Looking to escape the Queen City? I just spent way too much time digging through flight deals from CVG, and I found some prices that made me question if I was reading them right. When I spotted tickets to Orlando costing less than a dinner at Jeff Ruby’s, I knew I had to share these finds.
After hunting down the best places in Cincinnati to fly from, I discovered some serious bargains. Want to trade Fountain Square for Times Square or swap Ohio winters for Caribbean beaches? From quick flights to Chicago (often under $150 round trip) to surprisingly affordable trips to Cancun, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need to break the bank to escape the Midwest. Let me show you exactly where your dollar can take you from Cincy right now.
#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Cincinnati
For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. CVG or LUK) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.
Before you book anything, don’t miss these deals 👇
- ✈️ Find cheap flights you won't see on Google – Going.com finds mistake fares and flash sales I use to save $200+ per ticket
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- 🎟️ Explore top-rated tours and activities – Skip the line and explore more
In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $575 roundtrip fare from Cincinnati to Lisbon. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!
If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Affordable Travel Destinations from Cincinnati
Looking for the best travel destinations from Cincinnati? Escape to Phoenix for sunny weather, stunning desert landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Visit St. Louis to explore the iconic Gateway Arch, vibrant arts scene, and delicious barbecue. Head to Houston for world-class museums, diverse cuisine, and exciting space exploration at NASA. Experience Boston, a city rich in history, charming neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront views. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or city life, these are the top destinations to visit from Cincinnati.
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
1. Cincinnati to Phoenix ($125-$180 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest (10+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌵 for bearable temperatures and desert blooms
- 🏆 Perfect for: Desert adventurers 🏜️, sunshine chasers ☀️, winter escapees ❄️
Phoenix is where gray Midwest skies get traded for endless sun, red rock views, and cacti taller than your rental car. It’s a killer winter escape with warm days, zero humidity, and a whole lot of room to roam.
Hike Camelback Mountain’s distinct hump-shaped peak for views across the red-rock desert valley, wander through Desert Botanical Garden where giant saguaro cacti tower overhead and colorful wildflowers bloom after winter rains, or experience the immense scale of the Grand Canyon just a few hours’ drive away. Downtown, you’ll find atmospheric rooftop bars and restaurants serving prickly pear margaritas and green chile specialties.
Winter brings perfect 70-degree days, ideal for outdoor exploration. For the best flight deals, check Southwest (flies direct Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday) and American (offers 5+ daily connections through Dallas).
2. Cincinnati to St. Louis ($87-$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (15+ daily non-stops)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for ideal weather and local festivals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, craft beer connoisseurs 🍺, budget-conscious culture vultures 🎭
Just 90 minutes from Cincinnati, St. Louis delivers big-city energy without draining your wallet. Think skyline views, free museums, and Cardinals baseball games that feel like giant red block parties.
Hop on the tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch (don’t look down if you’re not into tight spaces), or head to Forest Park, bigger than Central Park and packed with freebies like the Saint Louis Zoo and Art Museum. If you’re in the mood for something offbeat, the City Museum is an industrial maze of slides, tunnels, and repurposed art that’s part playground, part fever dream.
In spring, the gardens bloom and the weather’s spot on. Come fall, you’ve got Oktoberfest vibes, changing leaves, and way less humidity. It’s advisable to book your flights 4-6 weeks ahead. Score roundtrip flights for as low as $87 with Southwest’s Tuesday deals, or opt for an early Delta flight if comfort’s a priority.
✈️ Pro Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals — think $300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy.
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. If you're booking travel, this is the first site I'd check. (Save 25% on Premium and Elite with my special code: JON25)
3. Cincinnati to Houston ($145-$210 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: United, Delta, Southwest (20+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌺 and October to December 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Space enthusiasts 🚀, culinary adventurers 🌮, urban explorers 🏙️
From moon rocks to melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Houston is a wild mix of space history, global eats, and big-city swagger with Southern charm to spare.
