$274 Cheap Flights from Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE)
Popular airlines from Pittsburgh Intl. Airport (PIT) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
UnitedUnited
DeltaDelta
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Pittsburgh to Columbia (PIT-CAE)
Alternative airports near Columbia
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE) at a glance
Travel from Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE) with a selection of airlines offering domestic short-haul flights. Discover options that cater to your budget and schedule as you plan your journey to explore Columbia’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from Pittsburgh or comfortable full-service options, you can find all the essential details for your flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
- Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$350, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Pittsburgh to Columbia are favored for their one-stop services, with common layover spots including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately a 1 hour 30 minute layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at about an hour, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) also around one hour. This provides travelers with the opportunity to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to secure the best itinerary.
- American Airlines: This major airline provides comprehensive services with one-stop options. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $105 and $370. It represents about 48% of flights along this route, boasting an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
- Delta: Another full-service airline, Delta features one-stop flights, with typical one-way fares ranging from $110 to $325. It accounts for around 36% of departures on this route. The in-flight time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover.
- United: Offering one-stop service, United Airlines has one-way fares that usually vary from $115 to $360. This airline handles roughly 16% of departures on this route. Expect an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with an overall travel time nearing 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
Travelers flying from Pittsburgh to Columbia have the option to upgrade their experience, with Delta providing both first class and premium economy class, while American Airlines offers first class service.
Best time to fly from Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Pittsburgh to Columbia are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Columbia reach up to 63.9°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 80.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $168). Flight availability peaks in March, June, November, and December, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
- Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $168, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: May, March, and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $178.
- Most flight options: March, June, November, and December have the highest number of flights from Pittsburgh to Columbia, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 45.9°F (7.7°C) | Average | 9 | $197 |
| February | 49.8°F (9.9°C) | Slightly High | 10 | $184 |
| March | 55.9°F (13.3°C) | Slightly High | 11 | $178 |
| April | 63.9°F (17.7°C) | Slightly High | 10 | $201 |
| May | 71.8°F (22.1°C) | Average | 10 | $173 |
| June | 79.2°F (26.2°C) | Slightly Low | 11 | $212 |
| July | 82.2°F (27.9°C) | Average | 9 | $182 |
| August | 80.6°F (27.0°C) | Slightly Low | 9 | $168 |
| September | 75.6°F (24.2°C) | Average | 9 | $227 |
| October | 65.7°F (18.7°C) | Slightly Low | 10 | $185 |
| November | 55.0°F (12.8°C) | Average | 11 | $200 |
| December | 49.6°F (9.8°C) | Average | 11 | $191 |
*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 Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE)
- Pittsburgh to Columbia (AGC-CAE): Located approximately 20 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Allegheny County Airport (AGC) serves as a convenient option.
- Butler to Columbia (BTP-CAE): Butler County Airport (BTP) is about 25 miles away from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), providing easy access for travelers.
- Pittsburgh to Sumter (PIT-SUM): Roughly 44 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Sumter Municipal Airport (SUM) is another viable choice for flights.
How to find the best prices for flights from Pittsburgh (PIT) to Columbia (CAE)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Pittsburgh to Columbia is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally results in cheaper prices, while Friday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Columbia hotel and flight deals.
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Columbia Metropolitan Airport from Pittsburgh International Airport
Columbia welcomes travelers from Pittsburgh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Columbia city center is approximately a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Columbia efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbia, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Columbia Metropolitan 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 Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia Station, a train station, is located about 7.9 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail connections for travelers.
Pittsburgh to Columbia Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Pittsburgh to Columbia
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 Pittsburgh to Columbia are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Pittsburgh to Columbia with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Pittsburgh to Columbia
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Pittsburgh to Columbia: 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 Pittsburgh to Columbia
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 Pittsburgh to Columbia in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Pittsburgh to Columbia 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 Pittsburgh to Columbia 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights $297 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $227 and $618, and roundtrip flights usually range from $284 to $937. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) to Columbia, SC (CAE), with average return fares around $265. This price is about 24% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand is typically lower in winter. Other budget-friendly months include February and October.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
Enter PIT to CAE and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT) to Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), with round-trip tickets starting from around $266. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
To find a cheap flight from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan), 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
For flights from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) to Columbia, SC (CAE), January and October are the best months to fly, with average return flight prices around $265. January typically has lower fares following the holiday season, while October offers pleasant weather and good travel options.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
The earliest flight from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. Catching this early flight can give you a head start on your day in Columbia. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Columbia.
How long does it take to fly from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
Flights from PIT to CAE with one stop typically take around 4 hours, covering approximately 455 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
You can fly first class between PIT and CAE. First class cabins are available on:
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia from Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT)?
From Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT), you can fly into Columbia Regional (COU) and Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) in Columbia. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), LaGuardia (LGA) before reaching Columbia. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) flight and hotel package 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
If you booked your Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 | Pittsburgh Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Columbia Metropolitan Airport |
Distance | 454 miles away |
Airlines serving | United, Delta, American Airlines |
Popular airline | United |
Roundtrip price | $297 |