Overview
Cincinnati sits on the Ohio River in the American Midwest, straddling the border with Kentucky. It is a walkable, affordable city known for its 19th-century architecture in the Over-the-Rhine district, a lively riverfront, strong German heritage and its own distinctive style of chilli. For UK travellers it makes a rewarding city break in its own right, or an easy addition to a wider trip through Ohio, Kentucky and the Great Lakes.
Best time to fly to Cincinnati
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) bring the most comfortable weather, with mild days, lower humidity and, in autumn, excellent leaf colour. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are cold and can bring snow. September is particularly lively thanks to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, one of the largest German festivals outside Munich. Fares are generally highest in summer and around the winter holidays, so check the When to book chart above to see how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights between the UK and Cincinnati, so you will change once en route. Delta and its partner Virgin Atlantic offer some of the smoothest options, connecting through Atlanta, New York-JFK, Boston or Detroit. American Airlines, with British Airways, routes via Philadelphia or Charlotte, and United via Newark, Chicago or Washington Dulles. KLM and Air France provide one-stop services through Amsterdam and Paris, while Aer Lingus connects via Dublin, where you clear US immigration before departure. Allowing for the connection, expect a total journey of roughly 11 to 14 hours from London.
Things to do in Cincinnati
Compact and easy to explore on foot, the city rewards a long weekend with museums, markets and river views.
- Cincinnati Art Museum: a wide-ranging free collection set in leafy Eden Park above the city.
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: a moving riverside museum telling the story of the fight against slavery.
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: one of the oldest zoos in the US, famous for its hippos and beautiful gardens.
- Findlay Market: Ohio's oldest public market, ideal for street food, coffee and people-watching in Over-the-Rhine.
- Roebling Suspension Bridge: a graceful 1860s span across to Kentucky and the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge.
At Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Despite the name, CVG lies in Hebron, Kentucky, about 21km (13 miles) south-west of downtown Cincinnati, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive. Taxis and rideshare vehicles pick up outside the terminal, and all the major car hire firms have desks on site. TANK public buses link the airport with downtown on weekdays for a few dollars, though a taxi is quicker and easier with luggage. There is no rail connection.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cincinnati
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best choice of connecting fares; last-minute prices to the US tend to rise sharply.
- Fly midweek and sidestep UK school holidays and the summer peak, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper.
- Use flexible-date searches, and compare flying into a nearby hub such as Chicago or Detroit followed by a short onward hop.
- Compare Delta, United, American and the KLM/Air France routings side by side, and check the price charts on this page before you commit.
Travel essentials
UK travellers need a valid ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days; apply online at least a few days before travel and carry a passport valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar, card payments are near-universal, and tipping of around 15 to 20% is expected in restaurants. No special vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential, as US healthcare is very expensive.
