$89 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD)

View $89 flight on Tue, Jul 7, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Chicago (DCA-ORD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $89 for one-way flights and $193 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

JetBlue Airways
Tue, Jul 7 - Wed, Jul 22
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$193 Roundtrip, just found
$193
Roundtrip
just found
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Tue, Jul 7 from Washington to Chicago, returning Wed, Jul 22, priced at $193 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Jul 1 - Tue, Jul 7
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$197 Roundtrip, just found
$197
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jul 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Jul 7, priced at $197 just found
United
Wed, Jul 1 - Tue, Jul 7
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$197 Roundtrip, just found
$197
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jul 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Jul 7, priced at $197 just found
JetBlue Airways
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 15
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$203 Roundtrip, just found
$203
Roundtrip
just found
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $203 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Jul 1 - Tue, Jul 7
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$207 Roundtrip, just found
$207
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jul 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Jul 7, priced at $207 just found
United
Tue, Sep 1 - Mon, Sep 7
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$208 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Mon, Sep 7, priced at $208 found 5 days ago
United
Wed, Jul 1 - Tue, Jul 7
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$209 Roundtrip, just found
$209
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jul 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Jul 7, priced at $209 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Aug 22 - Tue, Aug 25
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$211 Roundtrip, just found
$211
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 22 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Aug 25, priced at $211 just found
Delta
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 2
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$217 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$217
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Chicago, returning Wed, Sep 2, priced at $217 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Jun 27 - Tue, Jun 30
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$234 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$234
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Jun 27 from Washington to Chicago, returning Tue, Jun 30, priced at $234 found 1 hour ago

Alternative airports near Chicago

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Midway Intl. MDW. Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $443
MDW
Midway Intl.
Closest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $443

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to O'Hare Intl.

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

Travel from Washington, D.C. (DCA) to Chicago (ORD) with a range of airlines on this popular domestic short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service to low-cost carriers to discover the best flight time that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to Chicago's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, be sure to check out the latest deals on flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to O'Hare International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 70+ 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Chicago, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover airports include Logan International Airport (BOS) with around a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with a 45-minute layover, and Denver International Airport (DEN) offering about a 1 hour layover. These selections provide the flexibility to mix and match pricing, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.

  • United: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices usually between $90 and $380. United operates about 50% of the departures on this route, and the flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $80 to $365. They account for around 47% of departures, with a standard non-stop travel time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • JetBlue Airways: As a budget carrier, JetBlue provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $80 and $255. They represent about 1% of departures, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, totaling around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline also features one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $210. Frontier accounts for approximately 1% of departures, with 4 hours and 15 minutes of flight time and a total journey time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Offering one-stop flights as a full-service carrier, Delta's one-way fares typically fall between $115 and $325. Their in-flight time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in an overall travel duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Washington to Chicago can enhance their journey by upgrading to first class, with premium service available from both United and American Airlines.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Chicago are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.1°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $168. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 98 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 55 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $168, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $178.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Washington to Chicago, with approximately 98 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Average55$202
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Average56$196
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Moderately High73$204
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Moderately High69$199
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Average83$180
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Average92$190
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Moderately High98$176
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Average89$168
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Moderately Low76$185
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Average90$195
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Moderately Low72$215
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Moderately Low63$205

*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 Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD)

  • Washington to Chicago (DCA-MDW): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One-way economy fares for this route generally fall between $80 and $385, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Notable airlines operating on this route include low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines and Delta. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.
  • Washington to Chicago (IAD-ORD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy tickets on this route typically vary from $85 to $385, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Options for this journey include both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines serving this route are United and Frontier Airlines, a low-cost carrier. First-class service is also available on this route.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 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, while morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Saturday tends to be cheaper, 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 O'Hare International Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Chicago welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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 about 2.2 miles from the airport and typically reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $89 and cheap return flights from $193 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $120 and $755, and return flights often range between $205 and $1165. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Chicago, IL (ORD), with average return fares around $259. This is about 14% lower than the average price throughout the year, as August typically sees lower travel demand. Other economical months to consider are May and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from DCA to ORD:

  • United operates around 98 direct flights from DCA to ORD every week
  • American Airlines operates around 67 direct flights from DCA to ORD every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD), 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington to Chicago, 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
For flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Chicago, IL (ORD), the best times to travel are in August and September. During these months, you can find return flights averaging around $259, which is quite economical. August is popular for summer vacations, while September offers a chance to enjoy the early fall weather in Chicago with fewer crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There are approximately 24 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service can help you maximize your time in 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Chicago (ORD) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, operate flights during this time. This timing is favored as it allows you to arrive in Chicago with a full day to enjoy the city.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DCA to ORD takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 610 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 50 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DCA to ORD. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Washington, DC (DCA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) typically costs between $768 - $1,027. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $424 - $597. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
When traveling from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Chicago, you can fly into Midway Intl. (MDW) and O'Hare Intl. (ORD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Nashville Intl. (BNA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Orlando Intl. (MCO) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Roundtrip price
$192
Distance
610 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 18 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Chicago Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Chicago

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $89 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Chicago Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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