$148 Cheap Flights from Decatur (DEC) to Chicago (ORD)
Popular airlines from Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD)
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Cheap Flights from Decatur to Chicago (DEC-ORD)
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Decatur (DEC) to Chicago (ORD) at a glance
Travel from Decatur Airport (DEC) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on this convenient domestic short-haul route. Discover the best flight departure options that align with your schedule as you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago. Here, you'll find essential information on flights from Decatur to Chicago, ensuring a smooth trip flight from Decatur.
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m 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 $80–$195, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Decatur Airport (DEC) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for direct flights from Decatur to Chicago. These options allow you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the most suitable itinerary for your needs.
- United: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights and dominates departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $80 and $195, with an overall travel duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Alternative route from Decatur (DEC) to Chicago (ORD)
- Decatur to Chicago (DEC-MDW): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
How to find the best prices for flights from Decatur (DEC) to Chicago (ORD)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Decatur 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 usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) tend to be the least expensive and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesdays often results in lower prices, while Fridays remain the busiest 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 O'Hare International Airport from Decatur Airport
Chicago welcomes travelers from Decatur 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 a short 0.1-mile walk away, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is located about 2.2 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.
Decatur to Chicago Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Decatur 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 Decatur to Chicago are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Decatur to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Decatur to Chicago
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $148 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $148 and cheap return flights $159 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $97 to $247, and return flights typically cost between $148 and $490. 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DEC to ORD 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
United offers around 12 weekly direct flights from DEC to ORD.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Decatur (DEC) to Chicago (ORD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $148. 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Decatur, IL (DEC) 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, United typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from DEC to ORD, 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
On average, there are around 2 nonstop flights per day from (DEC) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Decatur (DEC) to O'Hare International (ORD) typically departs at around 9:35 AM, operated by United. This is a seasonal service active in September and October, and an early departure can help you make the most of your day 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 64% of passengers prefer this time window. United Airlines offers flights during this window. Many travelers choose this time because it allows for a convenient start to their day, making it easier to reach Chicago for meetings or leisure activities.
How long does it take to fly from Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DEC to ORD takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 157 miles. 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for DEC to ORD flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 DEC (DEC)?
From DEC (DEC), you can fly typically into O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to reach 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 Decatur, IL (DEC) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your Decatur, IL (DEC) 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 | Decatur, IL |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport |
Distance | 156 miles away |
Airlines serving | United |
Popular airline | United |
Roundtrip price | $159 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 17 mins |