$71 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Cincinnati (CVG)

Raleigh (RDU) to Cincinnati (CVG) at a glance

Travelers can choose from a range of airlines for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly options, you can compare different itineraries to find the best fit for your schedule and budget. Discover the key details for your next flight as you plan your visit to explore Cincinnati's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
• Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Raleigh to Cincinnati, featuring both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover locations include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 1-hour layover, Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) at around 1 hour, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which typically has a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to compare prices, travel times, and cabin classes to craft the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $150 and $480. Delta represents around 40% of flight departures on this route, with a standard non-stop travel duration of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling between $105 and $430. It makes up about 25% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $95 to $345. Southwest accounts for nearly 18% of the route’s departures, with a flight time of 3 hours and an overall journey time of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in a layover.
• Frontier Airlines: Another low-cost option, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $95 and $185. It constitutes about 12% of departures along this route, boasting an in-flight time of 3 hours and an approximate total travel duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• United: This full-service carrier provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares ranging from $130 to $390. United represents roughly 4% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.

Travelers flying from Raleigh to Cincinnati can upgrade their experience, with Delta offering both First Class and Premium Economy, while American Airlines provides First Class seating for added comfort.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Cincinnati (CVG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to Cincinnati are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Cincinnati reach up to 53.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 37°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $219). Flight availability peaks in May and October, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, July, and August have the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $219, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: May, September, and April typically offer average one-way fares of around $226.
• Most flight options: May and October have the highest number of flights from Raleigh to Cincinnati, with approximately 15 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 Raleigh (RDU) to Cincinnati (CVG)

• Raleigh to Cincinnati (RDU-LUK): Located approximately 13 miles from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Cincinnati Municipal - Lunken Field Airport (LUK) serves as an alternative gateway to the city.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Cincinnati (CVG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh to Cincinnati 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 typically available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM usually offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper prices, but 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport from Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Cincinnati 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. Cincinnati city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Cincinnati efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cincinnati, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Anderson Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car.

Raleigh to Cincinnati Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Raleigh to Cincinnati

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 Cincinnati are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Raleigh to Cincinnati with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Raleigh to Cincinnati

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh to Cincinnati: 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 Cincinnati

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 Cincinnati in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $71 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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.