Kick things off at Space Center Houston where you can tour historic Mission Control, touch an actual moon rock, and geek out over rockets the size of buildings. Just 20 minutes away, the Museum District packs 19 attractions into a walkable zone, including dinosaur bones, Picasso paintings, and more air conditioning than you’ll know what to do with. Hungry? Good! Houston’s food scene is unreal. From late-night taco trucks to Nigerian jollof rice and Vietnamese crawfish boils, this city doesn’t mess around.
Snag a roundtrip flight from Cincinnati to Houston for under $160. Just watch for United flash sales and book 6–8 weeks in advance to catch breezy spring wildflowers or fall festivals without the summer sweat.
4. Cincinnati to Boston ($150-$220 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, Southwest (12+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍁 and April to June 🌷 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 📜, academic explorers 🎓, coastal cuisine connoisseurs 🦞
Boston feels like walking through a history book—only with better seafood and rowdier sports fans. This compact, cobblestone-covered city delivers Revolutionary War landmarks, elite universities, and lobster rolls that just hit different.
The Freedom Trail takes you past 16 sites that helped shape the country, including centuries-old gravestones at Granary Burying Ground and the Old North Church where Paul Revere got his signal. When you’re ready for a break, catch a game at Fenway Park or wander into a Beacon Hill bookshop that’s so cozy it feels like stepping into a movie set.
Fall is when Boston shines with its crisp air, blazing leaves, and fewer crowds that make it a dream to explore. For flights, Delta has morning deals from CVG, and Southwest drops fares under $170 if you catch a Tuesday sale.
- Read Next: Romantic Getaways on the East Coast
5. Cincinnati to San Antonio ($163-$230 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest (10+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌵 and October to December 🎄 for comfortable temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Mission explorers 🏛️, culinary adventurers 🌮, riverside wanderers 🌉
San Antonio blends Texan grit with Mexican soul, giving you a city that’s got serious history, incredible food, and charm for days.
Visit The Alamo. Yes, it’s touristy, but the centuries-old walls have stories to tell, and it’s basically Texas 101. After that, head straight to the River Walk, where walkways wind below street level past umbrella-covered patios, colorful art stands, and bridges that make every photo look like a postcard.
Come in April if you want the full San Antonio experience. The city explodes with parades, music, and festivals during Fiesta, and locals go all out for it. Keep an eye on American Airlines with connections through Dallas as their Tuesday sales sometimes drop roundtrips under $180, especially during spring and fall when the weather’s ideal and the crowds are manageable.
6. Cincinnati to Baltimore ($89-$150 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (15+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🦀 and September to November 🍂 for harbor activities
- 🏆 Perfect for: Maritime enthusiasts ⚓, crab feast indulgers 🦀, arts district discoverers 🎭
Baltimore keeps it real in all the best ways. It’s a harbor city with attitude, history, and enough Old Bay to season an entire vacation.
Hop on the Inner Harbor, where tall ships bob next to glassy landmarks like the National Aquarium, home to 20,000 sea creatures and at least a few stingrays with attitude. Camden Yards is a must, even if you’re not into baseball, it’s the stadium that made other stadiums cooler.
But the real Baltimore shows up in neighborhoods like Hampden, where front porches have flair, vintage shops go all in on the weird, and locals throw festivals just because they feel like it. For cheap flights, check Southwest’s seasonal sales. With BWI as a hub, it’s common to snag roundtrips under $100 if you plan it right.
7. Cincinnati to Philadelphia ($92-$160 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, Delta (20+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June 🌼 and September to November 🍁 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Constitutional enthusiasts 🇺🇸, culinary explorers 🧀, mural hunters 🎨
Philadelphia is where American history wears a hoodie and eats a cheesesteak. It’s gritty, proud, and packed with founding father energy—and somehow still feels totally laid-back.
Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, is a must-visit. Snap a pic with the Liberty Bell, then channel your inner underdog by running up the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Want something less touristy? The city has more outdoor murals than any place in the country, and they’re everywhere from alley walls to parking lots.
May is perfect for visiting, with blooming trees and perfect walking weather. Keep tabs on American’s midweek deals when roundtrips often dip below $100 thanks to their Philadelphia hub, and early departures from Cincinnati get you there in time for lunch and a cheesesteak showdown.
