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$94 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH)

View $94 flight on Wed, Oct 7, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Columbus (SAN-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $94 for one-way flights and $198 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$198 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$198
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $198 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Wed, Oct 21
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$203 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$203
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $203 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Mon, Oct 26
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$208 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $208 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Wed, Oct 7
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$213 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$213
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $213 found 4 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$213 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$213
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $213 found 4 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Fri, Oct 23
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$218 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$218
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $218 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Dec 15 - Tue, Jan 5
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$227 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Tue, Jan 5, priced at $227 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Dec 15 - Tue, Jan 5
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$227 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Tue, Jan 5, priced at $227 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Tue, Dec 15 - Tue, Jan 5
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$242 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$242
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Tue, Jan 5, priced at $242 found 1 hour ago
United
Mon, Oct 26 - Tue, Oct 27
SAN
San Diego
CMH
Columbus
$252 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from San Diego to Columbus, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $252 found 1 day 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 $450
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $450

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

San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH) with a range of airlines offering convenient one-way options. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from San Diego or prefer a full-service experience, you can easily compare prices and schedules to find the best fit for your travel plans. Discover the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Columbus while planning your journey from San Diego International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from San Diego to Columbus, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a 1 hour and 45 minutes layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop services with one-way fares generally falling between $125 and $470. This carrier handles about 31% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of roughly 7 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost offerings, Southwest Airlines provides both non-stop and one-stop services. One-way ticket prices typically range from $140 to $460. This airline accounts for around 25% of departures on the route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 7 hours.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service airline, providing both one-stop and multi-stop options. With one-way fares usually between $140 and $460, this airline represents about 24% of departures on this route. Expect approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of flying time and an overall journey duration of around 7 hours.
  • United: Offering a full-service experience, United provides both non-stop and one-stop flights. One-way fares generally range from $125 to $470, and it makes up about 16% of departures on this route. Travelers can anticipate an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of roughly 7 hours.
  • Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly choice, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $125 and $255. This carrier covers approximately 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of about 7 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Columbus have the option to upgrade their flights. Top airlines include Delta, which offers first class and premium economy; American Airlines, featuring first class; and United, also providing first class service.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Columbus are March, September, and December, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 67.3°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73°F. For better deals, November usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $232. Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 33 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February and April have the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $232, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April, October, and December typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $247.
  • Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Columbus, with approximately 33 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)Average18$268
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Average17$266
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderately High22$285
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Average17$233
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Moderately Low18$283
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Moderately Low22$303
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average23$276
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderately Low23$261
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Moderately High33$260
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average28$235
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Average30$232
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Moderately High30$247

*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 San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Carlsbad to Columbus (CLD-CMH): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located approximately 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy fares on this route generally vary between $90 and $315, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can typically expect one-stop options, with most connections occurring through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the leading carrier on this route, and first-class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego 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. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) tend to be less expensive, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally offers lower prices, while Monday 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 San Diego International Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from San Diego 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 to public transportation options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $94 and cheap return flights from $198 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $178 and $1285, and return flights often range between $336 and $2100. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH), with average return fares around $349. This price is about 18% lower than the average throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other economical months for this route include October and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Enter SAN to CMH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Sun Country Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $275. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Columbus, OH (CMH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from San Diego to Columbus, 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
For flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Columbus, OH (CMH), January and November are the best months to fly. Average return flight prices are around $349, making these months both economical and pleasant for travel. January offers a fresh start to the year, while November is great for enjoying the fall scenery.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego (SAN) to Columbus (CMH) typically leaves at 6:00 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service runs from February to April, 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) are from 6am to 9am. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows travelers to arrive in Columbus with ample time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SAN to CMH takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,961 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 4 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SAN to CMH. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), 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 Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Denver Intl. (DEN) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$198
Distance
1960 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 22 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to Columbus Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $94 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

San Diego to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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