Traveling from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Columbus: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus is 1 hour 20 minutes.
Columbus's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Durham (the location of Raleigh-Durham International Airport).
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the most popular route, with two weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from RDU to CMH is with Breeze Airways at 19:17. Choose the first departure operated by Breeze Airways at 10:01 if you want to fly out earlier.
To avoid rushing for your RDU to Columbus flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're traveling during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Start your trip at RDU and fly nonstop to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus tickets.
Book your ticket with Breeze Airways. This leading carrier operates direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus.
Located around 16 kilometers from the center of Durham, RDU can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Traveling on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to RDU:
80.09% of flights departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport reach their destination on schedule. With its solid on-time performance, you're unlikely to experience delays when setting off from RDU.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Columbus
The best price we've found for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus flight is $44. The cheapest price for a return flight is $114. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from RDU to Columbus by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
May is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from RDU to Columbus is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus.
Airports in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to the center of Columbus takes around 10 minutes by car. The center is roughly 13 kilometers away.
Traveling to the center by public transport typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near CMH:
Grab a John Glenn Columbus International Airport rental car and discover Columbus and beyond with your own wheels. Alamo, Budget and Avis are popular outlets to choose from here.
Give yourself a better shot at securing the lowest price by booking early. Reserving your vehicle from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from RDU to Columbus is a smart move.
The street address for CMH is 4600 International Gateway.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is around 26 kilometers from central Columbus. Once you've disembarked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus, it'll take you around 25 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
You'll find some fantastic places to lay your head within an easy drive of LCK. Shift into relaxation gear at Best Western Canal Winchester Inn - Columbus South East after your RDU to Columbus flight.
Best time to go to Columbus
Travel to Columbus during high season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Columbus is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January has average temperatures of between -11ºC (12ºF) and 6ºC (43ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from RDU to Columbus around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Columbus
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Columbus right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Columbus:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Ohio Statehouse, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and German Village are major attractions which should be on any good Columbus itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Columbus will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United States just waiting to be explored. Around 451 kilometers north-west of Columbus, a visit to Chicago will keep you on the go. Start with leading sights like Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Around 274 kilometers west of Columbus, Indianapolis is another favorite stop in United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.