Can I fly direct from Columbus to Chicago?

Yes, direct flights from Columbus to Chicago are available. Historically, approximately 32.2% of flights on this route have been direct. For journeys that include stopovers, travelers typically experience a median of 2 stopovers. This data is based on observations from the trailing 90 days.

What's the flight time from Columbus to Chicago?

The typical direct flight time from Columbus to Chicago is approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes, covering a distance of 454 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median travel time is considerably longer, averaging around 13 hours. This difference highlights the convenience of direct routes for this journey.

Should I set a price alert for Columbus to Chicago flights?

Yes, setting a price alert for flights from Columbus to Chicago is advisable. This route is classified as having regular price fluctuations. Monitoring prices can help you identify opportune moments to book, based on historical patterns over the trailing 30 days.

Flights From 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 4 days ago

476 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Oct 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Columbus to Chicago

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Columbus to Chicago

2026-12-01 – 2026-12-09
CMH - Chicago
72% AI deal score
$260
$122
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-11-17
CMH - Chicago
75% AI deal score
$271
$151
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-12-09
CMH - Chicago
72% AI deal score
$228
$151
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-12-02
CMH - Chicago
72% AI deal score
$228
$151
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-11-11
CMH - Chicago
75% AI deal score
$287
$151
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-11-18
CMH - Chicago
74% AI deal score
$258
$153
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-11-12
CMH - Chicago
75% AI deal score
$287
$156
Round trip
2026-11-12 – 2026-11-17
CMH - Chicago
74% AI deal score
$279
$156
Round trip
2026-11-12 – 2026-12-09
CMH - Chicago
71% AI deal score
$226
$156
Round trip
2026-11-12 – 2026-12-02
CMH - Chicago
71% AI deal score
$226
$156
Round trip

Columbus to Chicago: Overview

Insights for flights from Columbus to Chicago

For cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago, fares typically range from $325–$864, with a median of $524. Right now, current fares are below the typical level, and about 3% of recent fares were classified as a good price. New deals show up several times a week, making it possible to find more favorable pricing.

If you're looking for the cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago, June stands out with a median fare of just $149. Other affordable months include January, with a median fare of $309, and August, where the median fare is $315. These months offer significantly lower prices compared to the overall median.

When flying from Columbus to Chicago, only 32.2% of recent fares were for direct flights from Columbus to Chicago. This means that most itineraries connect at least once, with connecting flights typically involving 2 stopovers. Travelers should factor in these connections when planning their journey.

A typical journey from Columbus to Chicago takes about 1h 41m, including connections. While the non-stop flight time is also around 1h 41m, the median connecting flight time can be substantially longer, at 36h 17m. This difference highlights the impact of layovers on overall travel duration.

The route from Columbus to Chicago covers a distance of 454 km, classifying it as a short-haul flight. This relatively short distance contributes to the quick flight times for direct services, making it a convenient option for regional travel.

How much is a round trip from Columbus to Chicago

Regular price: $189 - $379

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

The regular price range for flights from Columbus to Chicago is typically between $189 and $379. The current lowest deal is $118 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Nov 3-Nov 16.

now $118

Low $189

High $379

The cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago

The cheapest month to fly from Columbus to Chicago is June, with a median price of $149. The most expensive month is September, with a median price of $663. Prices are generally lower from January to October.

June

Cheapest

Flights from $149

September

Most Expensive

Flights from $663

Jan

Feb

Apr

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Columbus to Chicago

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Columbus to Chicago

Fri, Oct 9

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$440

$386

One-way

Fri, Oct 9

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$445

$386

One-way

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$432

$378

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$425

$413

One-way

Tue, Oct 27

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Frontier Airlines

$225

$163

One-way

Tue, Oct 27

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Frontier Airlines

$235

$163

One-way

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

7 nights

Jan 19 - Jan 26

$333 → $169

49%

7 nights

Jan 12 - Jan 19

$317 → $169

47%

4 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 5

$291 → $167

43%

14 nights

Jan 12 - Jan 26

$290 → $169

42%

Popular Airports to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus - Chicago route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Columbus to Chicago are below the typical level for this route.

📅 Best time to fly

June is historically the cheapest month to fly

Historically, June is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus to Chicago, with a median price of $149.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 1h 41m

The typical direct flight from Columbus to Chicago takes 1 hour and 41 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights are dominant on this route, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Frontier Airlines offers a recent deal

Frontier Airlines recently offered a deal for $118 from November 3 to November 16.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly on this route

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

Columbus main airports to depart from

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$123

Chicago main airports to arrive at

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

O'Hare International Airport is a major hub, offering extensive connections for your trip to Chicago.

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

💸 Flights from ~$120

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

General Mitchell International (MKE)

Cheapest

General Mitchell International offers significant carrier presence and direct flight options for Chicago travelers.