8. Cincinnati to Seattle ($215-$290 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, Alaska Airlines (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September ☀️ for rare rain-free days and outdoor festivals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain gazers 🏔️, coffee connoisseurs ☕, ferry adventurers ⛴️
Seattle is what happens when snow-capped mountains, fresh coffee, and tech billionaires all decide to share a skyline. It’s got energy, scenery, and more fleece jackets than you’ve ever seen in one place.
At Pike Place Market, fish fly through the air, buskers perform next to flower stalls, and locals still argue over the best chowder spot. Hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island for skyline views with Mount Rainier photobombing in the distance. Craving caffeine? Brave the crowds at the original Starbucks, or skip it and head to literally any nearby café—you’re in Seattle, after all. And if you’re craving quiet, Discovery Park delivers with beach trails, forest paths, and a lighthouse that feels straight out of a Pacific Northwest daydream.
July and August bring sunshine, festivals, and your best chance at zero rain. Keep an eye on Alaska Airlines’ Tuesday promos. For example, roundtrips can dip to around $240 with a quick Portland layover.
9. Cincinnati to Kansas City ($85-$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (10+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for outdoor festivals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Barbecue aficionados 🍖, fountain enthusiasts ⛲, cultural explorers 🎺
Kansas City might not be on your radar, but it definitely should be. This underrated Midwestern gem brings the heat—literally, if you’re into barbecue—with a side of jazz, fountains, and small-city vibes done right.
Sink your teeth into legendary burnt ends at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, where the line stretches out of a gas station and nobody minds. Wander Country Club Plaza, where Spanish-style architecture meets more fountains than you’d expect outside of Rome. Music lovers can dive into the city’s jazz roots at the American Jazz Museum, right in the heart of the historic 18th & Vine district.
May brings perfect patio weather and baseball season, so grab a brisket sandwich and catch the Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. For cheap flights, watch Southwest’s Tuesday sales when fares often dip below $90 roundtrip, with direct flights running a few times a week.
10. Cincinnati to New Orleans ($77-$130 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American (15+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to May 🎭 for festivals and comfortable temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Jazz enthusiasts 🎷, culinary adventurers 🍜, architectural photographers 🏛️
Forget what you know about American cities. New Orleans exists in its own universe, where brass bands echo through the streets, beignets double as breakfast and dessert, and locals dance like nobody’s watching—because they aren’t.
Wander the French Quarter, where the scent of fresh pralines mixes with the sound of a trumpet solo drifting from a courtyard. Skip Bourbon Street and follow the music to Frenchmen Street, where intimate jazz clubs spill out onto the sidewalk and you can get close enough to see the sweat on the saxophone player’s brow. Hungry? Order a po’ boy from Verti Marte, muffuletta from Central Grocery, or creole classics at Dooky Chase’s. You can do it all in the same weekend.
March is one of the best times to visit, with warm temps and a calendar full of festivals. From Cincinnati, watch for Southwest flash sales as roundtrip flights to New Orleans can dip as low as $77 if you catch the timing just right.
11. Cincinnati to Raleigh ($101-$170 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, Southwest (10+ daily connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌺 and September to November 🍁 for optimal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Tech corridor explorers 💻, craft brewery hoppers 🍻, museum enthusiasts 🏛️
Raleigh mixes Southern charm with modern buzz, giving you historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and more local beer than you’ll know what to do with. The best part? It’s all just a short hop from Cincinnati.
Stroll through Historic Oakwood, where shaded sidewalks wind past Victorian homes with wraparound porches and storybook vibes. At the North Carolina Museum of Art, you’ll find ancient Egyptian artifacts inside and a sculpture park outside with miles of walking trails. When it’s time to refuel, head to the Raleigh Beer Garden, which holds the world record for most beers on tap, which is 350 and counting, spread across three floors.
Late spring brings ideal weather, blooming dogwoods, and perfect conditions for exploring the city’s massive greenway network. For cheap flights, keep an eye on Delta’s midweek promos like roundtrips from Cincinnati to Raleigh often drop to around $110 if you time it right.
12. Cincinnati to Milwaukee ($69-$120 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌸
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beer lovers 🍺, festival-goers 🎵, lakefront explorers 🏖️
Milwaukee feels like that underrated friend who’s cooler than they let on. It’s got lake views, craft beer, and a festival lineup that doesn’t quit. And all for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Chicago.
