Chicago

$70+ Cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago (CHI)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 4/17. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CMH — CHI
Apr 19 — Apr 261
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Columbus to Chicago are usually found in August or September, booked 89 days in advance, depart on a Thursday or Friday and return on a Saturday

Cheap flight deals from Columbus to Chicago

Cheapest flights from Columbus to Chicago
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Columbus to Chicago. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on March 20, 2026.

This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/157:10 pm
CMH
-
MDW
Nonstop1h 15m
Southwest
Fri 4/176:45 pm
MDW
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 15m
Southwest
Deal found 3/16$167
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/18. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/1510:39 am
CMH
-
ORD
Nonstop1h 31m
United Airlines
Sat 4/1810:47 am
ORD
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 25m
United Airlines
Deal found 3/18$167
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/18. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/16:35 pm
CMH
-
ORD
2 stops16h 01m
Multiple Airlines
Mon 5/44:28 pm
ORD
-
CMH
1 stop23h 42m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$168
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/157:10 pm
CMH
-
MDW
Nonstop1h 15m
Southwest
Wed 4/228:15 am
MDW
-
CMH
2 stops9h 05m
Southwest
Deal found 3/17$172
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 4/98:00 pm
CMH
-
MDW
Nonstop1h 15m
Southwest
Mon 4/136:45 pm
MDW
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 15m
Southwest
Deal found 3/16$177
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 4/107:00 am
CMH
-
ORD
Nonstop1h 37m
United Airlines
Mon 4/1310:47 am
ORD
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 25m
United Airlines
Deal found 3/17$177
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/292:52 pm
CMH
-
ORD
Nonstop1h 37m
American Airlines
Fri 5/13:13 pm
ORD
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 32m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/16$178
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 4/176:35 pm
CMH
-
MDW
1 stop4h 51m
Frontier
Sun 4/196:00 am
MDW
-
CMH
1 stop7h 52m
Frontier
Deal found 3/15$180
This Expedia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Expedia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/16:35 pm
CMH
-
ORD
1 stop5h 04m
Frontier
Thu 5/75:30 pm
ORD
-
CMH
1 stop25h 23m
Frontier
Deal found 3/16$180
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 5/136:25 am
CMH
-
ORD
1 stop3h 20m
Delta
Wed 5/132:00 pm
ORD
-
CMH
2 stops9h 25m
Delta
Deal found 3/17$182
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 5/132:52 pm
CMH
-
ORD
Nonstop1h 37m
American Airlines
Wed 5/138:49 pm
ORD
-
CMH
Nonstop1h 33m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/17$185
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/156:25 am
CMH
-
MDW
1 stop3h 22m
Delta
Fri 4/176:38 pm
MDW
-
CMH
1 stop4h 27m
Delta
Deal found 3/17$187

Find flight deals from Columbus to Chicago

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Columbus (C01) to Chicago (CHI). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated March 20, 2026.

Round-trip from

$167
(Southwest)

One-way from

$70
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$365
From Columbus to Chicago (CHI)
One-way flight from Columbus to Chicago (CHI)
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 10% potential increase in price ($33 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($8 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Average for round-trip flights in March 2026

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Columbus to Chicago that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated March 20, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Columbus to Chicago that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip
Quickest round-trip

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Sat 5/2

4:30 pm-4:45 pm

Nonstop1h 15m

Chicago Midway

Thu 5/7

7:50 am-10:00 am

Nonstop1h 10m

$177

ColumbusChicago

CMH - ORD

CMHORD

Columbus

Tue 4/7

6:15 am-9:10 am

1 stop3h 55m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 4/8

5:40 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop5h 19m

$177

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Sat 5/9

4:30 pm-4:45 pm

Nonstop1h 15m

Chicago Midway

Tue 5/12

6:05 am-1:20 pm

1 stop6h 15m

$177

ColumbusChicago

CMH - ORD

CMHORD

Columbus

Tue 5/12

12:55 pm-6:41 pm

1 stop6h 46m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 5/13

8:10 am-1:49 pm

1 stop4h 39m

$177

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Tue 4/7

6:45 am-12:29 pm

2 stops6h 44m

Chicago Midway

Wed 4/8

6:34 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop4h 25m

$182

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Fri 4/10

3:30 pm-3:50 pm

Nonstop1h 20m

Chicago Midway

Sat 4/11

6:10 am-11:55 am

1 stop4h 45m

$187

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Thu 4/16

8:30 pm-11:30 pm

1 stop4h 00m

Chicago Midway

Thu 4/23

12:45 pm-2:55 pm

Nonstop1h 10m

$187

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Fri 5/1

3:30 pm-3:50 pm

Nonstop1h 20m

Chicago Midway

Fri 5/1

5:40 pm-10:45 pm

1 stop4h 05m

$187

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Thu 4/9

3:30 pm-3:50 pm

Nonstop1h 20m

Chicago Midway

Mon 4/13

2:10 pm-11:15 pm

2 stops8h 05m

$192

ColumbusChicago

CMH - MDW

CMHMDW

Columbus

Fri 5/1

8:05 am-12:43 pm

1 stop5h 38m

Chicago Midway

Mon 5/4

6:38 pm-12:05 am

1 stop4h 27m

$197

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 3/19

Showing 1-10 of 46 resultsSorted by cheapest first
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2
3
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5

Best time to book a flight from Columbus to Chicago

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Chicago from Columbus with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Columbus to Chicago

How far ahead should I book a flight from Columbus to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Columbus to Chicago. Price data was last updated on March 13, 2026.

