Flying from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO): What you need to know
Begin planning your trip by looking up the best place to catch your flight from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Explore your options for taking off from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), two of the city's main airports.
Take a direct Columbus to Orlando International Airport flight and you'll be traveling for around 2 hours 15 minutes.
Orlando International Airport is located in Orlando. The city's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Columbus.
The most popular route is from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), with 22 direct weekly services. If you're ready to head out sooner, the earliest flight from CMH to MCO is the 5am Southwest Airlines option. If you're looking to take off later, the last departure is at 9:55pm with Southwest Airlines.
Your flight from Columbus to MCO won't wait if you're late, so don't forget to check in on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're traveling internationally.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or other peak period, give yourself more time. Arrive two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Airports in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Fly without interruptions from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Direct flights from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO) are available from here.
Top airlines that operate direct flights from Columbus to Orlando International Airport departing CMH include:
The preferred airline for passengers flying between CMH and MCO is Southwest Airlines.
Spirit Airlines is the top performer for punctuality on this route.
CMH is around 8 miles from central Columbus. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Columbus to Orlando International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a few extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near John Glenn Columbus International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 79.5% of flights complete their journey on time.
CMH is located at 4600 International Gateway.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
You can arrive at LCK from central Columbus in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to cover the 16 miles or so.
Kick back before your Columbus to MCO flight at a hotel close to Rickenbacker International Airport. Best Western Canal Winchester Inn - Columbus South East is one option where you can wake up and get to the airport with time to spare.
Rickenbacker International Airport has an on-time performance of 66.14%. This figure shows how often flights that take off from this airport arrive at their destination on time.
About Orlando International Airport (MCO)
If you have a late flight from Columbus to Orlando International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near MCO:
Grab an Orlando International Airport rental car and discover Orlando and beyond with your own wheels. Sonic, Dollar and Budget are top providers to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride around two weeks in advance of your Columbus to Orlando International Airport flight.
MCO is located at One Airport Boulevard.
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
At the moment, $44 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Columbus to Orlando International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is $83. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from Columbus to MCO, book ahead. Airlines usually offer lower prices when tickets are first released.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when searching for your Columbus to Orlando International Airport ticket.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Columbus to MCO by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Find a cheap flight from Columbus to Orlando International Airport by using filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
May is the quietest month for flights from Columbus to Orlando International Airport (MCO), while July is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Orlando based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Columbus to MCO plane ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Orlando, with temperatures ranging from 73ºF to 93ºF.
January sees temperatures of between 45ºF and 73ºF. Look for cheap tickets from Columbus to Orlando International Airport around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Orlando
Once you've booked your flight from Columbus to Orlando International Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Orlando:
There are plenty of things to do in Orlando when you're ready to see the sights. Kick off your exploring at Hogwarts followed by Universal's Islands of Adventure and Hogwarts Express.
Explore more of the United States
Orlando has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of the United States you should also see. About 130 miles north of Orlando, a trip to Jacksonville will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with popular sights like St. John's Cathedral, San Marco Historic District and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
Tampa is another favorite destination in the United States and is around 75 miles south-west of Orlando. No trip is complete without a visit to Super Bowl, Busch Gardens Tampa and The Florida Aquarium.