Which airport has lowest flight prices in Ohio? Here’s what data shows

Booking a flight? The good news is you won’t have to drive far to get a good price.

In the first half of 2025, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport had one of the lowest average airfares around, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The list of 437 airports shows average domestic airline fares for the first and second quarters of 2025. Among major airports in Ohio, as well as in Kentucky and Indiana, CVG airport had the lowest average plane ticket prices. 

The end of 2025 was a hectic one for airport workers and travelers. Across the country, airports faced air traffic reductions due to air traffic controller staffing issues during the government shutdown.

But before that shutdown started on Oct. 1, 2025, CVG airport had lower airfare averages than Louisville, Indianapolis, Cleveland and John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

A smaller Columbus airport, Rickenbacker International, took the top spot ahead of CVG with an average airfare of $154 in the first few months of 2025. Rickenbacker is mostly a cargo airport, with a total of 20 flights to and from the airport each day.

Here’s a look at the numbers.

Average airfares in the first quarter of 2025

In the order of lowest to highest averages:

1. Cincinnati CVG, $377
2. Cleveland CLE, $380
3. Indianapolis IND, $410
4. Louisville SDF, $426
5. Columbus CMH, $435

Average airfares in the second quarter of 2025

1. Cincinnati CVG, $365
2. Cleveland CLE, $370
3. Indianapolis IND, $379
4. Louisville SDF, $392
5. Columbus CMH, $393

Travel tips for CVG

All passengers are advised to arrive in the TSA line at least two hours before a flight within the US and three hours before an international flight. 

Any liquids you bring in carry-ons must be 3.4 ounces or less, with all liquids fitting in a one-quart bag. One bag per passenger is permitted.

If in need of special assistance, or wheelchair assistance, passengers should contact their airline.