Cheap Flights from Dubuque (DBQ) to Chicago (ORD)

Dubuque (DBQ) to Chicago (ORD) at a glance

Travel from Dubuque (DBQ) to Chicago (ORD) with a full-service airline on this short domestic route. Discover the flight options that align with your schedule and plans as you delve into the iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago. Here, you can find essential information about flights from Dubuque Regional Airport to O'Hare International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1 hour non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 150 miles (240 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $70–$190, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for non-stop flights from Dubuque to Chicago. These options allow you to customize your journey by balancing price, overall travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary for your needs.

• Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection: This comprehensive airline provides non-stop flights, primarily dominating this route with one-way fares usually falling between $70 and $190. The complete travel time is approximately 1 hour.

Best time to fly from Dubuque (DBQ) to Chicago (ORD)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Dubuque to Chicago are May, June, and December, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 67.3°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 25.7°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $95. Flight availability peaks in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December, with approximately 7 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $95, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: March typically offers an average one-way fare of around $98.
• Most flight options: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December have the highest number of flights from Dubuque to Chicago, with approximately 7 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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Dubuque (DBQ) to Chicago (ORD)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Dubuque 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 usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often provide lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically costs less, although Thursday 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 Dubuque Regional Airport

Chicago welcomes travelers from Dubuque 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 located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is situated approximately 2.2 miles from the airport and can be reached by car.

Dubuque to Chicago Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Dubuque to Chicago

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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.