$227 Cheap Flights from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT)
Popular airlines from Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh Intl. Airport (PIT)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Champaign to Pittsburgh (CMI-PIT)
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Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT) at a glance
Travel from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT) with a full-service airline on this convenient domestic route. Discover the best itinerary that accommodates your schedule as you dive into the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Check out the essential information for flights from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to plan your trip from Champaign, IL to Pittsburgh effectively.
- Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $165–$445, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Champaign to Pittsburgh, often selected for their one-stop options, with a popular layover at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), typically lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.
- American Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop service and boasts the majority of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $165 and $445. The in-flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
Alternative routes from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT)
- Champaign to Pittsburgh (CMI-AGC): Located approximately 20 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Allegheny County Airport (AGC) serves as a convenient alternative.
- Decatur to Pittsburgh (DEC-PIT): Decatur Airport (DEC) lies roughly 35 miles from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI), providing another travel option.
How to find the best prices for flights from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Champaign to Pittsburgh is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are often found when booking within two weeks, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. typically offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday provides both more affordable rates and is 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 Pittsburgh International Airport from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport
Pittsburgh welcomes travelers from Champaign with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 7 miles) from central Champaign. Here's how to reach Pittsburgh efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Pittsburgh, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Pittsburgh International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Pittsburgh 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.
Champaign to Pittsburgh Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Champaign to Pittsburgh
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 Champaign to Pittsburgh are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Champaign to Pittsburgh with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Champaign to Pittsburgh
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Champaign to Pittsburgh: 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 Champaign to Pittsburgh
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 Champaign to Pittsburgh in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $227 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 Champaign to Pittsburgh 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 Champaign to Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $227 and cheap return flights $466 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $254 to $815, and return flights typically cost between $521 and $1329. 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CMI to PIT 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
Enter CMI to PIT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard (CMI) to Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $402. You can expect a layover in O'Hare Intl. (ORD). 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT) typically departs at around 5:55 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, and an early departure can help you make the most of your time in Pittsburgh. 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Champaign (CMI) to Pittsburgh (PIT) are in the morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 36% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is popular because it allows travelers to start their day early and arrive in Pittsburgh with time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
A flight from CMI to PIT with a layover takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 424 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CMI to PIT route with American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard (CMI)?
From University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard (CMI), you can fly into Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT) to reach Pittsburgh. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Pittsburgh. 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) Pittsburgh 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 Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
If you booked your Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Pittsburgh Intl. Airport |
Distance | 423 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $466 |