- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
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Journey information
Overview: Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL flight
USAUSA
Flights from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL depart on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $240 (€197) but you can travel from only $124 (€102) by train.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:15. The fastest flight covers the 650 miles (1047 km) distance in 2h 29m. March is the cheapest month to fly.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $124 (€102)
Distance 650 miles (1047 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $240 (€197) |
Flights per day 19 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 2h 29m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $124 (€102)
The cheapest and fastest flights from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$414
Average price
$414
Fastest journey
2 h 30 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Flights per day
1
Distance
1047 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL will cost around $414 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $414.
Fast flights
Of the 1 flights that leave Columbia, SC for Chicago, IL onSun, Jul 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct flights cover the 1047 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the longest flights will take 2 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:35 PM2h30Columbia, SC12:05 AMChicago, IL$4141One-way0 transfers
- 9:35 PM2h30Columbia, SC12:05 AMChicago, IL$4141One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $206. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $206, and a flight costs an average of $240.
Distance: 650 miles (1047 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$349 Average price | $206 Average price Cheapest | $282 Average price | $154 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 50m Average total duration 20h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 2m Average total duration 29h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $206 (€169).
This is compared to other travel options from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $77 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL costing on average $282 (€232).
A bus is $143 (€118) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL costing on average $349 (€287).
The fastest way to travel from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 12m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 20m.
Train takes on average 29h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Columbia, SC and Chicago, IL including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Live departures
Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL flight times
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL flights for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 PM Columbia, SC | 2h30 | 12:05 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Complete guide to Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
- Must visit
Museum Of Science And Industry
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
- Must visit
The Magnificent Mile
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Alinea
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
Ricobene's
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
United States Dollar
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
FAQs: Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $240 (€197) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is $349 (€287) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is 2h 29m to travel the 650 miles (1047 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL leaves at 10:15 PM.
The cheapest month for a flight from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Columbia, SC and Chicago, IL including taking a train, flight, and bus.
Since neither Columbia, SC nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is a time difference of 1 h between Columbia, SC and Chicago, IL all year round.
The best events to attend in Chicago, IL include:
- Chicago Air and Water Show, an exhilarating display of military and civilian aircraft performing daring maneuvers over Lake Michigan
- Lollapalooza, a massive music festival featuring top artists across multiple genres in Grant Park
- Chicago Gourmet, a premier culinary event celebrating the city's vibrant food scene with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine pairings.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best holidays to experience in Chicago, IL include:
- Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer with vibrant outdoor activities and events
- Independence Day, spectacular fireworks and festive celebrations throughout the city
- Labor Day, a lively atmosphere with various festivals and pleasant weather.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
The best season to visit Chicago, IL is Spring or Summer. The best weather to explore Chicago, IL is during May-September.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL
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