Travelling from Washington DC to Chicago: what you need to know
Embark on your next adventure from one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Check out your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Chicago setting off from either of these.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points to Chicago.
Jump on a direct Washington DC to Chicago flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 10 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is one hour behind Washington DC.
With 131 weekly flights between the two airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Washington DC to Chicago with American Airlines at 05:59. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest flight from DCA to ORD is with United Airlines at 20:40.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Washington DC to Chicago flight.
Popular months like February or holiday periods such as spring break and Thanksgiving will mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of an international departure is a smart idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Chicago
Currently, Rs10,946 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs21,901. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap Washington DC to Chicago flights, reserve your trip two months before your planned departure.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on plane tickets from Washington DC to Chicago. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Washington DC to Chicago is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Washington DC to Chicago flights.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Set off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and fly right through to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). If you're looking for a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago out of DCA, those are your landing options.
Popular airlines that offer direct Washington DC to Chicago plane tickets departing from DCA include:
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a handy hotel close to Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to Chicago, these stays will put you nice and close to your departure gate:
Of the flights that depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport, 76.44% land on schedule at their destination.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can take a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Start your travels at IAD and come in for landing at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
United Airlines offers direct Washington DC to Chicago plane tickets from IAD. Book your preferred window seat and arrive at your destination without any detours.
You can get to IAD from central Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Washington DC to Chicago? Check in to a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 74.39%.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Take the fastest route with a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago. From Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), you can head straight to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Jet away with one of these preferred airlines offering direct Washington DC to Chicago plane tickets from BWI:
From the centre of Washington DC, BWI is around 40 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 50 minutes to get to the airport by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so on public transport.
Make catching an early Washington DC to Chicago flight the easiest part of your journey. Stay at one of these accommodation options near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and get to your departure gate feeling relaxed and unhurried:
Flights that leave from BWI make it to their destination as scheduled 77.13% of the time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 35 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Washington DC to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take around 45 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Washington DC to Chicago:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you stay within budget.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Washington DC to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get there in a car.
The journey takes about 4 hours 15 minutes if you use public transport.
Start your travels without worrying about how to get to your next stop with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable suppliers here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental companies sometimes offer discounts for early bookings, so secure your ride from RFD a few weeks in advance of your flight from Washington DC to Chicago. A little planning can save you money.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Chicago, while August is the busiest. Figure out the best time to go to Chicago based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Washington DC to Chicago ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC to 29ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Look for cheap flights from Washington DC to Chicago around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Chicago, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the south-east, top sights here include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.