The best time to book flights from Columbus to Chicago is 88 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Columbus to Chicago?

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Columbus to Chicago (average of $106). Flying from Columbus to Chicago in May is currently the most expensive (average of $179). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from CMH to CHI?

Find hourly flight availability from Columbus to Chicago. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated March 20, 2026.

It’s optimal to fly from Columbus to Chicago in the morning. By choosing this option you can save up to 29% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Columbus to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Columbus to Chicago. Price data was last updated on March 14, 2026.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Columbus to Chicago flight should consider departing on Tuesday evenings when fares are most often at their lowest. Monday at noon flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Weekly flight availability from Columbus to Chicago

Explore weekly flight availability from Columbus to Chicago. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated March 20, 2026.

The most flights from C01 to CHI are scheduled on a Wednesday (69 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (30 on average).

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from Columbus to Chicago?

Reviews of airlines servicing Chicago

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Chicago. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Chicago. Reviews last updated March 20, 2026.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Southwest,United Airlines, andAmerican Airlines from Columbus to Chicago by reading reviews from past customers. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Dominic,Mar 2026

MCO - SMF

I had to try and sleep on the floor of the Austin airport. I spent 12 hours there. The airline policies were so poor, that a near violent argument broke out between the people in front of me and the flight attendants - making for a super stressful situation at 30,000 feet. Garbage airline choice by Kayak Garbage idea to book a flight with a layover. Next time I will pay for a quality booking myself, and somehow force the company to reimburse it.

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Dominic,Mar 2026

MCO - SMF

I had to try and sleep on the floor of the Austin airport. I spent 12 hours there. The airline policies were so poor, that a near violent argument broke out between the people in front of me and the flight attendants - making for a super stressful situation at 30,000 feet. Garbage airline choice by Kayak Garbage idea to book a flight with a layover. Next time I will pay for a quality booking myself, and somehow force the company to reimburse it.

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Dominic,Mar 2026

MCO - SMF

I had to try and sleep on the floor of the Austin airport. I spent 12 hours there. The airline policies were so poor, that a near violent argument broke out between the people in front of me and the flight attendants - making for a super stressful situation at 30,000 feet. Garbage airline choice by Kayak Garbage idea to book a flight with a layover. Next time I will pay for a quality booking myself, and somehow force the company to reimburse it.

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Dominic,Mar 2026

MCO - SMF

I had to try and sleep on the floor of the Austin airport. I spent 12 hours there. The airline policies were so poor, that a near violent argument broke out between the people in front of me and the flight attendants - making for a super stressful situation at 30,000 feet. Garbage airline choice by Kayak Garbage idea to book a flight with a layover. Next time I will pay for a quality booking myself, and somehow force the company to reimburse it.

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Dominic,Mar 2026

MCO - SMF

I had to try and sleep on the floor of the Austin airport. I spent 12 hours there. The airline policies were so poor, that a near violent argument broke out between the people in front of me and the flight attendants - making for a super stressful situation at 30,000 feet. Garbage airline choice by Kayak Garbage idea to book a flight with a layover. Next time I will pay for a quality booking myself, and somehow force the company to reimburse it.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Columbus to Chicago. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • How long is the flight from Columbus to Chicago?

    Southwest and Delta can get you from Columbus to Chicago in just under 1h 15m. Your travel time can differ by up to 2h 40m. The distance between Columbus and Chicago is about 282 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Columbus to Chicago round-trip?

    According to our current data, United Airlines ($135), Southwest ($137), and Frontier ($143) offers the cheapest pricing from Columbus to Chicago. United Airlines is priced at 53% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Columbus to Chicago one-way?

    The cheapest airlines for a one-way flight from Columbus to Chicago are American Airlines ($68), Frontier ($78), and United Airlines ($98).

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Columbus to Chicago?

    Looking for the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time? Our data shows these are most likely to get you from Columbus to Chicago on time: British Airways (80%), Envoy Air (75%), Royal Jordanian (75%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Columbus to Chicago?

    Looking for the cheapest flight from Columbus to Chicago? While on average our users pay $840, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $101. The most popular route (Columbus - Chicago O'Hare Intl), is priced around $157.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Columbus to Chicago that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Columbus to Chicago flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Columbus to Chicago?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Columbus to Chicago.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Columbus to Chicago?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Columbus to Chicago by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Columbus to Chicago?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Columbus to Chicago (average of $106). Flying from Columbus to Chicago in May is currently the most expensive (average of $179). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Book flights to Chicago if you plan to visit one of these locations
Lansing
Merrillville
Hammond
Porter
Benton Harbor

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Top 4 airlines flying from Columbus to Chicago

Discover the top 4 airlines that operate flights from Columbus to Chicago. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated March 20, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
United AirlinesCheapest$135Average$303FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$137Average$328FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
FrontierCheapest$143Average$208FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
American AirlinesCheapest$155Average$294FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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