CMH - SFO

$106 Find Cheap Flights from Columbus to San Francisco

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Columbus to San Francisco departing on 4/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Francisco

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Columbus to San Francisco.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Columbus to San Francisco.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$301
Overall average: $386
Frontier
Mon 4/6Thu 4/9
CMH - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$329
Typical prices: $349-$547
United Airlines
Fri 4/10Thu 4/16
CMH - SFO • Non-stop
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $301 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
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Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 32m
Direct flights
Direct flights
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Direct flights
Direct flights
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Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $247 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 07m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 6% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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Good to know
Good to know
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Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Columbus to San Francisco (CMH-SFO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Columbus to San Francisco that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Columbus to San Francisco

Mon, Apr 6 - Thu, Apr 9
Frontier Logo
7:14 pm - 8:05 pm
CMH
-
SFO
27h 51m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
9:05 pm - 6:19 pm
SFO
-
CMH
18h 14m
1 stop
$301Frontier
Mon, May 4 - Thu, May 7
Frontier Logo
7:58 pm - 11:42 am
CMH
-
SFO
18h 44m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:40 pm - 5:48 pm
SFO
-
CMH
16h 08m
2 stops
$302Frontier
Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 3
Frontier Logo
6:35 pm - 5:34 pm
CMH
-
SFO
25h 59m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 11:05 am
SFO
-
CMH
26h 05m
2 stops
$311Frontier
Thu, May 7 - Mon, May 11
Frontier Logo
6:05 pm - 7:34 pm
CMH
-
SFO
28h 29m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:40 pm - 5:10 pm
SFO
-
CMH
15h 30m
2 stops
$312Frontier
Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 3
Frontier Logo
6:35 pm - 5:34 pm
CMH
-
SFO
25h 59m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 11:05 am
SFO
-
CMH
26h 05m
2 stops
$313Frontier
Mon, Apr 6 - Mon, Apr 13
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:14 pm - 8:05 pm
CMH
-
SFO
27h 51m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:10 pm - 9:41 am
SFO
-
CMH
15h 31m
2 stops
$314Multiple Airlines
Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 3
Frontier Logo
6:35 pm - 11:25 pm
CMH
-
SFO
31h 50m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 11:05 am
SFO
-
CMH
26h 05m
2 stops
$315Frontier
Fri, Apr 17 - Sun, Apr 19
Frontier Logo
8:18 pm - 12:27 am
CMH
-
SFO
7h 09m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:38 pm - 11:15 am
SFO
-
CMH
9h 37m
1 stop
$316Frontier
Sun, Apr 26 - Thu, Apr 30
Frontier Logo
8:19 pm - 9:13 am
CMH
-
SFO
15h 54m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 7:13 pm
SFO
-
CMH
10h 13m
1 stop
$317Frontier
Fri, Apr 24 - Sun, May 3
Frontier Logo
7:53 pm - 9:39 pm
CMH
-
SFO
28h 46m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
10:38 pm - 11:05 am
SFO
-
CMH
9h 27m
1 stop
$318Frontier
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Columbus to San Francisco flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Columbus to San Francisco to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Columbus to San Francisco?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Francisco clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Francisco on a Saturday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Columbus, you should consider flying back on a Saturday, and avoid Thursdays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus Airport to San Francisco?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Columbus Airport to San Francisco is May, where tickets cost $378 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and January, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $458 and $428 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Columbus Airport to San Francisco?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Columbus Airport to San Francisco, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 35% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$106
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 5% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 4% lower on average.
Flight from Columbus to San Francisco

When to book flights from Columbus to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Columbus to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Columbus to San Francisco flights

  • Which kind of flights are available from Columbus to San Francisco?

    Flights from CMH to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) travel direct and connecting routes. United Airlines provide non-stop flights from CMH to SFO. Frontier Airlines provide one-stop journeys on the way with layovers at Denver, while United Airlines have one-stop flights from CMH and SFO with a layover at Washington, Chicago, and Newark. American Airlines also provide one-stop flights with layovers in Dallas.

