Flying from Philadelphia to Columbus: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Philadelphia to Columbus. Explore your options for leaving from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or Philadelphia Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), two of the city's main airports.
The major arrival points in Columbus are Port Columbus Airport (CMH) and Columbus Rickenbacker Airport (LCK).
Around 1 hour 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Philadelphia to Columbus flight.
Philadelphia and Columbus are in the same timezone, UTC-5.
The most popular route for flights from Philadelphia to Columbus is from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Port Columbus Airport (CMH). You can choose from 34 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from PHL to CMH is the 08:14 American Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final scheduled service is at 21:30 with American Airlines.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Philadelphia to Columbus flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Philadelphia to Columbus
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Philadelphia to Columbus flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Philadelphia to Columbus.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Philadelphia to Columbus.
Save on your Philadelphia to Columbus flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Jet off from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on a nonstop flight from Philadelphia to Columbus. From PHL, you can travel directly to Port Columbus Airport (CMH).
Keep an eye out for promotions with American Airlines. This airline offers direct Philadelphia to Columbus plane tickets from PHL.
The journey from central Philadelphia to PHL takes about 30 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 11 kms (7 miles) in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from Philadelphia to Columbus? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Philadelphia International Airport:
Of all flights leaving Philadelphia International Airport, 77% land on schedule at their destination.
The address for PHL is 8500 Essington Ave.
Arriving in Columbus
Port Columbus Airport (CMH)
The distance from Port Columbus Airport (CMH) to central Columbus is roughly 10 kms (6 miles). It'll take you about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 40 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to CMH if you have a late flight from Philadelphia to Columbus. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Travel at your own speed with a Port Columbus Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Alamo, Budget or Avis and see more of Columbus and beyond.
To lock in the best rate, book your ride from Port Columbus Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead. Prices usually increase closer to your date of travel.
The address for CMH is 4600 International Gateway.
Columbus Rickenbacker Airport (LCK)
Columbus Rickenbacker Airport (LCK) is around 16 kms (10 miles) from central Columbus. Once you've disembarked your flight from Philadelphia to Columbus, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Baymont by Wyndham Columbus/Rickenbacker is a comfortable accommodation option within a short drive of LCK. Make yourself at home here after your flight from Philadelphia to Columbus and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign for some uninterrupted rest.
Best time to go to Columbus
July is the busiest month for flights from Philadelphia to Columbus. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Columbus in March.
The warmest month in Columbus is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 31ºC. Lock in your Philadelphia to Columbus ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from Philadelphia 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
Start your Columbus trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Philadelphia to Columbus, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre are top sights which should feature on any good Columbus itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Columbus has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be discovered. Around 451 kms (280 miles) northwest of Columbus, a trip to Chicago will keep your itinerary busy. Don't miss top attractions like Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower.
If you want to check out another corner of the United States, consider Indianapolis, roughly 274 kms (170 miles) west of Columbus. Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis are among its highlights.