FlightsFrom Columbus

To Chicago

Cheap Flights from Columbus to Chicago

Browse current best options from Columbus. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Columbus

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

Prices updated 24 days ago

486,190 searches this week

171 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated May 29, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Columbus to Chicago

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Columbus to Chicago

July 7 - July 14

Cheapest
Earliest

CMH - Chicago

$170

$157

Round trip

July 14 - July 15

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$174

$157

Round trip

July 8 - July 14

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$177

$157

Round trip

August 18 - August 19

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$163

$157

Round trip

December 2 - December 16

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$203

$157

Round trip

July 8 - July 14

Cheapest
Best

CMH - Chicago

$276

$157

Round trip

July 14 - July 21

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$168

$157

Round trip

August 11 - August 12

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$274

$157

Round trip

October 6 - October 13

Cheapest

CMH - Chicago

$175

$157

Round trip

July 8 - July 11

CMH - Chicago

$289

$167

Round trip

Unlock all 500+ flight deals to Chicago and get alerts when great deals appear

Route Intelligence — 486,190 Searches this Week

Insights for flights from Columbus to Chicago

For cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago, fares typically range from $175–$316, with a median of $225. Right now, current fares are near the typical level for this route. Approximately 3% of recent fares were classified as a good price, indicating that competitive offers are available for travelers.
When is the cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago? The data indicates that February and January are typically the most affordable months, both with a median fare of $169. Following these, June also presents a more economical option, with a median fare of $196.
A meaningful share of itineraries between Columbus and Chicago are non-stop, with 63.6% of recent fares being direct flights from Columbus to Chicago. For the remaining itineraries, most connecting flights typically involve 2 stopovers.
A typical journey from Columbus to Chicago takes approximately 2h 58m, including connections. This duration accounts for both direct and connecting itineraries on this route.
The route from Columbus to Chicago covers a distance of 454 km, classifying it as a short-haul flight. This makes it a convenient option for regional travel within the United States.

How much is a round trip from Columbus to Chicago

Regular price: $136 - $322

Prices for flights from Columbus to Chicago are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is $136 to $322. The current lowest deal is $157 with American Airlines for travel from July 7 to July 14.

now $157

Low $136

High $322

The cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago

The cheapest month to fly from Columbus to Chicago is January, with a median price of $169. The most expensive month is March, with a median price of $426. Generally, prices are lower from January to December.

January

Cheapest

Flights from $169

March

Most Expensive

Flights from $426

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Direct flights from Columbus to Chicago

Airline logo

Southwest Airlines

Airline logo

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Columbus to Chicago

Fri, Jun 19

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Frontier Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$401

$325

One-way

Thu, Jul 2

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Frontier Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$282

$234

One-way

Sat, Jul 4

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Southwest Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Southwest Airlines

$188

$177

One-way

Sun, Jul 5

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Frontier Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Frontier Airlines

$312

$242

One-way

Tue, Jul 7

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

American Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

American Airlines

$170

$157

One-way

Tue, Jul 7

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Southwest Airlines

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Southwest Airlines

$185

$178

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Columbus to Chicago

7 nights

Sep 15 - Sep 22

$353  →  $177

50%

6 nights

Sep 16 - Sep 22

$353  →  $177

50%

7 nights

Sep 16 - Sep 23

$353  →  $177

50%

8 nights

Sep 15 - Sep 23

$338  →  $177

48%

Popular Airports to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus - Chicago route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

Recent fares from Columbus to Chicago are near the typical level of $225.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in February for the best prices.

Historically, February has offered the lowest median price at $169 for flights to Chicago.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 58m.

The typical flight duration from Columbus to Chicago is 2 hours and 58 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

63.6% of deals are direct.

Most deals are direct, with 63.6% of recent fares being non-stop flights.

🏆 Airline highlight

Southwest Airlines offers direct flights.

Southwest Airlines is one of the carriers providing direct flights on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear frequently.

Historically, deals for flights from Columbus to Chicago appear frequently, about once a day.

Columbus main airports to depart from

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a convenient option for flights from Columbus to Chicago.

