Travelling from Washington DC to Chicago: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Washington DC to Chicago. Explore the options for taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), two of the city's main airports.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the major arrival points in Chicago.
The average duration of a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago is 2 hours 8 minutes. Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago 1 hour behind Washington DC.
With 168 flights a week between the two airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Washington DC to Chicago with American Airlines at 05:59. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest departure from DCA to ORD is with United Airlines at 20:40.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your flight from Washington DC to Chicago.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Once you've found cheap flights from Washington DC to Chicago, get your documents in order. A passport or visa isn't required since you're travelling within United States. As long as you have some other valid form of identification, such as an ID card or driver's licence, you're good to go.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
You can book a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Start your journey at DCA and touch down at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
When jetting out of DCA, you can catch a direct flight from Washington DC to Chicago with United Airlines.
We make it a cinch to book a flight from Washington DC to Chicago with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Located around 8 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC, DCA can be reached in approximately 16 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 43 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Washington DC to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can take a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Chicago jetting out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Kick off your travels at IAD and disembark at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
United Airlines has direct flights from Washington DC to Chicago out of IAD. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination without any detours.
Split up your flight from Washington DC to Chicago with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross another place off your list. Some great stopovers between Ronald Reagan National Airport and Chicago include:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
On public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in about 3 hours and 26 minutes. The airport is roughly 56 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 51 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Washington DC to Chicago? Unwind in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your break officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes by car. It's approximately 40 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 54 minutes.
Book a hotel close to ORD if you have a late flight from Washington DC to Chicago. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Chicago has landed, you can get to the city centre in about 21 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take approximately 46 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Washington DC to Chicago:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Chicago
At the moment, C$87 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$178. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from Washington DC to Chicago, reserve your journey 9 months before the departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Washington DC to Chicago is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Getting a cheap ticket from Washington DC to Chicago is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Washington DC to Chicago. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Washington DC to Chicago. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Chicago in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your flights from Washington DC to Chicago in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
Search for cheap flights from Washington DC to Chicago in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Explore these options once you've locked in your flight from Washington DC to Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Browse our lineup of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Washington DC to Chicago. Whether you want a compact ride, spacious sedan or something with all the extras, you can compare companies in one go to find the best deal.