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$51 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH)

View $51 flight on Wed, Sep 9, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to Columbus (RDU-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $51 for one-way flights and $102 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Breeze Airways
Wed, Sep 9 - Sat, Sep 12
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$102 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$102
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $102 found 7 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Wed, Sep 9 - Sat, Sep 12
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$107 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$107
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $107 found 7 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Wed, Sep 9 - Sat, Sep 12
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$112 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$112
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $112 found 7 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Mon, Aug 31 - Wed, Sep 9
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$117 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$117
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $117 found 7 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Tue, Aug 25 - Tue, Sep 1
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$120 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$120
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Tue, Sep 1, priced at $120 found 22 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Mon, Aug 31 - Wed, Sep 9
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$122 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$122
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $122 found 7 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Wed, Sep 30
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$126 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$126
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $126 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Wed, Oct 28
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$252 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $252 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Wed, Oct 28
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$257 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$257
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $257 found 3 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
RDU
Raleigh
CMH
Columbus
$294 Roundtrip, just found
$294
Roundtrip
just found
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Raleigh to Columbus, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $294 just found

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 $165
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $165

Find the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $106 - $242 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. to John Glenn Columbus Intl.

Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) with a selection of airlines on this short domestic route. You can explore options for cheap flights from Raleigh and find the cheapest flights to Columbus that suit your budget and travel schedule. Whether you're heading from Durham to Columbus or visiting the city's renowned attractions, you'll have the flexibility to choose between full-service and low-cost carriers for your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 350 miles (565 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $55–$320, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Explore the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Raleigh to Columbus, highlighting options for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover spots include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, around 1 hour), and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, roughly 50 minutes). These choices offer the flexibility to tailor your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the perfect itinerary for your trip.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides a convenient one-stop flight option, with one-way ticket prices typically falling between $90 and $365. It represents about 46% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 4 hours, including layover.
  • Breeze: A budget-friendly carrier, Breeze specializes in non-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $55 to $205. Holding around 18% of departures for this route, the airline offers a swift total journey time of just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $90 and $310. This airline makes up roughly 16% of all departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of about 4 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost offerings, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $80 to $355. It comprises about 9% of the departures on 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.
  • United: This full-service carrier offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically priced between $100 and $410. United accounts for around 9% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, bringing the total travel time to approximately 4 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Raleigh to Columbus can opt for an upgrade, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route for a more luxurious journey.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to Columbus are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 52°F in April. 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, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $122. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 25 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: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $122, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $132.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Raleigh to Columbus, with approximately 25 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$149
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Slightly High15$146
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Slightly High15$168
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Slightly High21$166
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average25$122
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Slightly Low21$131
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average23$143
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average20$134
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Average21$160
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average19$158
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Slightly Low18$143
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Slightly Low18$189

*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 Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Raleigh to Columbus (RDU-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is located approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), offering convenient access for travelers.
  • Raleigh to Columbus (RDU-LCK): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) lies about 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a viable option for flight connections.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh 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 to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both cheaper prices and high travel demand.
  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 Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from Raleigh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Raleigh - Durham International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Raleigh. 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 into the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $51 and cheap return flights from $102 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $126 and $517, and roundtrip flights usually range from $244 to $850. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with average round-trip fares around $271. This is about 8% lower than the average price throughout the year, as summer travel tends to slow down. Other economical months to consider are January and July.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Enter RDU to CMH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $91. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 airline to fly with from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Columbus, OH (CMH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, MX offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, MX typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines also offers the most daily flights from RDU 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Columbus, OH (CMH) is typically in August or July. These months offer the lowest average prices at around $271 for a return flight, making them a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. While these months are cheaper, October and May are also popular times to travel, providing a balance of good schedules and moderate prices.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service runs in February, March, and December, allowing you 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Columbus (CMH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Columbus with a full day ahead for your plans.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from RDU to CMH takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 362 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours longer than direct options. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can fly first class between RDU and CMH. First class cabins are available on:

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

How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU)?
From Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly into Columbus Metropolitan (CSG), John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) and Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) in Columbus. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$101
Distance
361 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 27 mins

Book with confidence

Raleigh to Columbus Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Raleigh to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $51 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.

 

Raleigh to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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