly Low
8
$227
August
70.7°F (21.5°C)
Slightly Low
10
$229
September
64.2°F (17.9°C)
Average
12
$196
October
52.0°F (11.1°C)
Average
12
$229
November
39.2°F (4.0°C)
Slightly Low
9
$185
December
29.7°F (-1.3°C)
Average
10
$226
*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 Columbus (CMH) to Milwaukee (MKE)
Columbus to Milwaukee (OSU-MKE): Located about 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Ohio State University Airport (OSU) serves as a convenient departure point for this route.
Columbus to Milwaukee (LCK-MKE): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) lies roughly 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it another viable option for travelers heading to Milwaukee.
Columbus to Waukesha (OSU-UES): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Meanwhile, Waukesha County Airport (UES) is located around 18 miles from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Milwaukee (MKE)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus to Milwaukee is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening flights (6 PM-12 AM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday usually provides cheaper rates, although Thursday remains the most favored 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 General Mitchell International Airport from John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Milwaukee welcomes travelers from Columbus with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Milwaukee efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Milwaukee, 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 General Mitchell International Airport, the Milwaukee Airport Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while the Milwaukee Airport Station, a train station, is approximately 1.8 miles from the airport and typically reached by car. Additionally, the Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop, a metro station, is about 7.8 miles away by car.
Columbus to Milwaukee Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Columbus to Milwaukee
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 Columbus to Milwaukee are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbus to Milwaukee with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Columbus to Milwaukee
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus to Milwaukee: 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 Columbus to Milwaukee
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 Columbus to Milwaukee in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $100 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 Columbus to Milwaukee 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 Columbus to Milwaukee 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $100 and cheap return flights $209 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $161 and $482, and return flights often range between $314 and $836. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
November is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Milwaukee (MKE), with average round-trip fares around $311. This price is about 23% lower than the average throughout the year, as November typically has less travel activity. Other economical months to fly from Columbus to Milwaukee include April and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
Enter CMH to MKE and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) to General Mitchell Intl. (MKE), with round-trip tickets starting from around $255. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
For flights from Columbus, OH (CMH) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE), November and September are the best months to consider. November has an average price of around $311, making it a cost-effective choice, while September is popular for fall travel. Both months offer a nice balance of price and pleasant weather for your journey.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from CMH to MKE. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
For flights from Columbus (CMH) to Milwaukee (MKE), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest, United and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well as it allows you to arrive in Milwaukee early and make the most of your day.
How long does it take to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
A flight from CMH to MKE with a layover takes around 5 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 330 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CMH and MKE. First class cabins are available on:
American Airlines
United Airlines
Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH)?
If you're planning to travel to Milwaukee from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), you can fly into General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Midway Intl. (MDW), Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) before reaching Milwaukee. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) Milwaukee 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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
John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport
Destination airport
General Mitchell Intl. Airport
Distance
330 miles away
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines