Traveling from Tampa to Columbus: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Tampa to Columbus. Explore your options for leaving from Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), two of the city's main airports.
The primary gateways to Columbus are John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK).
Book a direct Tampa to Columbus flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 2 hours 15 minutes.
Tampa and Columbus are both in the UTC-4 timezone. This means there's no time difference to adjust for.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to {"defaultCase":"John Glenn Columbus International Airport","accusativeCase":"John Glenn Columbus International Airport","nominativeCase":"John Glenn Columbus International Airport","dativeCase":"John Glenn Columbus International Airport"} (CMH) is the busiest route. When looking for your flight from Tampa to Columbus, you can choose from ten services a week between TPA and CMH.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Tampa to Columbus flight.
Popular months like July or vacation periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean longer queues at check-in and security. Be on the safe side and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of international departures is a wise idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Columbus
$43 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Tampa to Columbus. A return flight starts at $61. These prices may change depending on availability.
To secure cheap Tampa to Columbus flights, book your trip two months ahead of your planned departure.
Organize your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Tampa to Columbus. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
You don't need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Tampa to Columbus.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Tampa to Columbus flights.
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
You can get a direct flight from Tampa to Columbus leaving from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Start your journey at TPA and land at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
Lock in your Tampa to Columbus plane tickets with Southwest Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from TPA.
Located around 5 miles from the center of Tampa, TPA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Want a handy hotel close to Tampa International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Tampa to Columbus, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
Of the departures from Tampa International Airport, 78.59% land on time at their destination.
The address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is approximately 6 miles from the center of Columbus. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 10 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Tampa to Columbus, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near CMH:
Explore without limits with a John Glenn Columbus International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Alamo, Budget or Avis and chase adventure across Columbus and beyond.
To get the best possible deal, reserve your ride from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Rates generally rise closer to your date of travel.
You'll find CMH at 4600 International Gateway.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Central Columbus is about 10 miles from Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). After your flight from Tampa to Columbus has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 25 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Best time to go to Columbus
April is the quietest month for flights from Tampa to Columbus, while July is the busiest. Figure out the best time to visit Columbus based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Tampa to Columbus tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Columbus, with temperatures ranging from 59ºF to 86ºF.
January has average temperatures of between 12ºF and 43ºF. Search for cheap flights from Tampa to Columbus around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Columbus
Start your Columbus trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Tampa to Columbus, browse our selection of hotels including:
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Ohio Statehouse are just two of the leading attractions to add to your Columbus itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to German Village.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Columbus. Around 280 miles to the north-west, its top attractions include Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Indianapolis is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 170 miles west of Columbus. No journey is complete without dropping by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.