  • How many terminals does SFO have?

    SFO has four terminals. They include Terminals 1, 2, 3, and International Terminals. Walkways connect the terminals on the landside area. You can also take the Air Train, which provides regular rides between the terminals. In addition, the AirTrain Red Line connects all terminals, airport garages, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)station. The AirTrain Blue line provides rides between terminals, garages, and Car Rental Center. They operate every 4min.

  • Does SFO have a hotel?

    Yes. Some off-site airports provide shuttle rides from the airport to their locations. SFO provides nap rooms at the FreshenUp area inside the International Terminal. If you have late-night arrivals, spend time inside the rooms after a long-haul flight. You can also take the Air Train to Grand Hyatt at SFO.

  • Are there car rentals in SFO?

    Yes. SFO offers car rental agencies at the airport's Car Rental Center. Rental agencies include Fox, Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dolla, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty. You can get to the facility via the Air Train Blue Line to the 1st and 4th floors.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Columbus Airport to San Francisco?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Columbus Airport to San Francisco was $106 for a one-way ticket and $301 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Columbus and San Francisco?

    A passport is not required to fly from Columbus to San Francisco.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Columbus to San Francisco?

    Columbus airport is called Columbus and the only airport in San Francisco is San Francisco.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Columbus to San Francisco?

    JetBlue, Delta, and Alaska Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Columbus to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Columbus to San Francisco?

    The Airbus A319 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Columbus to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Columbus to San Francisco?

    oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Columbus and San Francisco, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Columbus to San Francisco?

    There are nonstop flights from Columbus to San Francisco on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Columbus to San Francisco, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Columbus to San Francisco are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $433 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $349 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Columbus to San Francisco?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Columbus to San Francisco.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Columbus to San Francisco?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Francisco from Columbus is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Columbus to San Francisco?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to San Francisco with an airline and back to Columbus with another airline. Booking your flights between Columbus and SFO can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Columbus to San Francisco?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Francisco from Columbus up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Columbus Airport to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $168 or less one-way and $391 or less round-trip.
  • Columbus houses the Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). When taking flights from Columbus to San Francisco, your flight departs from John Glenn International Airport (CMH). CMH is a bigger airport than LCK and offers the most passenger flights. It also provides more amenities than LCK. In addition, travelers get more transfer options to and from the airport.
  • When arriving at CMH, consider reaching at least 1h 30min for domestic and 2h for international flights. This way, you get enough time to go through screenings even when you find a long security line. You can also select your seat if you arrive early at the airport.
  • CMH features a modern terminal with three dozen restaurants and shops. It also provides a business center, a children's play area, currency exchange services, information desks, a meditation room, and mobile charging ports. It also provides postal services, mail services, and smoking areas.
  • If you are traveling with a baby, CMH offers baby care rooms for changing and nursing your baby. They feature baby changing tables, sinks, diaper bins, and enough room for nursing mothers and their infants. You can find it at the baggage claim area near Carousel 1, Concourse A near Gate A2, and Concourse B near Gate B29.
  • While waiting for your flight, you can view several artworks from local artists on display throughout the airport. You can also pass the time at the Games Room, which offers a coin-operated arcade. You can find the games room at Concourse C across gate B33 which operates 24h.

Prefer to fly direct from Columbus to San Francisco?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Columbus to San Francisco.
Find which airlines fly direct from Columbus Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Columbus to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Columbus

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Columbus to San Francisco

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Columbus to San Francisco. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Columbus to San Francisco? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4320 reviews
7.0Food
7.5Entertainment
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

8.0 ExcellentTobin, Mar 2026
SJC - BUR
Read more Southwest reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

Absolutely no communication on why there's a delay and multiple flight time reschedules. I would have canceled the flight and drove back home if I known it was going to be rescheduled 3 or 4 times.

