Columbus, OH CMH to San Francisco, CA SFO Flights

Sat, Aug 01
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Journey information

Overview: Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA flight

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Flights from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA depart on average 56 times per day, taking around 8h 55m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $206 (€168) but you can travel from only $180 (€146) by bus.

There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:21, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 2108 miles (3394 km) distance in 7h 25m. May 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
Bus from $180 (€146)
Distance
2108 miles (3394 km)
Average flight duration
8h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
$206 (€168)
Flights per day
56
Direct flights
1
Fastest flight
7h 25m
First flight
12:21 AM
Last flight
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Best time to book
28 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
Bus from $180 (€146)

The cheapest and fastest flights from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Aug 01

Cheapest price

$208

Average price

$327

Fastest journey

8 h 38 m

Average duration

9 h 35 m

Flights per day

2

Distance

3394 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA will cost around $327 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $208.

Fast flights

Of the 2 flights that leave Columbus, OH for San Francisco, CA onSat, Aug 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Aug 01 the direct flights cover the 3394 km distance in an average of 9 h 35 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 8 h 38 m .

On Sat, Aug 01 the longest flights will take 10 h 31 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.

  • American Airlines
    4:36 PM8h38
    Columbus, OH
    1:14 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $2081One-way
    0 transfers
  • American Airlines
    7:45 PM10h31
    Columbus, OH
    6:16 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $4461One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $206. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $206, and a bus costs an average of $180.

Distance: 2108 miles (3394 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$379

Average price

Cheapest

$392

Average price

$491

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

11h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 55m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

57h 20m

Average total duration

56h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

35h 40m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is a flight with an average price of $379 (€309).

This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA:

A flight is $12 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA costing on average $392 (€319).

The fastest way to travel from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 8h 55m.

Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 56h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA by bus or flight

Compare bus and flight 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.

Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
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Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07

Complete guide to San Francisco, CA

Things to do in San Francisco, CA

Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

California Academy of Sciences

Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.

  • Must visit

de Young Museum

Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.

  • Must visit

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.

US Dollar ($)

Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.

Average meal costs

Budget
$12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$90+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.

FAQs: Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA Flight

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $206 (€168) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is $379 (€309) ; 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 Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is 7h 25m to travel the 2108 miles (3394 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 Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA leaves at 12:21 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:58 PM.
Flights from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA generally leave from John Glenn International Airport and arrive in San Francisco International Airport.John Glenn International Airport is 1 miles (2 km) away from Columbus, OH city centre and San Francisco International Airport is 0 miles (1 km) from San Francisco, CA city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and flight.
Since neither Columbus, OH nor San Francisco, CA 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 3 h between Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA all year round.
The best events to attend in San Francisco, CA include:
  • Fleet Week, a maritime celebration featuring the Blue Angels and naval ship tours
  • Outside Lands, a major music festival showcasing top artists and local food
  • Chinese New Year Parade, the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia with colorful floats and performances
  • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, a free music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring a diverse lineup of bluegrass and folk artists.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
  • Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
  • Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
  • Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
  • Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
  • Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best holidays to experience in San Francisco, CA include:
  • Thanksgiving, mild weather and a festive atmosphere with family gatherings
  • Christmas, beautiful decorations and holiday spirit throughout the city
  • Memorial Day, the start of summer with outdoor activities and parades
  • Labor Day, a long weekend perfect for enjoying the city's parks and beaches.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
  • Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
  • Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
  • Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
  • Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
  • Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
The best season to visit San Francisco, CA is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore San Francisco, CA is during April-June or September-November.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
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.

popular airports

Popular airports from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA

Most Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA flights use the John Glenn International Airport to San Francisco International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.

Departure airports in Columbus
Arrival airports in San Francisco

Which Columbus, OH airport do flights to San Francisco, CA leave from?

Flights from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA depart from John Glenn International Airport. The airport is 1 miles (2 km) from Columbus, OH city centre at 4600 Intertiol Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219, USA.
John Glenn International Airport (CMH)4600 Intertiol Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219, USAWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to John Glenn International Airport from Columbus city centre

John Glenn International Airport is 2 km from Columbus city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus374 A, 379 A · 15m · $20
Route A, Route D · 25m · $10
7 · 47m · $2 · every ~3 min
7 · 51m · $2 · every ~3 min

John Glenn International Airport airport facilities and services

John Glenn International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Various locations, including American, Italian, and fast food

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at John Glenn International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at John Glenn International Airport: Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at John Glenn International Airport: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn..

More options for your journey from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular flights to and from San Francisco, CA and Columbus, OH

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