Travelling from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Explore the options for taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 53 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4, which is 1 hour ahead of Chicago. Ronald Reagan National Airport is located in Washington DC.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. There are 863 direct departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, hop on the last flight with United at 21:10. Opt for the first ORD to DCA departure with Southwest Airlines at 05:20 if you want to get going earlier.
Your flight from Chicago to DCA won't wait if you're running late, so don't forget to check in on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're flying internationally.
With more travellers during peak months like August, be at your terminal even earlier. Two hours for domestic flights and up to four for international journeys will help you deal with longer queues. Remember things also get busy during major holidays like July Fourth.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) take off from this terminal.
United is a well-known carrier that offers direct flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport departing from ORD.
The distance from central Chicago to ORD is around 40 kilometres. Check out Google Maps for the fastest way to get there, whether that's in your own car or with public transport.
Searching for a handy hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) operates direct flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Get on your direct flight from Chicago to DCA with United. This is one of the top carriers operating this route out of MDW.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 46 minutes. The airport is roughly 19 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 21 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to DCA? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your vacation officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
About Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Getting from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC
From Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington DC is approximately 8 kilometres away. It takes around 16 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 43 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
For a one-way ticket from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport, C$131 is the best price we've seen. You can also book a return trip starting from C$246. These are the lowest fares right now and may vary based on availability.
Book 8 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure flight tickets from Chicago to DCA.
The cheapest month for tickets from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' search feature to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Create a Price Alert and keep an eye on changes on this route through email or push notifications. You'll be the first to know when prices fall. The right timing can be the key to finding flight tickets from Chicago to DCA.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
May is the quietest time to travel to Washington DC. Alternatively, join the crowds and take your trip in July. This is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport, but the best time to go is up to you.
Think about the type of weather that'll work with your plans for Washington DC. The warmest month is July. Book your flights from Chicago to DCA sometime then and you can expect temperatures of between 19ºC and 33ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just a couple of the major attractions to add to your Washington DC to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to National Mall.
Complete your Washington DC trip with a car rental
Exit all those tabs and leave the hard work to us. We've also got incredible deals on car rentals in Washington DC once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan National Airport. Instantly compare prices all in one place and drive away with a bargain that fits your budget.