📍 ~10 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$157

Rickenbacker International (LCK)

Rickenbacker International Airport offers an alternative departure point for your trip to Chicago.

📍 ~20 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$239

Chicago main airports to arrive at

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Cheapest

Chicago Midway International Airport is a convenient option for flights from Columbus to Chicago.

📍 ~15 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$157

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International Airport offers an alternative arrival point for your trip to Chicago.

📍 ~120 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$232

O Hare International (ORD)

O Hare International Airport is a major hub for travelers flying from Columbus to Chicago.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$157

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

General Mitchell International (MKE)

Cheapest

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is an excellent alternative with high-frequency flight options and direct rail access.

📍 ~135 km from Chicago (reachable by rail)

💸 Flights from ~$206

South Bend International (SBN)

South Bend International Airport (SBN) is a close alternative, directly connected to downtown Chicago via commuter rail.

📍 ~120 km from Chicago (reachable by rail)

💸 Flights from ~$220

Gerald R. Ford International (GRR)

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a major regional hub, offering a wide range of cabin classes.

📍 ~200 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$227

Dane County Regional (MSN)

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is a reliable regional airport with consistent service and less congestion.

📍 ~205 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$235

Fort Wayne International (FWA)

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) offers stable regional service and is an alternative for southeastern Chicago suburbs.

📍 ~235 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$244

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chicago

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from Columbus to Chicago.