Gearheads can check out the Harley-Davidson Museum, where chrome and leather tell the story of an American icon. Beer fans? You’re in luck. Milwaukee’s brewing roots run deep, with tons of local taprooms and cheap, behind-the-scenes tours. Between tastings, stroll the Milwaukee RiverWalk, or hit Bradford Beach, where volleyball, people-watching, and lake breezes come standard.
Summer is when the city really shows off. Summerfest headlines the season with hundreds of artists and a party that stretches for days. For flights, Southwest regularly rolls out deals from Cincinnati, and Frontier jumps in with surprise flash sales too! Roundtrip fares can drop below $90 if you’re quick to book.
13. Cincinnati to Detroit ($45-$100 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, Southwest (20+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌸
- 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎵, history buffs 🏛️, sports fans ⚾
Detroit is a comeback story with soul. It’s gritty, creative, and buzzing with a kind of energy you only get in a city that’s had to rebuild from the ground up.
Step into music history at the Motown Museum, where Hitsville USA turned out songs that still hit today. Art lovers can head to the Detroit Institute of Arts, where the collection is massive and admission is free for Michigan residents (and cheap for everyone else). Walk it off along the Detroit Riverwalk, with skyline views, breezy parks, and a front-row seat to neighboring Canada across the water.
If you’re after a deal, Southwest and Delta regularly offer roundtrips under $100. Just book midweek, and you’ll have more cash left to enjoy Detroit’s legendary coney dogs and street art. Summer is the sweet spot to visit. Expect music festivals, outdoor concerts, and street parties that give the city its vibrant vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Cincinnati
Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Cincinnati? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Cincinnati to anywhere.
Which are the cheapest places to fly from Cincinnati?
Some of the most affordable destinations from Cincinnati include Phoenix, St. Louis, Houston, Boston, San Antonio, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Seattle, Kansas City, New Orleans, Raleigh, Milwaukee, and Detroit, among others.
Which Cincinnati airport offers the cheapest flights?
Cincinnati has two major airports – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport (LUK). The majority of the cheapest flights usually depart from CVG, but it’s always worth checking both for special deals or promos.
What’s the best time of year to find cheap flights from Cincinnati?
While it varies based on the destination, generally the off-peak seasons – late winter and early spring – tend to offer better flight deals. However, always keep an eye out for airline promotions and special offers throughout the year.
Are there any budget airlines that fly from Cincinnati?
Yes, airlines like Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines offer budget-friendly options from Cincinnati to various destinations.
How can I get the cheapest flights from Cincinnati to anywhere?
Being flexible with your travel dates, booking in advance, monitoring fare alerts, and traveling during off-peak times can lead to significant savings on flights.
Do last-minute flight deals from Cincinnati still exist?
They do! However, they’re less common than they used to be. To increase your chances of finding one, stay updated with airline newsletters or use flight aggregator websites that spotlight last-minute deals.
Which international destinations are cheap to fly to from Cincinnati?
While this article primarily focused on domestic destinations, Cincinnati offers competitive rates to several international destinations, especially in Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. It’s best to check current flight deals for the latest offers.
How far in advance should I book my flight from Cincinnati for the best rates?
Typically, booking 2-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 5-6 months for international flights can fetch you the best rates.
Are there direct flights for these cheap destinations from Cincinnati?
Many of the listed cities have direct flight options from Cincinnati, especially from CVG. Always check the flight details before booking to ensure you have the most convenient itinerary.
Can I get a refund if the price of my flight drops after I book it?
Some airlines offer price guarantees and may refund the difference, while others might offer credits. It varies by airline and fare type, so always check the fare rules before purchasing
Need help planning your trip? Check out these helpful links:
- ✈️ Find cheap flights – I use this to snag deals you won't find elsewhere
- 🏨 Book accommodations – From boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays
- 🚗 Compare rental car prices – Great rates from trusted companies
- 🎟️ Discover affordable tours and day trips – Skip the line and explore more
- 📱 SIM Cards + eSims – My go-to phone plan I've used in 50+ countries
