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$168 Cheap Flights from Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH)

View $168 flight on Fri, Sep 11, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Portland International Airport (PDX) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from Portland to Columbus (PDX-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $168 for one-way flights and $279 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$279 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Portland to Columbus, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $279 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$280 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Portland to Columbus, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $280 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Aug 20 - Mon, Aug 31
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$296 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$296
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 20 from Portland to Columbus, returning Mon, Aug 31, priced at $296 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$299 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Portland to Columbus, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $299 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$303 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$303
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Portland to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $303 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$304 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Portland to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $304 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Sat, Sep 19
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$311 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$311
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from Portland to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $311 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$311 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$311
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Portland to Columbus, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $311 found 3 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 8 - Fri, Sep 11
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$312 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$312
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 8 from Portland to Columbus, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $312 found 2 days ago
United
Thu, Dec 24 - Thu, Jan 7
PDX
Portland
CMH
Columbus
$332 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Dec 24 from Portland to Columbus, returning Thu, Jan 7, priced at $332 found 5 hours 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 $472
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $472

What you need to know for your flight from Portland Intl. to John Glenn Columbus Intl.

Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel from Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH) with a range of airlines on this convenient domestic short-haul route. Explore various options, from full-service to budget-friendly carriers, allowing you to choose the best flights from Portland that align with your budget and schedule. Uncover the highlights of Columbus's renowned attractions and neighborhoods while planning your journey. Here, you’ll find essential details for your fare flights from Portland to Columbus.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Portland to Columbus, favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Denver International Airport (DEN) also with a 1 hour and 15 minute layover, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) featuring a 1-hour layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class 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 $155 and $510. United operates around 25% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of about 5 hours 30 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $140 to $425. Accounting for approximately 23% of departures on this route, passengers experience around 5 hours 30 minutes of flying time, leading to a total journey duration of about 6 hours 45 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $140 and $485. Representing around 19% of departures on this route, American Airlines features an in-flight time of approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel duration of about 6 hours 45 minutes, including any layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines offers non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $140 to $420. This carrier accounts for about 18% of departures for this route, allowing for an in-flight time of around 5 hours 30 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: A full-service carrier, Alaska Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $155 to $550. This airline makes up approximately 12% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of about 5 hours 30 minutes and a total travel time of around 6 hours 45 minutes, including a layover.

Travelers have the option to elevate their journey from Portland to Columbus with upgrades available on top airlines. United provides first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines features first class. Delta also offers both first class and premium economy cabins.

Best time to fly from Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Portland to Columbus are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 74.7°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 43.2°F. For better deals, May and August usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $242. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 28 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May and August usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $242, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $255.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Portland 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)Average12$268
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Moderately Low13$286
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderately High17$299
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Moderately High16$259
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average23$242
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Average27$290
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Moderately High28$253
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average23$242
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Average23$257
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average18$284
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderately Low17$279
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Moderately Low15$280

*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 Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Portland to Columbus (PDX-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a convenient choice for travelers heading to Columbus.
  • Portland to Columbus (PDX-LCK): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is located about 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing another option for those traveling to the area.
  • Astoria to Columbus (AST-OSU): Astoria Regional Airport (AST) is roughly 74 miles from Portland International Airport (PDX), with Ohio State University Airport (OSU) situated around 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).

How to find the best prices for flights from Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Portland 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. Departures in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., often offer lower prices and are the most popular times to fly, while Saturday generally has cheaper rates, even though Thursday 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 Portland International Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Portland 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 a convenient option for travelers heading to various destinations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $168 and cheap return flights from $279 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $203 to $1696, and return flights typically cost between $405 and $1293. 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Portland, OR (PDX) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with average return fares around $398. This price is about 14% lower than the average fare throughout the year, as demand typically decreases after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months include April and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Enter PDX to CMH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Portland (PDX) to Columbus (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $175. 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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 time to fly from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Portland, OR (PDX) to Columbus, OH (CMH) are in January and August. Return flights during these months average around $398, making them the most affordable options. January is quieter post-holidays, while August offers summer fun. This insight is based on booking data from the past year.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in June, giving you a chance to maximize your time 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Portland Intl. (PDX) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is perfect for travelers wanting to start their day early in Columbus.
How long does it take to fly from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying from PDX to CMH with a connection usually takes about 6 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 2,028 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for PDX 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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 Portland Intl. (PDX)?
From Portland Intl. (PDX), you can fly into John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), Columbus Metropolitan (CSG) and Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) in Columbus. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) 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
Portland Intl.
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$279
Distance
2028 mi

Book with confidence

Portland to Columbus Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Portland to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $168 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 Portland 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 Portland 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.

 

Portland to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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