Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Dubuque (DBQ)

Chicago (ORD) to Dubuque (DBQ) at a glance

Travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) on a convenient domestic short-haul route with a full-service carrier. Discover the itinerary that aligns with your travel plans and explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Dubuque. Check out the key details for Chicago to Dubuque flights, including options for affordable airfare and schedules that suit your needs.

• Fastest flight duration: around 55 minutes 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 $70–$190, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Chicago to Dubuque. This selection allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the best itinerary for your needs.

• Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection: This all-inclusive airline provides direct flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $70 and $190. It handles nearly all departures for this route, with a flight duration of 55 minutes.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Dubuque (DBQ)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Dubuque are January, May, and August, when peak temperatures in Dubuque reach up to 71.1°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 64°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $93. Flight availability peaks in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December, with approximately 7 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $93, roughly 28% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Most flight options: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December have the highest number of flights from Chicago to Dubuque, with approximately 7 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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Dubuque (DBQ)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Dubuque 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 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper prices, while Sunday remains the busiest 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.* Find Dubuque hotel and flight deals.
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 Dubuque Regional Airport from O'Hare International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Dubuque, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Dubuque Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Dubuque Regional 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 Dubuque Regional Airport, Dubuque, Iowa Seaport, a seaport, is located about 7 miles from the airport.

Chicago to Dubuque Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Dubuque

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

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Dubuque

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

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 Dubuque in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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.