Can I fly direct from Chicago to Columbus?

Yes, direct flights from Chicago to Columbus are available. Historically, approximately 55.3% of flights on this route have been direct. For journeys involving connections, travelers typically experience a median of 2 stopovers. This indicates that while direct options are common, connecting flights are also a significant part of the route's offerings.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Columbus?

A direct flight from Chicago to Columbus typically takes 1 hour and 35 minutes, covering a distance of 475 kilometers. Flights with one stop, however, have a significantly longer median duration of 9 hours and 57 minutes. Travelers should consider these differences in flight time when planning their journey. The direct option provides a much quicker travel experience.

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

Cheap flights from Chicago to Columbus come up regularly. This route is classified as having a consistent availability of deals. Travelers can typically find favorable prices with reasonable frequency. This consistent pattern suggests that opportunities for good value flights are not uncommon for this particular route.

Flights From Chicago

To Columbus

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Columbus

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

Deals from

Chicago

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

Prices updated 8 days ago

472 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

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

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Columbus

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Chicago to Columbus

2026-10-20 – 2026-10-27
CHI - Columbus
45% AI deal score
$247
$201
Round trip
2026-11-02 – 2026-11-17
CHI - Columbus
41% AI deal score
$211
$201
Round trip
2026-11-02 – 2026-11-10
CHI - Columbus
44% AI deal score
$232
$201
Round trip
2026-11-02 – 2026-12-01
CHI - Columbus
40% AI deal score
$205
$201
Round trip
2026-10-20 – 2026-11-17
CHI - Columbus
40% AI deal score
$208
$201
Round trip
2026-10-20 – 2026-11-03
CHI - Columbus
42% AI deal score
$218
$201
Round trip
2026-10-20 – 2026-11-10
CHI - Columbus
40% AI deal score
$209
$201
Round trip
2026-11-17 – 2026-12-15
CHI - Columbus
40% AI deal score
$206
$201
Round trip
2026-10-27 – 2026-11-10
CHI - Columbus
42% AI deal score
$219
$203
Round trip
2026-10-27 – 2026-11-03
CHI - Columbus
45% AI deal score
$248
$203
Round trip

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

For cheap flights from Chicago to Columbus, fares right now are significantly above the typical level. Recent prices for this route typically range from $149–$803, with a median of $403. Only 1% of recent fares were classified as a good price, indicating that current pricing is on the higher end of the spectrum.

If you are looking for 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. September also offers competitive pricing, with a median fare of $114.

A meaningful share of itineraries for this route are non-stop, the rest connect once. Specifically, 55.3% of recent fares were for direct flights from Chicago to Columbus. For itineraries that include connections, the typical number of stopovers is 2.

A typical journey from Chicago to Columbus takes approximately 3h 13m, including any connections. This median duration reflects the overall travel time for itineraries on this route.

The distance between Chicago and Columbus is 475 kilometers, classifying this as a short-haul route. This means you can expect a relatively quick journey between the two cities.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

Regular price: $191 - $320

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

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Columbus is $191 to $320. The current lowest deal is $197 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Oct 19-Oct 27.

now $197

Low $191

High $320

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus

The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Columbus is July, with a median price of $89. The most expensive month is June, with a median price of $731. Prices are generally 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

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Columbus

Tue, Sep 29

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$479

$370

One-way

Thu, Oct 1

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$432

$386

One-way

Fri, Oct 2

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$435

$378

One-way

Tue, Oct 6

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$325

$370

One-way

Wed, Oct 7

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$306

$371

One-way

Mon, Oct 12

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$279

$365

One-way

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

6 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 8

$274 → $110

60%

6 nights

Nov 11 - Nov 17

$242 → $91

62%

7 nights

Nov 10 - Nov 17

$250 → $121

52%

8 nights

Nov 9 - Nov 17

$232 → $104

55%

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 for the past 90 days.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in July or August for the best prices

Historically, July and August offer the lowest median prices at $89 for flights to Columbus.

⏱️ Flight duration

Typical flight time is 3h 13m

Flights from Chicago to Columbus typically take 3 hours and 13 minutes, a short-haul route.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Mixed direct and connecting flights available

55.3% of recent flights are direct, with connecting flights typically having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers direct flights

United Airlines is one of the carriers providing direct flight options on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly

Deals for flights from Chicago to Columbus appear regularly, typically within a 30-day window.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Cheapest

Chicago Midway International offers a convenient departure point for flights from Chicago to Columbus.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$156

Columbus main airports to arrive at

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$156

Airports nearby Columbus used as alternative

Dayton International (DAY)

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

📍 ~115 km from Columbus (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$240

