Travelling from Columbus to Chicago: what you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of Columbus's main airports, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). Explore your options for booking a flight from Columbus to Chicago jetting off from either of these.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the primary hubs in Chicago.
1 hour 22 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Columbus to Chicago. Following the UTC-5 timezone, Chicago is 1 hour behind Columbus.
With 107 flights a week between the two airports, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Columbus to Chicago with United Airlines at 06:00. If you're keen to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from CMH to ORD is with United Airlines at 19:57.
Leave plenty of time to make your flight from Columbus to Chicago. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
For a flight within United States, you won't need a visa or even a passport. However, you'll have to present another kind of identification, like an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've booked cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Columbus to Chicago, they're available from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Get from CMH to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one seamless journey.
When departing from CMH, you can take a direct flight from Columbus to Chicago with United Airlines.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Columbus to Chicago. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular airports:
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Located around 13 kilometres from central Columbus, CMH can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Columbus to Chicago? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these stays close to John Glenn Columbus International Airport:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 40 kilometres. It takes around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 54 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to ORD if you have a late flight from Columbus to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 19 kilometres from central Chicago. Once you've hopped off your flight from Columbus to Chicago, allow for a drive time of approximately 21 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 46 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable hotels ready to welcome you near MDW. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Columbus to Chicago at one of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to Chicago
Right now, C$89 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Columbus to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$191. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago by booking at least 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
July is the cheapest month for tickets from Columbus to Chicago. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago every day.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Columbus to Chicago. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Columbus to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, visit Chicago in February.
When booking your flight from Columbus to Chicago, consider the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 29ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Columbus to Chicago, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top attractions which should be on any good Chicago itinerary.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Columbus to Chicago to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Chicago, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.