Flying from Dallas to Chicago: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Dallas to Chicago. Explore the options for taking off from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), two of the city's main airports.
When it comes to landing in Chicago, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub. Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is another.
Take a direct Dallas to Chicago flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 2 hours 25 minutes.
Dallas and Chicago follow the same timezone, UTC-6.
The busiest route for flights from Dallas to Chicago is from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). There are 135 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DFW to ORD is the 05:00 American Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the latest available service is at 22:30 with American Airlines.
To ensure you board your Dallas to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dallas to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Dallas to Chicago flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Dallas to Chicago throughout the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Dallas to Chicago by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Lock in a cheap Dallas to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Dallas
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Set off from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and fly straight through to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). If you're looking for a direct flight from Dallas to Chicago out of DFW, those are your arrival choices.
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Dallas to Chicago plane tickets out of DFW. Claim your seat with one of these carriers:
DFW is around 24 kilometers from central Dallas. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour.
Booked an early flight from Dallas to Chicago? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport:
72% of flights that leave from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport make it to their destination on time.
The address for DFW is 2400 Aviation Dr.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 26 kilometers. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the center driving.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Dallas to Chicago. Book one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Pick up a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are top providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
As soon as your flight from Dallas to Chicago has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city center in around 25 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 14 kilometers from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Public transport will get you there in around 30 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to lay your head close to MDW. Kick back after your Dallas to Chicago flight at any of these well-located options:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
Chicago Midway Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Step off your flight from Dallas to Chicago and head directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometers from Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) and usually takes 1 hour 40 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will take you there in about 2 hours.
Be in control of the next leg of your journey with a Chicago Rockford Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road effortless.
Rental agencies sometimes offer discounts for early bookings, so book your vehicle from RFD ahead of your flight from Dallas to Chicago. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
Chicago Rockford Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Dallas to Chicago. July is the most popular month to visit Chicago. If you want a quieter vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Lock in your Dallas to Chicago ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you like traveling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Dallas to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Chicago right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Dallas to Chicago:
All great vacations should include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Explore more of the United States
Chicago has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be explored. About 451 kilometers southeast of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
Around 257 kilometers southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in the United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.