Route guide
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Washington, DC: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 590 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 30 min – 2 h 30 min
- Airports
- 2 × 3
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Chicago and Washington, DC: 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 Washington, DC is about 590 miles (950 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min. Washington, DC is 1 hour ahead of Chicago. Chicago has 2 airports to compare and Washington, DC has 3.
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. The Washington area has three airports. Reagan National is closest to the city, Dulles handles more long-haul traffic, and BWI sits between Washington and Baltimore.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ORD to DCA | O'Hare International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| ORD to IAD | O'Hare International | Washington Dulles International |
| ORD to BWI | O'Hare International | Baltimore/Washington International |
| MDW to DCA | Midway International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| MDW to IAD | Midway International | Washington Dulles International |
| MDW to BWI | Midway International | Baltimore/Washington International |
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. - DCA · Ronald Reagan Washington National
Closest to downtown and served by Metrorail. - IAD · Washington Dulles International
Farther out in Virginia, with the larger share of long-haul flights and a Metrorail Silver Line station. - BWI · Baltimore/Washington International
Between Baltimore and Washington, often competitive on price.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Chicago: United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
United Airlines and American Airlines have a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates 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.
Washington, DC
Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid.
How long is Chicago to Washington, DC?
At about 590 miles, Chicago to Washington, DC is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Washington, DC 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.
Washington, DC: Metrorail serves Reagan National directly and Dulles through the Silver Line, which avoids a lot of traffic.
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.
- Reagan National has a perimeter rule that limits most nonstop flights to a certain distance, so longer routes often use Dulles or BWI.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Washington, DC to Chicago?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Chicago or all flights from Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago from Washington, DC?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 590 miles (950 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Chicago to Washington, DC?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 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 Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Washington, DC is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
When is the best time to fly from Chicago to Washington, DC?
In Chicago: Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays. In Washington, DC: Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid. 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 Washington, DC?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. 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.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.