Left a few minutes early. Got in 15 minutes early. Very attentive service on board. Very organized boarding.

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

Delta continues to set the benchmark for traveler-friendly service with minimal disruption and clear communication within the mainland US (coast to coast). I am consistently pleased to be a Delta customer, and this experience once again met my expectations. There was a brief delay departing from MIA due to a technical issue that required the aircraft to return to the gate. However, the situation was handled professionally and transparently. Fortunately, my planned layover allowed ample buffer time, so the adjustment caused no stress. Overall, another smooth and reassuring experience.

Awful - both legs. The check in was awful, getting on the plane required walking down a spiral staircase (dangerous), then taking a bus about 5 miles out from the terminal. The seat was broken (I was in business), there was no internet during the flight (both legs). The aircraft was very old. I saw rust in some place, tape holding things up in the bathroom. This was an unacceptable experience for such a long haul flight.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Was forced to check in my small carry on, even though I informed the crew it has very fragile items inside

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

was sitting in the jet bridge for 10 minutes in -20 degree weather waiting for my bag

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

Teeny tiny bathrooms, crew was not realistic about when we'd arrive.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

The internet service I paid for didn’t work at all and the flight crew was not very friendly.

Smooth flight. From the early boarding and all were on board before departure time and arrived early in ONT. Great crew. Thank you!!!!

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

This is my second time flying with Frontier. My current experience was very favorable. The staff from the gate to the plane was friendly, warm and professional. The food options lacked in my opinion. This area needs some attention in my opinion.

One of the worst travel experiences I've had. Had a flight scheduled with CVG to RSW on VLSWQX this morning departing at 5:30. Two individuals at the gate and one was in training. Not her fault but she didn't have the ability to check people in resulting in at least 15 families that didn't make it on the plane because they weren't checked into the system in time. When arriving at the airport to drop off our prepaid checked bags, the bag drop off agent asked if we could check our bags at the gate because of the long line. We said no problem so arrived at the gate by 5:00. They told those people that had previously paid for checked bags to stand off to the side while they let others that either didn't have a checked bag or their bag was already on the plan through. Realizing the gate workers had an issue, they either called for help or this lady showed up late for work as she didn't arrive until 5:15. The worker who had been there training the other individual and working diligently to make sure all passengers got on board. He even said that at one point all people that are currently in line are fine but asked the person in training to stand outside the ticketing area around 5:15 to notify any late travels that the flight was in boarding process and they arrrived too late. At that point, we're sill standing off to the side with our pre-paid checked bags patiently waiting. When the new lady arrived she couldn't have been more rude. It was an awful seen. Essentially they had asked for those without an assigned seat to board last, those with pre-paid checked bag stand off to the site and any traveling with a larger items that needed to be checked at the gate (such as a stroller), wait on the side. They realized that the flight needed to leave on time so the gate attendant shut the gate. So anyone without a seat assignment, those that had pre-checked bags, and the worst one I saw was a mother with two infant children was in line with use because she was asked to stand to the side because her stroller. When they shut the door to the plan they told her she could no longer get on. Her checked bags were already on the plane with her car keys in them, and the lady told her we couldn't accept anyone else on because the door was shut. She didn't even have a way to get home from the airport. Truely evil behavior. I've flown Frontier enough to know customer service is not a top priority in the company's mission, but this was an all-time low. I'm sending this after an 18 hour drive that our family just completed to Bonita Springs . I felt really bad for the lady being trained and the other individual trying to help, but when the new lady came to the gate she was truly one of the rudest individuals I've ever met. One lady had been there since 4am but because she didn't have an assigned seat they wouldn't let her on the plan.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

It was well done. It was my first time flying with them and I was nervous b/c I have heard of many cancelled and/or delray flights. Everything went smoothly.

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

Finally a Frontier on time and efficient. I've had problems before with your airline, but this time everything went fine.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

Everything you need to know for your flight from Columbus to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports