$72 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Baltimore (BWI)

Chicago (ORD) to Baltimore (BWI) at a glance

Travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) with a range of airlines on this convenient domestic route. Explore various options from full-service to low-cost carriers, allowing you to find the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. Whether you're planning to visit Baltimore's iconic attractions or vibrant neighborhoods, you can easily compare flight times and discover the latest deals on flights for your trip from Chicago to Baltimore.

• Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 40+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Baltimore, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, around 1 hour and 15 minutes), and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, about 1 hour and 30 minutes). This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.

• United: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $75 and $360. It represents around 41% of departures on this route, and the total travel time is approximately 2 hours.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, offering both non-stop and one-stop flights, typically priced from $70 to $385 for one-way tickets. It accounts for about 40% of departures, with a direct flight lasting around 2 hours.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating as a low-cost carrier, Frontier features both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $50 to $220. It holds about 10% of the route's departures and offers a non-stop travel duration of 2 hours.
• Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline provides non-stop and one-stop options as well, with fares typically between $70 and $360 for one-way travel. Southwest makes up around 8% of departures on this route, and non-stop flights take about 2 hours.
• Delta: A full-service airline that offers one-stop service, Delta's one-way fares typically range from $90 to $370. It comprises approximately 2% of departures, with a flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey duration of about 6 hours, including a layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Chicago to Baltimore, with American Airlines and United both providing first class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Baltimore (BWI)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Baltimore are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Baltimore reach up to 58.8°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 63.9°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $147. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 52 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 27 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $147, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: October, January, and February typically offer average one-way fares of around $151.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Baltimore, with approximately 52 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.

Alternative routes from Chicago (ORD) to Baltimore (BWI)

• Chicago to Baltimore (MDW-BWI): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $50 and $360, influenced by the season and timing of your booking. Travelers can select from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating on this route include low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
• Chicago to Washington (ORD-DCA): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). One-way economy tickets on this route typically range from $80 to $350, depending on the time of year and when you make your reservation. This route features both non-stop and one-stop flight choices. Key airlines for this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Baltimore (BWI)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Baltimore 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. Departures in the morning (5 AM-12 PM) often offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday typically provides cheaper rates, 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 Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Baltimore welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Baltimore efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Baltimore, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall 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 Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Metro Station (a metro station) is located about 0.3 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Baltimore-Washington International Airport Station (a train station) is situated approximately 1.7 miles away by car.

Chicago to Baltimore Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Baltimore

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

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Baltimore

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Baltimore: 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 Chicago to Baltimore

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 Chicago to Baltimore in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $72 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 Chicago to Baltimore 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 Chicago to Baltimore 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.