$86 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD)

View $86 flight on Sat, May 9, 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 $86 for one-way flights and $160 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Wed, May 6 - Mon, May 11
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$160 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$160
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 6 from Washington to Chicago, returning Mon, May 11, priced at $160 found 8 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Feb 19 - Thu, Feb 26
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$179 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$179
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 19 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Feb 26, priced at $179 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Apr 11 - Mon, Apr 20
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$181 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$181
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Apr 11 from Washington to Chicago, returning Mon, Apr 20, priced at $181 found 8 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Feb 19 - Thu, Feb 26
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$184 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$184
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 19 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Feb 26, priced at $184 found 5 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Mon, Aug 31 - Sat, Sep 5
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$185 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$185
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Washington to Chicago, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $185 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Apr 14 - Thu, Apr 16
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$187 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$187
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Apr 14 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Apr 16, priced at $187 found 14 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Apr 14 - Thu, Apr 23
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$187 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$187
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Apr 14 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Apr 23, priced at $187 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Wed, Apr 29 - Thu, Apr 30
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$189 Roundtrip, just found
$189
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Apr 29 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Apr 30, priced at $189 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Apr 22 - Thu, Apr 30
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$192 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Apr 22 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Apr 30, priced at $192 found 9 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Apr 7 - Thu, Apr 16
DCA
Washington
ORD
Chicago
$194 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$194
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Apr 7 from Washington to Chicago, returning Thu, Apr 16, priced at $194 found 8 hours 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 $366
MDW
Midway Intl.
Closest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $366

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $117 - $210 per traveler.
Flights from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD)
Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$160
Distance
610 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 17 mins

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 May. 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 $86 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.

 

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 $86 and cheap return flights from $160 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.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.