Travelling from Columbus to Chicago: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the departure points for your flight from Columbus to Chicago. Explore the options for leaving from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), two of the city's main airports.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points to Chicago.
Take a direct Columbus to Chicago flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago one hour behind Columbus.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 91 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Columbus to Chicago is with United Airlines at 19:57. Opt for the first CMH to ORD departure operated by United Airlines at 06:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Chicago.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Columbus to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Getting on a plane during a peak month like July? High seasons (like spring break, Christmas and Thanksgiving) can easily add an hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to Chicago
£69 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Columbus to Chicago. Return flights start at £140. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
Book four months before your departure date. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Columbus to Chicago flights.
July is the best month for picking up an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Columbus to Chicago. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
You don't need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Columbus to Chicago flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Take off from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and fly right through to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). If you're looking for a direct flight from Columbus to Chicago out of CMH, those are your arrival options.
You'll find a variety of airlines offering direct Columbus to Chicago plane tickets with departures from CMH, including:
Located around 6 miles from central Columbus, CMH can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Columbus to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to the on-time performance of John Glenn Columbus International Airport, data shows 79.5% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
CMH is located at 4600 International Gateway.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 16 miles. It'll take you around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Columbus to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Grab an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular outlets you can book with here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance of your trip.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is around 9 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Columbus to Chicago has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 45 minutes.
After your flight from Columbus to Chicago, rest your head at a hotel near MDW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Columbus to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is around 80 miles from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you use public transport, the journey takes around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Be in the driver's seat of the next part of your journey by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are reliable rental providers.
If you're looking for a certain make or model, booking early increases your chances of finding what you want. Book your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Columbus to Chicago.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from Columbus to Chicago. August is the most popular month for a trip to Chicago. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in January.
Book a Columbus to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Columbus to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Columbus to Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are highlights which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Chicago, now it's time to explore more of United States. Travel around 280 miles south-east to Columbus to tick off its must-visit sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in United States, head for Indianapolis, about 160 miles south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are among the biggest draws.
