A city skyline with a river in the foreground and a bridge in the background.

$130 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH)

View $130 flight on Wed, Oct 21, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Columbus (SFO-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $130 for one-way flights and $260 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$260 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $260 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$270 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$270
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $270 found 6 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Aug 26 - Mon, Aug 31
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$280 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 26 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Aug 31, priced at $280 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Aug 28 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$290 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$290
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 28 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $290 found 6 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Mon, Oct 5
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$294 Roundtrip, just found
$294
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $294 just found
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 21 - Tue, Sep 29
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$300 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$300
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 21 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $300 found 6 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Wed, Sep 2
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$300 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$300
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Wed, Sep 2, priced at $300 found 8 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$304 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $304 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$324 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $324 found 3 hours ago
United
Fri, Sep 18 - Sat, Sep 19
SFO
San Francisco
CMH
Columbus
$354 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from San Francisco to Columbus, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $354 found 9 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 $439
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $439

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $165 - $446 per traveler.

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

San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare daily fares and weekly flights from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your travel plans and budget. Dive into the sights and neighborhoods of Columbus while finding all the essential details for your journey from San Francisco to Columbus.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$455, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

According to recent traveler bookings, the following airlines are the top choices for flights from San Francisco to Columbus, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layovers include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Denver International Airport (DEN) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your travel plans based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

  • United: This comprehensive airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $150 and $565. United represents about 29% of the departures along this route, typically taking 4 hours and 45 minutes for a direct flight.
  • Delta: Offering one-stop service, this full-service airline has one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $440. Delta accounts for nearly 26% of the flights on this route, featuring a flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $120 and $600. This airline makes up around 20% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 7 hours and 15 minutes when including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $145 to $425. This airline constitutes approximately 18% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost airline, Frontier provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $120 and $240. Approximately 4% of departures on this route are operated by Frontier, with a flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey duration of around 7 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers flying from San Francisco to Columbus have the option to upgrade their flight experience. United provides both first-class and premium economy service, while American Airlines offers first-class service. Delta also features both first-class and premium economy options for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Columbus are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 70.9°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 35.4°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $237. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 32 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 18 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $237, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June, July, and May typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $242 to $254.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Columbus, with approximately 32 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$237
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Moderately Low18$269
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderately High21$306
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Moderately High22$268
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average25$254
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Moderately High32$242
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average27$244
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average29$254
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Average25$269
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average22$266
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderately Low19$275
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Moderately Low22$257

*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 Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH)

  • Oakland to Columbus (OAK-CMH): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy prices for this journey generally range between $155 and $380, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from one-stop or multi-stop flights, with common layover points including Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Major airlines operating on this route consist of Southwest Airlines (a budget-friendly option) and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is available for those seeking a more premium travel experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to midnight) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to noon) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, although 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 San Francisco International Airport

Columbus welcomes travelers from San Francisco 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 from the airport and is typically reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $130 and cheap return flights from $260 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $202 and $1175, and roundtrip flights usually range from $386 to $1723. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Columbus, OH (CMH), with average round-trip fares around $406. This price is about 10% lower than the average fare throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the summer. Other affordable months to consider are January and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
United operates around 12 direct flights from SFO to CMH every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $283.39. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Columbus, OH (CMH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. United also offers the most daily flights from SFO 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH) is typically in August or October. During these months, you can find return flights at around $406, making it a budget-friendly option. August is great for summer travel, while October offers pleasant fall weather, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by United. This seasonal service allows you to arrive in Columbus early, giving you a full day to explore. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to arrive in Columbus with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from SFO to CMH typically takes around 4 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 2,116 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 10 minutes to your travel time. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SFO to CMH route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Francisco (SFO) to Columbus (CMH) typically costs between $1,613 - $2,142. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $923 - $1,368. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
From San Francisco Intl. (SFO), 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 Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$260
Distance
2115 mi
Average flight time
8 hours 11 mins

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Columbus Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $130 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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco to Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia