$29 Cheap Flights from Baltimore (BWI) to Chicago (ORD)

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

Travel from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a variety of airlines on this domestic short-haul route to Chicago. Explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best fit for your budget and schedule. Whether you're looking for the latest deals on flights or planning your next flight, you’ll find the essential details for your journey from Baltimore to Chicago as you prepare to experience the city's iconic sights and neighborhoods.

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 40+ 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 O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Baltimore to Chicago, primarily focusing on non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover airports include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minutes layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a roughly 1 hour layover. This variety allows you to tailor your journey by considering price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• United: This comprehensive carrier provides non-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $75 and $360. United represents about 40% of departures on this route, with a total travel duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop options, featuring one-way fares that typically range from $70 to $395. They make up around 39% of the departures on this route, with a non-stop travel time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way flight prices usually between $50 and $225. Frontier accounts for approximately 10% of the departures on this route, boasting a standard non-stop journey time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: Another low-cost option, Southwest Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $70 to $360. They represent about 9% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Delta: This full-service carrier provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $90 and $380. Delta accounts for approximately 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 6 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Baltimore to Chicago can opt for an upgraded experience, as both American Airlines and United offer first-class service for this route.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Baltimore to Chicago are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 54.9°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.3°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $138. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 51 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 26 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $138, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $149.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Baltimore to Chicago, with approximately 51 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 (ORD)

• Baltimore to Chicago (BWI-MDW): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $50 and $360, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Leading airlines operating on this route include low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
• Washington to Chicago (DCA-ORD): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Economy fares for one-way flights on this route usually range from $80 to $350, varying with the season and booking period. This route features both non-stop and one-stop flight choices. Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class seating also available for travelers.

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

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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often offer lower prices, even though morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday usually results in cheaper fares, 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 O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare Station, a metro station, is just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is located about 2.2 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transport options for travelers.

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 December. 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 $29 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.