$239 Cheap Flights from Columbus (CMH) to Madison (MSN)

Columbus (CMH) to Madison (MSN) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Columbus (CMH) to Madison (MSN) on this domestic short-haul route. Compare your options among full-service carriers to find the itinerary that best aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel goals as you discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Madison. Get all the essential details for your trip flight from Columbus to Dane County Regional Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
• Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, we've compiled a list of the most popular airlines flying from Columbus to Madison, featuring options for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover airports include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with around a 1-hour layover, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) also offering about a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

• United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $110 to $390. United operates approximately 43% of departures on this route, with an average in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 4 hours.
• Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $110 and $380. It comprises about 30% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours, including the layover.
• American Airlines: Also a full-service carrier, American Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $115 and $380. This airline makes up about 28% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours, including the layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Columbus to Madison, with American Airlines providing first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Madison (MSN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to Madison are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Madison reach up to 50°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 69.8°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $197. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. December has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $197, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: January, November, and October typically offer average one-way fares of around $209.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Columbus to Madison, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Madison (MSN)

• Columbus to Madison (OSU-MSN): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a convenient option for travelers.
• Columbus to Madison (LCK-MSN): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is roughly 13 miles away from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing another viable route for your journey.

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Madison (MSN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus to Madison 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning (5 am-12 pm) tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday often results in cheaper fares, although Friday remains the most popular 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 Dane County Regional Airport from John Glenn Columbus International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Madison, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Dane County Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Dane County Regional 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 Dane County Regional Airport, Madison Station, a train station, is located about 7.2 miles away by car, while Madison Dutch Mill Park and Ride, a bus station, is situated approximately 9.2 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers heading into the city.

Columbus to Madison Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbus to Madison

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

The best time to book a flight from Columbus to Madison

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus to Madison: 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 Madison

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 Madison in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $239 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 Madison 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 Madison 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.