📍 ~135 km from Chicago (reachable by rail or car)

💸 Flights from ~$188

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chicago

49% AI deal score

$3,184

$2,384

Save $800

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Nov 17

Chicago, United States

48% AI deal score

$3,362

$2,433

Save $929

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Nov 17

Chicago, United States

48% AI deal score

$3,348

$2,457

Save $891

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Dec 04

Chicago, United States

47% AI deal score

$3,146

$2,544

Save $602

Air Canada, +1

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Dec 17

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$2,443

$2,382

Save $61

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Dec 17

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$2,446

$2,382

Save $64

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Nov 27

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$2,778

$2,590

Save $188

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From CMH

Elite

Oct 17

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$3,570

$3,565

Save $5

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

Historically, the best time to book flights from Columbus to Chicago is typically 60+ days before departure. During this period, the average price for a flight is around $598. Booking within 28-59 days of travel sees an average price of $615, while prices tend to increase significantly closer to the departure date. For instance, flights booked 0-6 days out average $1003, based on data from the trailing 90 days.

Across the trailing quarter, a good deal for a flight from Columbus to Chicago is considered to be $325 or less. The median price for this route has been $524. Prices can vary, with 75% of flights historically costing $864 or less. By comparing prices to these benchmarks, you can better assess if a particular fare is favorable.

Historically, June is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus to Chicago, with a median price of $149. Other relatively inexpensive months include January, with a median price of $309, and August, at $315. In contrast, the annual median price for this route is $524, indicating significant savings are possible by choosing to travel during these months.

Related routes

More routes from Columbus

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Columbus to Chicago: Overview

Insights for flights from Columbus to Chicago

How much is a round trip from Columbus to Chicago

Regular price: $189 - $379

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

The regular price range for flights from Columbus to Chicago is typically between $189 and $379. The current lowest deal is $118 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Nov 3-Nov 16.

now $118

Low $189

High $379

The cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago

June

Cheapest

Flights from $149

September

Most Expensive

Flights from $663

Jan

Feb

Apr

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Columbus to Chicago

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Columbus to Chicago

Fri, Oct 9

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$440

$386

One-way

Fri, Oct 9

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$445

$386

One-way

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$432

$378

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$425

$413

One-way

Tue, Oct 27

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Frontier Airlines

$225

$163

One-way

Tue, Oct 27

⌛ Last-Minute

CMH - Chicago

Columbus (CMH) - Chicago (MDW)

Frontier Airlines

$235

$163

One-way

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

7 nights

Jan 19 - Jan 26

$333 → $169

49%

7 nights

Jan 12 - Jan 19

$317 → $169

47%

4 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 5

$291 → $167

43%

14 nights

Jan 12 - Jan 26

$290 → $169

42%

Popular Airports to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus - Chicago route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Columbus to Chicago are below the typical level for this route.

📅 Best time to fly

June is historically the cheapest month to fly

Historically, June is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus to Chicago, with a median price of $149.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 1h 41m

The typical direct flight from Columbus to Chicago takes 1 hour and 41 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights are dominant on this route, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Frontier Airlines offers a recent deal

Frontier Airlines recently offered a deal for $118 from November 3 to November 16.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly on this route

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

Columbus main airports to depart from

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$123

Chicago main airports to arrive at

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

O'Hare International Airport is a major hub, offering extensive connections for your trip to Chicago.

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

💸 Flights from ~$120

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

General Mitchell International (MKE)

Cheapest

General Mitchell International offers significant carrier presence and direct flight options for Chicago travelers.

📍 ~135 km from Chicago (reachable by rail or car)

💸 Flights from ~$188

Chicago, United States

45% AI deal score

$3,570

$3,565

Save $5

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

Cheap Flights from Columbus to Chicago

Today’s best flight deals from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus to Chicago: Overview

Insights for flights from Columbus to Chicago

How much is a round trip from Columbus to Chicago

The cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Direct flights from Columbus to Chicago

Last-minute flights going from Columbus to Chicago

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

Popular Airports to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus - Chicago route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

June is historically the cheapest month to fly

Direct flights average 1h 41m

Connecting flights are dominant

Frontier Airlines offers a recent deal

Deals appear regularly on this route

Columbus main airports to depart from

Chicago main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chicago

Best Elite deals to Chicago

Oct 15

Jan 11

Oct 15

Oct 16

Oct 28

Nov 17

Nov 17

Dec 04

Dec 17

Dec 17

Nov 27

Oct 17

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

When is the best time to book flights from Columbus to Chicago?

How do I know if a Columbus to Chicago flight is a good deal?

When is the cheapest time of year to fly from Columbus to Chicago?

Can I fly direct from Columbus to Chicago?

What's the flight time from Columbus to Chicago?

Should I set a price alert for Columbus to Chicago flights?

Related routes

More routes from Columbus

Flights to Chicago from other cities

Columbus to Chicago: Overview

Insights for flights from Columbus to Chicago

How much is a round trip from Columbus to Chicago

The cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Direct flights from Columbus to Chicago

Last-minute flights going from Columbus to Chicago

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

Popular Airports to fly from Columbus to Chicago

Columbus - Chicago route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

June is historically the cheapest month to fly

Direct flights average 1h 41m

Connecting flights are dominant

Frontier Airlines offers a recent deal

Deals appear regularly on this route

Columbus main airports to depart from

Chicago main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chicago

Best Elite deals to Chicago

Oct 15

Jan 11

Oct 15

Oct 16

Oct 28

Nov 17

Nov 17

Dec 04

Dec 17

Dec 17

Nov 27

Oct 17

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

When is the best time to book flights from Columbus to Chicago?

How do I know if a Columbus to Chicago flight is a good deal?

When is the cheapest time of year to fly from Columbus to Chicago?