Travelling from Washington DC to Columbus: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Columbus taking off from either of these.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) are the chief entry points to Columbus.
On average, direct flights from Washington DC to Columbus take 1 hour 25 minutes. Columbus and Washington DC share the same timezone (UTC-4), so you won't need to change your watch when you land.
The most popular route for flights from Washington DC to Columbus is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Choose from 46 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going first thing, the earliest flight from DCA to CMH is the 08:10 American Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 22:00 with American Airlines.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to catch your flight from Washington DC to Columbus.
Heading off during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
When flying within United States, you won't need a visa or passport. However, you'll have to present some kind of identification, like a driver's licence or ID card. Once you've found cheap flights from Washington DC to Columbus, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Jet off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) on a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Columbus. From DCA, you can land directly at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
American Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct flights from Washington DC to Columbus leaving from DCA.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight from Washington DC to Columbus with a stopover. To see your options departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes around 43 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 16 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a handy hotel near Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Washington DC to Columbus, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Rather fly from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This terminal also offers direct flights from Washington DC to Columbus — you can seamlessly connect to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
United Airlines offers direct flights from Washington DC to Columbus leaving from IAD. Book your preferred window seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Washington DC to Columbus, here's where you can stop when heading out from Ronald Reagan National Airport:
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
IAD is about 56 kilometres from central Washington DC. It takes 51 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Washington DC to Columbus? Kick back in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
Arriving in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to the centre of Columbus is around 10 minutes by car. It's approximately 13 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there using public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to CMH if you're catching a late flight from Washington DC to Columbus. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Central Columbus is located around 26 kilometres from Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Columbus has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 24 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Columbus
C$77 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Columbus. Return flights start from C$160. These fares can change depending on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from Washington DC to Columbus, book in advance. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights are first released.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across the month when searching for a ticket from Washington DC to Columbus.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from checking for cheap flights from Washington DC to Columbus every day.
Take advantage of filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Washington DC to Columbus, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Columbus
July is the most popular month for flights from Washington DC to Columbus. To skip the crowds, go to Columbus in April.
Book your flight from Washington DC to Columbus for July if you'd like to head to the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Columbus to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Washington DC to Columbus in January when temperatures average between -11ºC and 6ºC.
More about Columbus
Once you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Columbus, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Columbus:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village are popular attractions which should be on any good Columbus itinerary.
Complete your Columbus trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Washington DC to Columbus isn't the only trick up our sleeve. Check out our car rentals in Columbus and explore the city on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.