Flying from Houston to Columbus: what you need to know
Start planning your vacation by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Houston to Columbus. Explore your options for setting off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), two of the city's main airports.
When it comes to touching down in Columbus, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is a major gateway. Another is Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK).
The average length of a direct Houston to Columbus flight is 2 hours 35 minutes.
Columbus's timezone is UTC-4, which makes Columbus one hour ahead of Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 18 departures a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Houston to Columbus is with United Airlines at 20:20. Choose the first IAH to CMH departure with United Airlines at 07:20 to fit in more activities on your first day in Columbus.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Houston to Columbus flight.
If you're heading away during a popular month like July, head to the airport even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Check-in and security lines will be longer during high seasons like Christmas, New Year and spring break.
How to find the cheapest flights from Houston to Columbus
$71 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Houston to Columbus. A return flight starts at $147. These prices may change depending on availability and demand.
Lock in cheap Houston to Columbus flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
May is the best month for scoring an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Houston to Columbus. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Houston to Columbus by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Houston to Columbus flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
If you're after a direct flight from Houston to Columbus, you can depart from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Travel from IAH to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in one seamless journey.
Secure your Houston to Columbus plane tickets with United Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from IAH.
Traveling from central Houston to IAH takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 13 miles in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a convenient hotel near George Bush Intercontinental Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Houston to Columbus, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of the departures from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 78.42% land on schedule at their destination.
IAH is located at 16930 JFK Boulevard.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Houston to Columbus leaving from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Begin your travels at HOU and hop off the plane at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
You can book a direct Houston to Columbus plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading carriers that operates this route out of HOU.
With public transport, you can travel from central Houston to HOU in around 1 hour 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 10 miles away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Get a head start on your vacation with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Houston to Columbus, kick back in one of these hotels near William P. Hobby Airport:
Flights from William P. Hobby Airport have a proven record for punctuality, with 81.06% of them arriving on schedule.
HOU is located at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to central Columbus takes about 10 minutes by car. The center is roughly 6 miles away.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to CMH if you're coming in on a late flight from Houston to Columbus. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a John Glenn Columbus International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Alamo, Budget or Avis and explore beyond Columbus's usual tourist stops.
To lock in the lowest rate, book your ride from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead. Prices generally rise closer to your date of travel.
CMH is located at 4600 International Gateway.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
As soon as your flight from Houston to Columbus has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city center in about 25 minutes by car. Central Columbus is approximately 10 miles from Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center will take you 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
Best time to go to Columbus
July is the busiest month for flights from Houston to Columbus. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Columbus in April.
The warmest month in Columbus is July, with temperatures ranging between 59ºF and 86ºF. Lock in your Houston to Columbus ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Houston to Columbus in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 12ºF and 43ºF on average.
More about Columbus
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Columbus right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Houston to Columbus:
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Ohio Statehouse are just two of the major attractions to add to your Columbus travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at German Village.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Columbus, now it's time to discover more of United States. Journey around 280 miles north-west to Chicago to check off its top sights. From Millennium Park to Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 170 miles west of Columbus, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
