Route guide
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Toronto: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 440 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 15 min – 2 h 15 min
- Airports
- 2 × 2
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Chicago and Toronto: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Chicago to Toronto is about 440 miles (710 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. Toronto is 1 hour ahead of Chicago. Chicago has 2 airports to compare and Toronto has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Chicago has two main airports: O'Hare handles hub and long-haul traffic, while Midway is smaller and closer to the city center. Toronto has a large main airport west of downtown and a small island airport close to the city center.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ORD to YYZ | O'Hare International | Toronto Pearson International |
| ORD to YTZ | O'Hare International | Billy Bishop Toronto City |
| MDW to YYZ | Midway International | Toronto Pearson International |
| MDW to YTZ | Midway International | Billy Bishop Toronto City |
About the airports
- ORD · O'Hare International
A major hub for connecting traffic and long-haul flights, with a direct train to downtown. - MDW · Midway International
Closer to downtown and served by its own train line, with a focus on shorter domestic routes. - YYZ · Toronto Pearson International
The main airport, west of downtown, with a direct express train. - YTZ · Billy Bishop Toronto City
A small airport on the waterfront close to downtown.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Chicago: United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Toronto: Air Canada
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Chicago
Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays.
Toronto
Summer and early fall are the most popular. Winters are cold and snowy, and flights can be delayed by weather.
International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.
How long is Chicago to Toronto?
At about 440 miles, Chicago to Toronto is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Time zones and timing
Toronto is 1 hour ahead of Chicago, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Chicago: CTA trains run from both airports to the city center, which is usually the most predictable option at busy times.
Toronto: The UP Express train runs between Pearson and Union Station in roughly 25 minutes.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Winter weather is the main source of disruption. Build in extra buffer for connections between November and March.
- U.S. citizens need a passport to fly to Canada. Check entry requirements before you travel.
- International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
- U.S. citizens need a passport to fly to Canada. Check entry requirements before you travel.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Toronto to Chicago?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Chicago or all flights from Toronto.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago from Toronto?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 440 miles (710 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Chicago to Toronto?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Chicago: ORD (O'Hare International), MDW (Midway International). At Toronto: YYZ (Toronto Pearson International), YTZ (Billy Bishop Toronto City). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Toronto is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
When is the best time to fly from Chicago to Toronto?
In Chicago: Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays. In Toronto: Summer and early fall are the most popular. Winters are cold and snowy, and flights can be delayed by weather. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Chicago to Toronto?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Air Canada. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.