Traveling from Orlando to Columbus: what you need to know
All great adventures start at one of Orlando's main airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Check out your options for booking a flight from Orlando to Columbus departing 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 Orlando to Columbus take 2 hours 14 minutes. Columbus and Orlando are in the same timezone (UTC-4), meaning you won't need to change your watch after you arrive.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 26 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Orlando to Columbus is with Spirit Airlines at 21:14. Opt for the first MCO to CMH departure with Spirit Airlines at 05:45 to maximize your time in Columbus.
To ensure you get on your flight from Orlando to Columbus, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're taking off during a major holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
For a flight within United States, you won't need a visa or even a passport. However, you'll have to show some form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. Once you've found cheap flights from Orlando to Columbus, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Orlando to Columbus, you can catch one from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Fly from MCO to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) without any stops.
Book your direct flight from Orlando to Columbus with Spirit Airlines. This popular carrier offers services from MCO.
We make it a cinch to find a flight from Orlando to Columbus that includes a stopover. To see all the options departing from Orlando International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
To reach MCO from central Orlando, it takes about 22 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic though. It's approximately 32 kilometers from the airport to the city center.
Want a stress-free start to your vacation? Stay near Orlando International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Orlando to Columbus or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Arriving in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is around 13 kilometers from central Columbus. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 10 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour and 5 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Orlando to Columbus. Book one of these accommodation options near CMH instead:
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
After your flight from Orlando to Columbus has arrived, you can get to the city center in about 24 minutes by car. Central Columbus is approximately 26 kilometers from Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK).
You can also opt for public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Orlando to Columbus
At the moment, $35 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Orlando to Columbus. The cheapest price for a return flight is $77. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 9 months before flying. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Orlando to Columbus.
The cheapest month for tickets from Orlando to Columbus is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the lowest fare.
Finding a cheap ticket from Orlando to Columbus is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Use filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Orlando to Columbus, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Columbus
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Orlando to Columbus. July is the busiest month to travel to Columbus. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in April.
Schedule your flight from Orlando to Columbus for July if you'd like to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Columbus to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Orlando to Columbus in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -11ºC and 6ºC on average.
More about Columbus
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Columbus right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Orlando to Columbus:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village are must-visits when exploring Columbus.
Complete your Columbus trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Orlando 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 companies and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
