$61 Cheap Flights from Cincinnati (CVG) to Chicago (MDW)
Popular airlines from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
DeltaDelta
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Cincinnati to Chicago (CVG-MDW)
Alternative airports near Chicago
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Cincinnati (CVG) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance
Traveling from Cincinnati (CVG) to Chicago (MDW) offers a range of airlines catering to this popular domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best flight that suits your budget and schedule. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from Cincinnati or convenient weekly flights, you’ll find a variety of itineraries as you prepare to discover Chicago's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $40–$365, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Midway International Airport (MDW)
According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Cincinnati to Chicago, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layovers include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at approximately 2 hours, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with around a 1 hour and 45 minute layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class for an ideal itinerary.
- Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $40 and $365. Southwest handles about 81% of departures on this route, with a total travel duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop routes with one-way prices typically ranging from $100 to $340. It makes up around 10% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
- Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares that usually range from $85 to $195. Frontier accounts for about 9% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total trip length of roughly 5 hours, including layover.
Alternative route from Cincinnati (CVG) to Chicago (MDW)
- Cincinnati to Chicago (CVG-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). One-way economy ticket prices for this journey usually fall between $60 and $330, influenced by the time of year and how early you book. This route features both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also available.
How to find the best prices for flights from Cincinnati (CVG) to Chicago (MDW)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Cincinnati to Chicago is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are generally available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM usually offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday often results in cheaper prices, even though Wednesday is the favored travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport
Chicago welcomes travelers from Cincinnati with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central Cincinnati. 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, Midway Station (a metro station) is conveniently located just 0.2 miles away on foot. For those traveling by car, Chicago Ashburn Station (a train station) is about 4.1 miles from the airport, while Lyons Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 7.2 miles away by car.
Cincinnati to Chicago Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Chicago are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Cincinnati to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Cincinnati to Chicago
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $61 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $61 and cheap return flights $131 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $88 and $437, and roundtrip flights usually range from $242 to $815. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CVG to MDW is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Enter CVG to MDW and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) to Midway Intl. (MDW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $272. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.), 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Cincinnati, OH (CVG) to Chicago, IL (MDW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. Delta also offers the most daily flights from CVG to MDW, 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
You can find approximately 2 nonstop flights per day from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) to Midway Intl. (MDW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG) to Chicago, IL (MDW) usually leaves at 5:05 AM, operated by Frontier Airlines. This seasonal service is active in January, giving you an early start to your day and more time to explore Chicago. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 44% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows for a full day in Chicago upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Direct flights from CVG to MDW usually take about 1 hour 20 minutes, traveling roughly 249 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours 10 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CVG to MDW route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) 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 Chicago from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG)?
When traveling from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) to Chicago, you can fly into Midway Intl. (MDW) and O'Hare Intl. (ORD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) before reaching Chicago. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) Chicago 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
If you booked your Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) 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.
Travel information
Origin airport | Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Chicago Midway Airport |
Distance | 248 miles away |
Airlines serving | Southwest Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines |
Popular airline | Southwest Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $131 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 14 mins |