Kansas City (MCI) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel from Kansas City (MCI) to Columbus (CMH) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Explore various options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the flight that aligns with your needs, whether it’s your schedule or budget. As you plan your visit to Columbus and its renowned attractions, check out the essential details for flights departing from Kansas City International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$415, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Kansas City to Columbus, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximate 1-hour layover, Midway International Airport (MDW) also around 1 hour, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with a layover of about 55 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal journey.

• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally between $135 and $415. Southwest accounts for about 43% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of approximately 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
• American Airlines: As a full-service airline offering one-stop flights, American Airlines has one-way fares that typically range from $115 to $360. It represents about 25% of departures on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• United: Another full-service option, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $140 and $415. United accounts for roughly 22% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, inclusive of layover.
• Delta: This full-service carrier offers one-stop routes with fares typically ranging from $120 to $425. Delta makes up around 9% of departures for this journey, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost airline, Frontier provides one-stop flights with one-way fares usually between $115 and $160. It comprises about 1% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, taking layovers into account.

Travelers can opt for an upgrade on their flight from Kansas City to Columbus, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Kansas City (MCI) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Kansas City 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, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $224. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $224, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: October, December, and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $225 to $239.
• Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Kansas City to Columbus, with approximately 15 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	28.6°F (-1.9°C)	Moderately High	12	$253
February	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Moderately Low	11	$271
March	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Moderately High	14	$264
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Moderately High	11	$246
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Average	15	$263
June	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Average	13	$254
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Average	13	$224
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Average	12	$239
September	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Moderately Low	11	$250
October	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Average	13	$225
November	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderately Low	11	$252
December	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Average	11	$238

*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 Kansas City (MCI) to Columbus (CMH)

• Kansas City to Columbus (MCI-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is located approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
• Kansas City to Columbus (MCI-LCK): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) lies around 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
• Kansas City to Columbus (MKC-CMH): Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is situated nearly 14 miles from Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

How to find the best prices for flights from Kansas City (MCI) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Kansas City 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday tends to be cheaper, though 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport from Kansas City International Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Kansas City 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, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles from the airport and is most conveniently reached by car.