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$116 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH)

View $116 flight on Thu, Sep 3, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from Houston to Columbus (IAH-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $116 for one-way flights and $232 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Wed, Sep 2 - Tue, Sep 8
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$232 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$232
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Houston to Columbus, returning Tue, Sep 8, priced at $232 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 3 - Thu, Sep 10
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$242 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$242
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Houston to Columbus, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $242 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Tue, Nov 3
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$245 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Houston to Columbus, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $245 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Tue, Nov 3
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$245 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Houston to Columbus, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $245 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Sat, Oct 10
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$249 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$249
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Houston to Columbus, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $249 found 1 hour ago
JetBlue Airways
Thu, Nov 5 - Thu, Nov 12
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$250 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$250
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Houston to Columbus, returning Thu, Nov 12, priced at $250 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Thu, Oct 1
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$255 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$255
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Houston to Columbus, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $255 found 12 hours ago
United
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$297 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Houston to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $297 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$299 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Houston to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $299 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
IAH
Houston
CMH
Columbus
$317 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Houston to Columbus, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $317 found 1 hour 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 $493
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $493

Find the cheapest month to fly from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $111 - $333 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from George Bush Intercontinental to John Glenn Columbus Intl.

Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH) with a selection of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore choices ranging from full-service to budget-friendly carriers to find the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. As you prepare for your trip to discover Columbus's notable attractions and neighborhoods, gather all the essential details for your flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$535, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, we present the most popular airlines flying from Houston to Columbus, with a focus on both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for convenient layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, about 1 hour), and O'Hare International Airport (ORD, around 1 hour 15 minutes). This variety allows you to compare prices, overall travel times, and cabin classes to discover the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $105 and $535. United dominates this route, handling around 70% of departures, and offers a typical non-stop flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service provider, American Airlines features one-stop flights with one-way fares ranging from $95 to $520. Comprising about 12% of departures on this route, passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 4 hours, totaling around 5 hours and 30 minutes when including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually between $90 and $250. Frontier represents approximately 10% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and a combined travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in a layover.
  • Delta: Delta is a full-service airline that provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $130 to $545. It accounts for roughly 9% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers flying from Houston to Columbus can opt for an upgrade, with United offering first-class service and Delta providing both first class and premium economy class options.

Best time to fly from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to Columbus are March, April, and September, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 67.3°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 70.9°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $245. Flight availability peaks in October and November, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $245, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $254.
  • Most flight options: October and November have the highest number of flights from Houston to Columbus, with approximately 20 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)Average14$332
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Average15$316
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderately High17$297
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Moderately High15$277
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Moderately Low18$282
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Moderately Low16$271
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average18$278
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average19$275
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Moderately High19$254
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average20$245
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderately Low20$300
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Average17$328

*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 Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Houston to Columbus (IAH-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing convenient access for travelers heading to Ohio's vibrant capital.
  • Houston to Columbus (IAH-LCK): Located around 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) serves as another option for flights into the Columbus area.
  • Houston to Columbus (HOU-OSU): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is roughly 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), while Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is about 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), offering multiple travel alternatives.

How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston 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 found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two and eight weeks ahead. Morning departures (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides better rates, whereas Sunday 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 George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Houston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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, the Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers needing to continue their journey.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $116 and cheap return flights from $232 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $219 and $1162, and return flights often range between $382 and $1564. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH), with average round-trip fares around $372. This fare is about 16% lower than the average price throughout the year, as August typically sees a drop in travel demand after the summer travel peak. Other budget-friendly months to fly from Houston to Columbus include April and June.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
United offers around 23 weekly direct flights from IAH to CMH.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $133. This is a convenient option for travelers looking to fly directly between these two cities. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from IAH 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
When flying from Houston, TX (IAH) to Columbus, OH (CMH), consider traveling in August or April, with average return flight prices around $372. These months not only offer competitive prices but also a variety of flight options, making it easier for you to plan your visit.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
There are approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in January, February, March, April, November, and December, allowing you to start your day early in 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United, 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 enjoy your day.
How long does it take to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from IAH to CMH typically takes around 2 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 986 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours 40 minutes to your travel time. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can fly first class between IAH and CMH. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Houston (IAH) to Columbus (CMH) typically costs between $1,571 - $2,352. there is no data available for one-way prices. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)?
When traveling from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Columbus, you can fly into Columbus Metropolitan (CSG), John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) and Golden Triangle Regional (GTR). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Memphis Intl. (MEM), Pensacola Intl. (PNS), Birmingham Intl. (BHM) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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
George Bush Intercontinental
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$232
Distance
985 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 46 mins

Book with confidence

Houston to Columbus Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Houston to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $116 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 Houston 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 Houston 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.

 

Houston to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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