$79 Cheap Flights from Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW)

Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance

Travel from Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW) with a range of airlines offering this popular domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service options or budget-friendly carriers, you can easily compare choices to find the best itinerary that fits your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to explore Chicago's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, gather key details about flights from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to Midway International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Midway International Airport (MDW)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from Baltimore to Chicago, favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with around a 45-minute layover, and Hopkins International Airport (CLE), also approximately 45 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $70 and $385. It dominates this route, making up about 84% of departures, with direct flights lasting around 2 hours.
• Frontier Airlines: Also a low-cost option, Frontier offers non-stop and one-stop services, where one-way fares typically range from $50 to $190. It accounts for about 14% of the departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight time of 2 hours.
• Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $90 and $265. It represents roughly 2% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Baltimore to Chicago can enhance their experience by upgrading to Delta's premium economy class service, which offers added comfort and amenities.

Best time to fly from Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Baltimore to Chicago are July, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 27°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $124. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 33 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $124, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: February and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $128.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Baltimore to Chicago, with approximately 33 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 Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW)

• Baltimore to Chicago (BWI-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) lies approximately 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). On this route, one-way economy tickets typically range from $50 to $360, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose between non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include United and American Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.
• Washington to Chicago (DCA-ORD): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located about 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), while O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). Economy fares for one-way flights on this route generally range from $80 to $350, depending on the season and booking time. Both non-stop and one-stop flights are available, with American Airlines and United being the primary carriers. First-class seating is also an option on this route.
• Washington to Chicago (DCA-MDW): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is approximately 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). On this route, one-way economy fares typically fall between $80 and $385, based on the season and how early you book. Flights are usually available as both non-stop and one-stop options. Key airlines operating this route include low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines and Delta. There is also first-class service available on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (MDW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Baltimore to Chicago 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 typically found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM to 6 PM) tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday usually results in cheaper fares, although 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 Midway International Airport from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Chicago welcomes travelers from Baltimore with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Chicago efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chicago, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Midway International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Midway International 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 Midway International Airport, travelers will find Midway Station, a metro station, just about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Chicago Ashburn Station, a train station, is located approximately 4.1 miles away by car. Additionally, Lyons Seaport, a seaport, is around 7.2 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.

Baltimore to Chicago Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Baltimore to Chicago

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 Baltimore to Chicago are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Baltimore to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Baltimore to Chicago

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Baltimore to Chicago: 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 Baltimore to Chicago

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 Baltimore to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $79 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 Baltimore to Chicago 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 Baltimore to Chicago 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.