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

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

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Madison (MSN) to Columbus (CMH) on this convenient domestic short-haul route. Evaluate options from various carriers to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you plan your visit to Columbus's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Stay informed with key details regarding flights from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), ensuring a smooth travel experience.

• Fastest (typical) 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 10 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$400, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Madison to Columbus. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with approximately a 50-minute stop, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. These options provide the flexibility to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to help you find your ideal itinerary.

• United: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $445. It represents about 48% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours, including layover.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $100 to $390. It accounts for roughly 36% of the departures on this route, ensuring an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time close to 4 hours, factoring in layover.
• Delta: Delta also provides full-service one-stop journeys, with one-way fares typically spanning from $100 to $550. It constitutes about 16% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of around 4 hours, including layover.

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

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Madison to Columbus are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 55.8°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 28.6°F. For better deals, December usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $213. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February, July, and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $213, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, November, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $227.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Madison to Columbus, 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 route from Madison (MSN) to Columbus (CMH)

• Madison to Columbus (MSN-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing convenient access for travelers.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Madison 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 AM and 12 PM tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally offers cheaper prices, while Friday remains 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 Dane County Regional Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Madison 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 away by car, providing convenient access for travelers heading to various destinations.

Madison to Columbus Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Madison to Columbus

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