$105 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Washington (DCA)

Book with confidence

Chicago (ORD) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel between Chicago (ORD) and Washington, D.C. (DCA) with a range of airlines operating this domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the itinerary that best suits your travel plans, schedule, and budget. As you prepare to visit Washington's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, find all the essential information for flights departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 75+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $80–$350, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

According to recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines flying from Chicago to Washington typically offer non-stop and one-stop options. Travelers often opt for layovers at Logan International Airport (BOS, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK, around 3 hours 15 minutes), and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, about 1 hour 30 minutes). This variety allows you to choose the best itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class preferences.

• United: As a comprehensive airline, United provides non-stop flights with one-way fares generally between $85 and $380. This carrier represents around 50% of departures for this route, featuring a total travel duration of 2 hours.
• American Airlines: Offering both non-stop and one-stop options, American Airlines typically charges one-way fares ranging from $80 to $375. It constitutes about 48% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight time of 2 hours.
• JetBlue Airways: A budget-friendly airline, JetBlue offers one-stop service with one-way prices usually between $90 and $265. It accounts for approximately 1% of departures, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of nearly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices typically between $100 and $395. The in-flight duration is around 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Frontier Airlines: A low-cost option, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $95 to $205. The in-flight time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers can elevate their journey from Chicago to Washington by opting for an upgrade. Both American Airlines and United provide first-class cabins for this route.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Washington are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 56.3°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 71.1°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $168. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 93 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 60 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $168, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: May and July typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $172 to $183.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Washington, with approximately 93 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Chicago (ORD) to Washington (DCA)

• Chicago to Washington (MDW-DCA): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $80 and $385, influenced by the season and timing of the booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating on this route include Southwest Airlines, a budget-friendly carrier, and Delta.
• Chicago to Washington (ORD-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is around 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares on this route usually range from $85 to $385, depending on the season and when the ticket is purchased. This route typically offers both non-stop and one-stop flights. Leading airlines for this route include United and Frontier Airlines, a low-cost option. Additionally, first-class service is available on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Washington (DCA)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, often provide lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally offers cheaper rates, while Friday remains the most popular travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Washington city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers will find National Airport Station, a metro station, just about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is located approximately 3.8 miles from the airport and is best reached by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is around 4.8 miles away by car.

Chicago to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Washington

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Chicago to Washington are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Washington: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Chicago to Washington

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Chicago to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $105 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Chicago to Washington flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Chicago to Washington airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $105 and cheap return flights $210 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $99 to $711, and return flights typically cost between $268 and $1201. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) ticket fares go up or down.

*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

September is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average round-trip fares around $253. This fare is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand typically decreases after the summer. Other budget-friendly months for this route include May and July.

*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from ORD to DCA:

• United operates around 105 direct flights from ORD to DCA every week
• American Airlines operates around 75 direct flights from ORD to DCA every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Alaska Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $190.49. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I find cheap flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

What is the best airline to fly with from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

The best airline to fly with from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines also offers the most daily flights from ORD to DCA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

What is the best time to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

When traveling from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA), September and May are the best months to fly. September typically has an average price of around $253 for a return flight, making it a cost-effective choice. May is also popular, offering a great combination of good weather and reasonable fares, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How many flights per day from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

On average, there are around 26 nonstop flights per day from O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

The earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) typically departs at around 12:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is perfect for getting an early start on your trip to Washington, DC. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United and Delta offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in DC early and make the most of your day.

How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Direct flights from ORD to DCA usually take about 2 hours, traveling roughly 610 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 50 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

Can you fly business or first class from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Business class seats are offered on the ORD to DCA route with American Airlines.

First class cabins are available on:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

A direct, return business class ticket from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $894 - $1,247. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) if you opt for a connecting flight.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

What airports do you fly into for Washington from O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?

When traveling from O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to Washington, you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT), LaGuardia (LGA), Indianapolis Intl. (IND) before reaching Washington. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Is it cheaper to book a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.