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Columbus

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

Elite

Best Elite deals to Columbus

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

From ORD

Elite

Oct 14

Columbus, United States

48% AI deal score

$2,802

$2,326

Save $476

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Sep 29

Columbus, United States

48% AI deal score

$3,979

$3,205

Save $774

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 02

Columbus, United States

47% AI deal score

$2,833

$2,364

Save $469

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 14

Columbus, United States

47% AI deal score

$2,940

$2,626

Save $314

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 14

Columbus, United States

47% AI deal score

$2,984

$2,685

Save $299

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 07

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$2,475

$2,247

Save $228

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 02

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$2,783

$2,364

Save $419

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 21

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$2,620

$2,375

Save $245

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 21

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$2,623

$2,375

Save $248

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 03

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$2,822

$2,393

Save $429

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 09

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$3,044

$2,836

Save $208

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Oct 09

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$3,089

$2,907

Save $182

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Columbus

Historically, the optimal time to purchase flights from Chicago to Columbus is typically between 28 and 59 days before departure. During this period, the average price for a ticket is around $126. Prices tend to increase significantly for last-minute bookings, with flights purchased 0-6 days out averaging $416. For those booking 7-13 days in advance, the average price is approximately $195, indicating that planning ahead can lead to considerable savings.

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 tickets historically costing $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 offers competitive pricing, with a median of $114. The annual median price for this route is $403, making these months notably more affordable. Travelers seeking lower fares should consider planning their trips during these months.

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

A typical journey from Chicago to Columbus takes approximately 3h 13m, including any connections. This median duration reflects the overall travel time for itineraries on this route.

The distance between Chicago and Columbus is 475 kilometers, classifying this as a short-haul route. This means you can expect a relatively quick journey between the two cities.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

Regular price: $191 - $320

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

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Columbus is $191 to $320. The current lowest deal is $197 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Oct 19-Oct 27.

now $197

Low $191

High $320

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

Direct flights from Chicago to Columbus

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Columbus

Tue, Sep 29

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$479

$370

One-way

Thu, Oct 1

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$432

$386

One-way

Fri, Oct 2

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$435

$378

One-way

Tue, Oct 6

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$325

$370

One-way

Wed, Oct 7

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$306

$371

One-way

Mon, Oct 12

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Columbus

Chicago (ORD) - Columbus (CMH)

Frontier Airlines

$279

$365

One-way

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

6 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 8

$274 → $110

60%

6 nights

Nov 11 - Nov 17

$242 → $91

62%

7 nights

Nov 10 - Nov 17

$250 → $121

52%

8 nights

Nov 9 - Nov 17

$232 → $104

55%

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 for the past 90 days.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in July or August for the best prices

Historically, July and August offer the lowest median prices at $89 for flights to Columbus.

⏱️ Flight duration

Typical flight time is 3h 13m

Flights from Chicago to Columbus typically take 3 hours and 13 minutes, a short-haul route.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Mixed direct and connecting flights available

55.3% of recent flights are direct, with connecting flights typically having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers direct flights

United Airlines is one of the carriers providing direct flight options on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly

Deals for flights from Chicago to Columbus appear regularly, typically within a 30-day window.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Cheapest

Chicago Midway International offers a convenient departure point for flights from Chicago to Columbus.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$156

Columbus main airports to arrive at

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$156

Airports nearby Columbus used as alternative

Dayton International (DAY)

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

Columbus, United States

46% AI deal score

$3,089

$2,907

Save $182

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Columbus

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Columbus

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Columbus

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus

Direct flights from Chicago to Columbus

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Columbus

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

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Columbus

Chicago - Columbus route insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Fly in July or August for the best prices

Typical flight time is 3h 13m

Mixed direct and connecting flights available

United Airlines offers direct flights

Deals appear regularly

Chicago main airports to depart from

Columbus main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Columbus used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Columbus

Best Elite deals to Columbus

Oct 14

Sep 29

Dec 02

Oct 14

Oct 14

Nov 07

Dec 02

Oct 21

Oct 21

Dec 03

Oct 09

Oct 09

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Columbus

When should I buy Chicago to Columbus tickets?

What is a good price for a flight from Chicago to Columbus?

What's the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Columbus?

Can I fly direct from Chicago to Columbus?

How long is the flight from Chicago to Columbus?

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

Related routes

More routes from Chicago

Flights to Columbus from other cities

Chicago to Columbus: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Columbus

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Columbus

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Columbus

Direct flights from Chicago to Columbus

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Columbus

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

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Columbus

Chicago - Columbus route insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Fly in July or August for the best prices

Typical flight time is 3h 13m

Mixed direct and connecting flights available

United Airlines offers direct flights

Deals appear regularly

Chicago main airports to depart from

Columbus main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Columbus used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Columbus

Best Elite deals to Columbus

Oct 14

Sep 29

Dec 02

Oct 14

Oct 14

Nov 07

Dec 02

Oct 21

Oct 21

Dec 03

Oct 09

Oct 09

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Columbus

When should I buy Chicago to Columbus tickets?

What is a good price for a flight from Chicago to Columbus?

What's the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Columbus?