Can I fly direct from Chicago to Columbus?

Yes, direct flights from Chicago to Columbus are available. In the trailing 90 days, approximately 55.3% of flights on this route were direct. For flights that included stopovers, the median number of stopovers was 2. This indicates that while direct options are common, connecting flights are also a significant part of the available routes.

How often do cheap flights from Chicago to Columbus come up?

Cheap flights from Chicago to Columbus are a regular occurrence. This route consistently offers opportunities for budget-friendly travel. Travelers can typically find favorable deals with reasonable frequency. The availability of these deals makes it a viable route for those seeking cost-effective travel options.

Flights From Chicago

To Columbus

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Columbus

Q: How long is the flight from Chicago to Columbus?

The typical direct flight from Chicago to Columbus has a median duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes. This route covers a distance of 475 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median travel time is considerably longer, averaging 9 hours and 57 minutes. Travelers should consider these durations when planning their journey.

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

Prices updated 2 days ago

405 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Columbus

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Chicago to Columbus

2026-10-01 – 2026-10-04
CHI - Columbus
74% AI deal score
$260
$143
Round trip
2026-10-01 – 2026-10-27
CHI - Columbus
69% AI deal score
$217
$155
Round trip
2026-08-24 – 2026-08-31
CHI - Columbus
41% AI deal score
$137
$157
Round trip
2026-08-06 – 2026-08-10
CHI - Columbus
44% AI deal score
$153
$157
Round trip
2026-08-18 – 2026-08-25
CHI - Columbus
43% AI deal score
$138
$157
Round trip
2026-08-20 – 2026-08-24
CHI - Columbus
43% AI deal score
$147
$157
Round trip
2026-08-22 – 2026-08-24
CHI - Columbus
43% AI deal score
$145
$157
Round trip
2026-08-15 – 2026-08-22
CHI - Columbus
43% AI deal score
$138
$157
Round trip
2026-08-20 – 2026-08-22
CHI - Columbus
42% AI deal score
$151
$157
Round trip
2026-08-13 – 2026-08-15
CHI - Columbus
43% AI deal score
$150
$157
Round trip

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

The journey from Chicago to Columbus covers a distance of 475 kilometers, classifying it as a short-haul flight. This means you can expect a relatively quick trip between these two cities.

For travelers seeking cheap flights from Chicago to Columbus, fares typically range from $149–$803, with a median price of $403. Right now, current fares are significantly above the typical level, and only 1% of recent fares were classified as a good price. New deals show up several times a week, so setting up a price alert can be beneficial.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus? The data indicates that July and August are the most affordable months, both with a median fare of $89. Following closely, September also offers competitive prices, with a median fare of $114.

Regarding direct flights from Chicago to Columbus, a meaningful share are non-stop, the rest connect once, with 55.3% of recent itineraries being non-stop. For those flights that do include connections, the typical number of stopovers is 2.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Columbus? A typical journey, including connections, takes approximately 3h 13m. This duration accounts for both direct flights and those with one or more stopovers.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

Regular price: $114 - $249

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

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Columbus is between $114 and $249. The current lowest deal is $156 with American Airlines for travel from Aug 11-Aug 12.

now $156

Low $114

High $249

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus

The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio is July, with a median price of $89. The most expensive month to fly is June, with a median price of $731. Generally, prices are lower from April to December.

July

Cheapest

Flights from $89

June

Most Expensive

Flights from $731

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to Columbus

American Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Columbus

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$397

$326

One-way

Tue, Jul 28

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - Columbus

Chicago (MDW) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$474

$337

One-way

Sat, Aug 1

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$455

$365

One-way

Thu, Aug 6

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$335

$299

One-way

Sat, Aug 8

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$320

$287

One-way

Sat, Aug 8

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$323

$292

One-way

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

2 nights

Jul 28 - Jul 30

$474 → $337

29%

7 nights

Dec 3 - Dec 10

$295 → $166

44%

4 nights

Aug 26 - Aug 30

$303 → $182

40%

4 nights

Aug 11 - Aug 15

$296 → $186

37%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Columbus

Chicago - Columbus route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares from Chicago to Columbus are above the typical level at $156.

📅 Best time to fly

Cheapest months: July, August, September

Historically, the cheapest months to fly are July ($89), August ($89), and September ($114).

⏱️ Flight duration

Typical flight time is 3h 13m

The typical flight duration from Chicago to Columbus is 3 hours and 13 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

55.3% of flights are direct

Historically, 55.3% of flights on this route are direct, with connecting flights typically having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

American Airlines has direct flights

American Airlines offers direct flights from Chicago to Columbus.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly

Deals for flights from Chicago to Columbus appear regularly.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Cheapest

Consider Chicago Midway International for flights from Chicago to Columbus, offering a budget-friendly option.

📍 ~18 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$157

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International is an alternative departure airport for your trip from Chicago to Columbus.

📍 ~120 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$204

O Hare International (ORD)

O Hare International is a convenient departure choice for your flight from Chicago to Columbus.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$157

Columbus main airports to arrive at

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$157

Airports nearby Columbus used as alternative

Dayton International (DAY)

Dayton International is the closest alternative to Columbus, offering easy access via Interstate 70.

📍 ~110 km from Columbus (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$238

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Columbus

72% AI deal score

$612

$387

Save $225

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Columbus

Historically, the optimal time to purchase tickets for flights from Chicago to Columbus is typically between 28 and 59 days before departure. During this period, the average price observed was $126. Prices tend to be higher for last-minute bookings, with flights purchased 0-6 days out averaging around $416. For those planning further in advance, tickets bought 60+ days out had an average price of $153.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from Chicago to Columbus is considered to be $149 or less. The median price for this route over the same period was $403. Prices can vary, with 75% of observed fares being $803 or less. Travelers aiming for the best value should target prices at or below the $149 threshold.

Historically, July and August have been the cheapest months to fly from Chicago to Columbus, with a median price of $89 for both. September also offered competitive pricing, with a median of $114. The annual median price for this route is $403, indicating that these months offer significant savings. Travelers looking for lower fares should consider planning their trips during these periods.

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

The journey from Chicago to Columbus covers a distance of 475 kilometers, classifying it as a short-haul flight. This means you can expect a relatively quick trip between these two cities.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

Regular price: $114 - $249

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

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Columbus is between $114 and $249. The current lowest deal is $156 with American Airlines for travel from Aug 11-Aug 12.

now $156

Low $114

High $249

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus

July

Cheapest

Flights from $89

June

Most Expensive

Flights from $731

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec