Ohio Has 3 Airports in the Top 100. Cleveland Is the Best Deal.

Ohio is one of the few states with three major airports in the national top 100 for passenger volume, and all three sit in a relatively tight range—but the differences are meaningful. Only In Your State recently analyzed Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, and all three Ohio airports cluster in the $370–$402 range, with Cleveland offering the lowest average fares.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) ranked 34th most affordable nationally in 2025, with an average domestic fare of $370.35—$16.65 below the national average of $387. For northeast Ohio travelers, Cleveland is the region's most cost-effective major departure point.

Cincinnati and Columbus

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) averaged $380.58 in 2025, ranking 42nd nationally—$6.42 below the national average. CVG benefits from its position as a mid-size hub with strong carrier competition, sitting in northern Kentucky just south of Cincinnati and serving Ohio's southwestern region.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) averaged $402.24, ranking 58th nationally—$15.24 above the national average. Columbus is the most expensive of the three but remains within $32 of Cleveland's average. For central Ohio residents, CMH is the practical choice regardless, and its above-average fare is modest in national context.

What Ohio Travelers Should Know

With three airports below or near the national average, Ohio is one of the better-positioned large Midwestern states for domestic airfare. Cleveland's 34th national ranking is particularly strong—comparable to airports in California's secondary market tier and outperforming most of Ohio's regional neighbors.

For Ohio residents near state borders, Chicago Midway (MDW, $312.18) remains the most affordable major hub within reasonable driving distance for those in northwestern Ohio. Pittsburgh International (PIT, $364.79) is another solid option for eastern Ohio.

Why Cleveland Leads the Pack

Cleveland’s cost advantage largely stems from increased competition among ultra-low-cost carriers and major network airlines fighting for market share. As airlines expand routes across the Great Lakes region, CLE passengers benefit from pricing pressure that keeps fares consistently lower than neighboring hubs. For travelers planning nonstop domestic routes to major Florida destinations, the East Coast, or Western hubs, checking Cleveland first can yield substantial savings compared with smaller regional alternatives.

Taking Advantage of Regional Proximity

Because Ohio’s three major hubs sit within a two- to three-hour drive of one another, flexible travelers have a unique geographic edge. If flight availability or timing at your primary airport isn't ideal, cross-shopping fares between CLE, CVG, and CMH—or factoring in parking rates and driving time—can help secure the best overall value for your itinerary.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Smart booking habits—particularly booking early and comparing nearby airports—can help Ohio travelers maximize their already-reasonable starting position. Knowing how to find cheap flights helps at any of the state's three major airports.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.