$85 Cheap Flights to Pekin, IL

Flights to Pekin at a glance

Traveling to Pekin is easy, with full-service airlines providing a variety of flight schedules. Explore your options to find the cheapest flight that fits your itinerary, allowing you to discover the city's renowned attractions and charming neighborhoods at your own pace.

• Major airports near Pekin: Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
• Closest airport to Pekin: Greater Peoria Regional Airport, PIA (around 7 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,100+ flights arriving across Pekin airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Pekin: around 4 carriers

Popular airports near Pekin

Pekin is a charming city perfect for outdoor family adventures and explorations. Visitors are drawn to its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and thrilling activities. Conveniently, Pekin is accessible via two major airports, making it easy for travelers to plan their one-way flights to this delightful destination.

• Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA): Situated in Peoria County, Illinois, approximately 7 miles from Pekin, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 85 domestic locations and 4 international spots. Passengers can opt for first-class service for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers at this airport include American Airlines and United.
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): Found in McLean County, Illinois, about 39 miles from Pekin, this airport offers both domestic and international services, connecting to over 55 domestic cities and 2 international destinations. Travelers can upgrade to first class or premium economy seating for additional comfort, based on the airlines and routes. Notable airlines that operate here include American Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico.

Top routes to Pekin

• Dallas (DFW) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with one-way airfare from around $130
• Denver (DEN) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Atlanta (ATL) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with one-way flights starting at around $120

Cheapest routes to Pekin

• Chicago (ORD) to Pekin (PIA), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with budget one-way fares from around $100
• New York (LGA) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• Orlando (MCO) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• Austin (AUS) to Pekin (PIA/BMI), with cheap one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Pekin

• American Airlines: Offers flights to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) and Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), representing around 58% of arrivals in Pekin. Expect an average one-way fare of about $250, with potential first-class service available on select routes.
• United: Provides service to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), contributing approximately 31% of the arrivals to Pekin. The typical one-way fare is around $260.
• Delta: Operates flights to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), making up about 11% of arrivals in Pekin. One-way fares average around $280, with options for premium economy and first-class service based on the route.
• Aeromexico: Serves Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), with an average one-way fare of roughly $210.

Best time to fly to Pekin

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Pekin are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Pekin can reach up to 52°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.6°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $243, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September and July offer average one-way fares of around $262, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Pekin

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Pekin is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Pekin hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Pekin flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Pekin

Pekin welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Pekin efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Greater Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 6.3 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers heading into the city.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Pekin, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Pekin is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Pekin on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Pekin

• Mapleton: Located 4 miles away from Pekin, Mapleton is a charming city perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including exploring local parks and shopping. Highlights include the Peoria Civic Center, a great venue for family entertainment, and the scenic Peoria Riverfront Museum, which offers engaging exhibits for all ages. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby lake and national state park, making Mapleton a delightful stop for those seeking both leisure and adventure.
• East Peoria: East Peoria is located 8 miles drive away from Pekin and is an ideal destination for families and business travelers alike. This vibrant city features a range of activities and venues, including a prominent arena entertainment facility and educational attractions. Key points of interest include the Peoria Civic Center and the intriguing Peoria Riverfront Museum, both great for cultural experiences. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Illinois River State Fish and Wildlife Area, a nature reserve perfect for eco-friendly adventures.
• South Peoria: Situated 7 miles away from Pekin, South Peoria is a neighborhood that attracts families and business visitors seeking both outdoor activities and educational experiences. This area boasts easy access to the Peoria Civic Center, where entertainment events take place, and Bradley University, a historic institution showcasing local culture. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of nearby lakes and parks, making South Peoria a convenient and engaging stop for travelers exploring the region.

Tips for short-haul flights to Pekin

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security wait times.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Pekin

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights, allowing ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and widely available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to align your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to fit your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Pekin

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Pekin on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Pekin. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Pekin. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Pekin, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Pekin

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Pekin in 2026 starts from $150, while one-way tickets start from from $85. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Pekin. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Pekin

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Pekin. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Pekin and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Pekin, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Pekin. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Pekin plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Pekin

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Pekin.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Pekin are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Pekin. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Pekin for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Pekin. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Pekin flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Pekin. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.