$59 Cheap Flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (MDW)
Popular airlines from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport (MSP) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
DeltaDelta
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to Chicago (MSP-MDW)
Alternative airports near Chicago
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance
Travel between Minneapolis (MSP) and Chicago (MDW) with a selection of airlines that operate this popular domestic route. Whether you prefer full-service options or budget-friendly carriers, you can find the right itinerary to suit your needs and budget as you embark on an adventure to explore Chicago’s renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Discover essential information for flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Midway International Airport (MDW).
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 350 miles (565 km)
- Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $40–$335, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Midway International Airport (MDW)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines frequently selected for flights from Minneapolis to Chicago, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Notable layovers include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an approximate 3-hour wait, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a roughly 45-minute layover. These choices allow you to tailor your travel plans by balancing cost, overall travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.
- Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly airline, Southwest provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $40 and $335. It makes up about 57% of departures on this route, typically taking 1 hour and 30 minutes for non-stop flights.
- Delta: Known as a full-service airline, Delta offers non-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $50 to $340. This carrier accounts for nearly 42% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Frontier Airlines: A low-cost option, Frontier provides one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $85 and $155. Representing around 1% of departures on this route, the in-flight time is 4 hours and 30 minutes, totaling about 6 hours and 30 minutes with layover included.
Travelers flying from Minneapolis to Chicago can opt to enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service on this route.
Best time to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (MDW)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Minneapolis to Chicago are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 33.1°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $111. Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 32 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $111, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: September and November typically offer average one-way fares of around $116.
- Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from Minneapolis to Chicago, with approximately 32 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 25.7°F (-3.5°C) | Moderately Low | 17 | $168 |
| February | 27.0°F (-2.8°C) | Moderately Low | 14 | $181 |
| March | 37.0°F (2.8°C) | Moderately High | 22 | $172 |
| April | 46.0°F (7.8°C) | Moderately High | 23 | $151 |
| May | 57.0°F (13.9°C) | Average | 26 | $131 |
| June | 67.3°F (19.6°C) | Average | 28 | $147 |
| July | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | Average | 28 | $161 |
| August | 73.0°F (22.8°C) | Moderately High | 31 | $139 |
| September | 67.1°F (19.5°C) | Average | 32 | $114 |
| October | 54.9°F (12.7°C) | Average | 27 | $111 |
| November | 42.3°F (5.7°C) | Average | 27 | $119 |
| December | 33.1°F (0.6°C) | Moderately Low | 26 | $135 |
*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 route from Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (MDW)
- Minneapolis to Chicago (MSP-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $50 and $335, influenced by the season and booking timing. This route is usually available with both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include United and Delta. Additionally, travelers can opt for first-class service on this route.
How to find the best prices for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (MDW)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Minneapolis 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 typically available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) often provide lower prices, even though morning flights (5 a.m.-12 p.m.) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday usually offers cheaper fares, while Friday remains 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 Midway International Airport from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport
Chicago welcomes travelers from Minneapolis 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 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 located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Chicago Ashburn Station (a train station) is about 4.1 miles away by car. For those looking to reach the waterfront, Lyons Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 7.2 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.
Minneapolis to Chicago Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Chicago are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Minneapolis to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Minneapolis to Chicago
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $59 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $59 and cheap return flights $117 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $83 and $549, and roundtrip flights usually range from $168 to $673. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from MSP to MDW is November 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Delta operates around 30 direct flights from MSP to MDW every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) to Midway Intl. (MDW), starting from around $115. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) 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. WN offers the most daily flights from MSP 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
You can find approximately 9 nonstop flights per day from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) to Midway Intl. (MDW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago typically departs at around 5:00 AM. This flight is operated by Southwest Airlines. An early departure 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Chicago, IL (MDW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to start their day early and arrive in Chicago with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from MSP to MDW takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 348 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the MSP to MDW route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP)?
From Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), you can fly into Midway Intl. (MDW) and O'Hare Intl. (ORD) in Chicago. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Denver Intl. (DEN), Nashville Intl. (BNA) 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
If you booked your Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 | Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Chicago Midway Airport |
Distance | 348 miles away |
Airlines serving | Delta, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines |
Popular airline | Delta |
Roundtrip price | $117 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 33 mins |