Overview
Columbus is Ohio's capital and largest city: a friendly, fast-growing Midwestern hub built around The Ohio State University, a strong independent food scene and walkable historic neighbourhoods. It rarely appears on a first-time US itinerary, which is part of the appeal, with lower prices and an easy pace. For UK travellers it works as a city break in its own right or as a gateway to a wider Ohio trip taking in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Amish country. If you are hunting for cheap flights to Columbus, a little flexibility on dates and routing goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Columbus
Columbus has warm, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) bring comfortable temperatures, lower humidity and plenty of festivals, making them ideal for sightseeing on foot. Summer is the busiest and priciest period and overlaps with the UK school holidays, while winter is quietest and fares tend to soften either side of the Christmas peak. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices move across the year.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Columbus, so you will connect once. Common options include Aer Lingus via Dublin (with US immigration cleared before you fly), British Airways and American via a US hub such as Chicago, Philadelphia or Charlotte, Delta and KLM via Amsterdam or Atlanta, and United via Newark, Washington or Chicago. Expect roughly 8 to 9 hours in the air to the US plus a connection, for a total journey of about 12 to 15 hours from London depending on the layover.
Things to do in Columbus
Compact and easy to explore, Columbus rewards a few unhurried days.
- German Village: A beautifully preserved 19th-century district of brick streets, cottages and the vast Book Loft bookshop.
- Short North Arts District: High Street's run of galleries, independent shops and restaurants, liveliest on the monthly Gallery Hop.
- COSI: One of the finest science centres in the US, brilliant for families and rainy afternoons.
- Franklin Park Conservatory: Glasshouses, botanical gardens and seasonal exhibitions a short ride from downtown.
- North Market: A historic covered market hall packed with local traders, street food and coffee.
At John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International sits about 6 miles (10 km) north-east of downtown, typically a 15 to 20 minute drive. There is no train link. Taxis and ride-hailing apps wait outside arrivals, most major car hire firms have desks on site, and COTA's AirConnect bus runs to downtown and the Easton shopping district for a couple of pounds. Many hotels also offer a free shuttle, so it is worth asking when you book.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Columbus
- Book ahead for peak dates: For summer and Christmas travel, aim to book several months in advance; for quieter months you can safely leave it later.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones, and shoulder-season dates cost less again.
- Stay flexible on the hub: Comparing connections through Dublin, Amsterdam, Newark and Chicago can reveal a noticeably better fare.
- Use the price charts on this page: They show live fares and the cheapest upcoming dates at a glance.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travel under the US Visa Waiver Programme: apply online for an ESTA well before departure and carry a valid biometric passport. Most stays of up to 90 days are covered. The currency is the US dollar; card payments are near universal and tipping of around 18 to 20 per cent is expected in restaurants. No special vaccinations are required, but US medical care is expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
