Traveling from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago is 2 hours.
Chicago is one hour behind Washington DC, where Baltimore Washington International Airport is located. Chicago follows the UTC-6 timezone.
The busiest flight route is from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). You can pick from 45 services between these airports each week.
For a relaxed start to your BWI to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're traveling during high season in general.
You can book a direct Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago ticket. Begin your journey at BWI and touch down at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
These are some of the popular airlines operating direct flights from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago:
The journey from central Washington DC to BWI takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometers in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Have an early flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to BWI:
77% of flights that depart Baltimore Washington International Airport make it to their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago
$60 is currently the best price for a one-way Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago flight. Return plane tickets start from $129. These prices can change depending on demand.
To pick up cheap flights from BWI to Chicago, reserve your journey one month ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for finding cheap Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from BWI to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Find an affordable flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 27 kilometers from central Chicago. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 30 minutes.
It typically takes 45 minutes when traveling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from BWI to Chicago.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The center of Chicago is about 16 kilometers from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 25 minutes.
Traveling by public transport will take around 30 minutes.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near MDW. Kick back and get cozy after your BWI to Chicago flight at any of these well-located options:
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is about 145 kilometers from central Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to reach the city center in a cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago.
If you're using public transport, the journey takes around 2 hours.
If you don't want to make your way into the center, choose a hotel near RFD. Get comfortable at one of these options after your BWI to Chicago flight:
If you prefer a particular kind of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at snagging what you want. Reserve your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago. July is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in January.
Lock in a Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago plane ticket with a departure in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from BWI to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Chicago, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Chicago itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Willis Tower.
Explore more of the United States
Columbus is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometers away to the southeast, check out popular attractions including Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Whetstone Park / Park of Roses and Ohio Theater.
Indianapolis is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 257 kilometers southeast of Chicago. No trip is complete without dropping by Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.