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$89 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH)

View $89 flight on Fri, Sep 11, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Columbus (DCA-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $89 for one-way flights and $177 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$177 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$177
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $177 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$177 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$177
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $177 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$187 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$187
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $187 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Sat, Sep 5
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$191 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$191
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $191 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$197 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$197
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $197 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$197 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$197
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $197 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Sat, Sep 5
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$201 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$201
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $201 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$208 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $208 found 1 day ago
JetBlue Airways
Fri, Nov 27 - Tue, Dec 1
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$562 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$562
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Fri, Nov 27 from Washington to Columbus, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $562 found 4 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Sat, Sep 19
DCA
Washington
CMH
Columbus
$741 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$741
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from Washington to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $741 found 5 days ago

Alternative airports near Columbus

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to John Glenn Columbus Intl. CMH. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $411
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $411

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH)

January is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $127 - $436 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to John Glenn Columbus Intl.

Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel between Washington, D.C. (DCA) and Columbus, Ohio (CMH) with a variety of airlines catering to this short domestic route. Explore your options among full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the flights that align with your budget and itinerary as you take in the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Columbus. Check out the essential details for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $80–$315, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Columbus, often selected for non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Midway International Airport (MDW) at roughly 1 hour, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) with a 2-hour layover. These choices allow you to balance price, overall travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal travel itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines provides both non-stop and one-stop options. One-way fares generally fall between $85 and $325, representing about 80% of flights on this route, with a typical non-stop duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline also offers both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $80 to $315. Southwest accounts for roughly 19% of departures on this route, featuring a non-stop travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier providing one-stop flights, with one-way prices typically ranging from $95 to $320. It makes up about 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total journey time of approximately 4 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Washington to Columbus can opt for an upgrade, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Columbus are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 52°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.3°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $161. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 28 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 16 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $161, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $174.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Washington to Columbus, with approximately 28 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Slightly High17$201
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Average16$184
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Slightly High22$201
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Slightly High21$194
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average23$182
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Slightly Low20$182
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average28$175
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average20$161
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Slightly Low22$178
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average23$186
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Average23$173
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Slightly Low21$197

*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 route from Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Washington to Columbus (IAD-CMH): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $80 and $325, varying by season and time of booking. Passengers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines that operate on this route include United and the budget-friendly Frontier Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered for those seeking a more premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Columbus 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 am to 12 pm often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 pm to 6 pm are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally results in cheaper rates, even though Friday is the busiest 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at John Glenn Columbus 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.
  • Public transportation: From John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles away by car, providing convenient options for onward travel from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $89 and cheap return flights from $177 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $90 and $547, and return flights often range between $277 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DCA to CMH is September 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can fly direct from DCA to CMH on American Airlines, with around 39 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National to John Glenn Columbus Intl. starting from around $235 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to Columbus, OH (CMH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from DCA to CMH, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can find approximately 7 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to Columbus, OH (CMH) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in April, May, and June, making it a great choice for early risers heading to Columbus. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, Delta and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Columbus with plenty of time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DCA to CMH takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 322 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 20 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for DCA to CMH flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) and Columbus Metropolitan (CSG) in Columbus. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), General Mitchell Intl. (MKE), Nashville Intl. (BNA) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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.

Travel information

Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$177
Distance
321 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 30 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Columbus Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Columbus are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Columbus with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $89 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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