Elite

Best Elite deals to Chicago

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From CMH

Elite

Jun 18

Chicago, United States

79% AI deal score

$2,201

$615

Save $1,586

From CMH

Elite

Aug 01

Chicago, United States

76% AI deal score

$638

$353

Save $285

From CMH

Elite

Aug 19

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$551

$356

Save $195

From CMH

Elite

Aug 25

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$538

$357

Save $181

From CMH

Elite

Aug 18

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$535

$357

Save $178

From CMH

Elite

Aug 12

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$549

$357

Save $192

From CMH

Elite

Aug 19

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$549

$357

Save $192

From CMH

Elite

Aug 18

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$545

$357

Save $188

From CMH

Elite

Aug 26

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$538

$357

Save $181

From CMH

Elite

Aug 11

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$549

$357

Save $192

From CMH

Elite

Aug 19

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$541

$357

Save $184

From CMH

Elite

Jun 22

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$1,259

$625

Save $634

From CMH

Elite

Aug 11

Chicago, United States

75% AI deal score

$1,572

$810

Save $762

From CMH

Elite

Aug 18

Chicago, United States

74% AI deal score

$526

$356

Save $170

From CMH

Elite

Sep 25

Chicago, United States

74% AI deal score

$1,298

$713

Save $585

From CMH

Elite

Aug 11

Chicago, United States

74% AI deal score

$1,795

$927

Save $868

From CMH

Elite

Jul 07

Chicago, United States

74% AI deal score

$475

$343

Save $132

From CMH

Elite

Jul 08

Chicago, United States

74% AI deal score

$475

$343

Save $132

From CMH

Elite

Jul 20

Chicago, United States

73% AI deal score

$997

$549

Save $448

From CMH

Elite

Jul 03

Chicago, United States

73% AI deal score

$1,672

$949

Save $723

From CMH

Elite

Dec 02

Chicago, United States

72% AI deal score

$454

$357

Save $97

From CMH

Elite

Nov 10

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$442

$357

Save $85

From CMH

Elite

Oct 28

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$440

$357

Save $83

From CMH

Elite

Oct 27

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$440

$357

Save $83

From CMH

Elite

Oct 20

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$444

$357

Save $87

From CMH

Elite

Oct 13

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$441

$357

Save $84

From CMH

Elite

Oct 14

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$441

$357

Save $84

From CMH

Elite

Aug 18

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$1,098

$623

Save $475

From CMH

Elite

Jun 29

Chicago, United States

71% AI deal score

$1,075

$649

Save $426

From CMH

Elite

Jul 06

Chicago, United States

70% AI deal score

$1,062

$649

Save $413

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,239

$1,892

Save $1,347

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,237

$1,892

Save $1,345

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,172

$1,906

Save $1,266

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,297

$1,926

Save $1,371

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,371

$1,926

Save $1,445

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,143

$1,932

Save $1,211

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,140

$1,932

Save $1,208

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,167

$1,982

Save $1,185

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,170

$1,982

Save $1,188

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,143

$2,003

Save $1,140

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,140

$2,003

Save $1,137

From CMH

Elite

Aug 07

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$3,118

$2,027

Save $1,091

From CMH

Elite

Sep 01

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$418

$356

Save $62

From CMH

Elite

Sep 15

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$417

$356

Save $61

From CMH

Elite

Sep 02

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$418

$357

Save $61

From CMH

Elite

Sep 23

Chicago, United States

66% AI deal score

$424

$357

Save $67

From CMH

Elite

Nov 19

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,714

$1,841

Save $873

From CMH

Elite

Aug 07

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,815

$1,886

Save $929

From CMH

Elite

Aug 24

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,816

$1,912

Save $904

From CMH

Elite

Aug 08

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,816

$1,946

Save $870

From CMH

Elite

Aug 24

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,883

$1,946

Save $937

From CMH

Elite

Aug 24

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$2,822

$1,952

Save $870

From CMH

Elite

Sep 17

Chicago, United States

65% AI deal score

$3,182

$2,059

Save $1,123

From CMH

Elite

Nov 06

Chicago, United States

49% AI deal score

$2,686

$1,961

Save $725

From CMH

Elite

Jun 18

Chicago, United States

47% AI deal score

$2,176

$1,622

Save $554

From CMH

Elite

Jun 19

Chicago, United States

47% AI deal score

$2,152

$1,622

Save $530

From CMH

Elite

Aug 07

Chicago, United States

46% AI deal score

$607

$491

Save $116

From CMH

Elite

Oct 03

Chicago, United States

46% AI deal score

$887

$667

Save $220

From CMH

Elite

Aug 19

Chicago, United States

46% AI deal score

$1,113

$824

Save $289

From CMH

Elite

Nov 17

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$442

$427

Save $15

From CMH

Elite

Dec 03

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$454

$445

Save $9

From CMH

Elite

Sep 19

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$825

$667

Save $158

From CMH

Elite

Nov 06

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$536

$523

Save $13

From CMH

Elite

Jun 26

Chicago, United States

43% AI deal score

$662

$615

Save $47

From CMH

Elite

Nov 12

Chicago, United States

40% AI deal score

$491

From CMH

Elite

Nov 19

Chicago, United States

39% AI deal score

$491

From CMH

Elite

Sep 17

Chicago, United States

39% AI deal score

$849

From CMH

Elite

Jun 18

Chicago, United States

39% AI deal score

$1,350

From CMH

Elite

Nov 06

Chicago, United States

38% AI deal score

$537

From CMH

Elite

Sep 05

Chicago, United States

33% AI deal score

$824

From CMH

Elite

Sep 11

Chicago, United States

33% AI deal score

$904

From CMH

Elite

Sep 15

Chicago, United States

33% AI deal score

$929

From CMH

Elite

Nov 29

Chicago, United States

32% AI deal score

$588

From CMH

Elite

Jul 29

Chicago, United States

32% AI deal score

$939

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from Columbus to Chicago is typically 14-27 days before departure. During this period, the average price for a flight is around $218. Booking too close to your travel date, such as 0-6 days out, can see prices rise significantly to an average of $529. Even booking 7-13 days out shows a higher average price of $351, indicating that planning ahead by a few weeks can lead to considerable savings.

Across the trailing quarter, a flight from Columbus to Chicago is considered a good deal if you find it for $175 or less. The median price for this route was $225, with 75% of prices falling below $316. By aiming for prices at or below the $175 threshold, you are securing a fare better than 75% of all prices observed in the trailing 90 days.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from Columbus to Chicago are January and February, both with a median price of $169. June also offers a relatively good value with a median price of $196. The annual median price for this route is $225, so flying in January or February can result in notable savings compared to the yearly average.