Traveling from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD): What you need to know
Your adventure begins at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) setting off from either of these.
Expect to be in the air for 2 hours 15 minutes. That's the average time for a direct Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport flight.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is one hour behind Washington DC. O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago.
The most popular route is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), with 131 direct weekly services. If you're looking to take off without delay, the earliest flight from DCA to ORD is the 5:59am American Airlines option. If a later start suits your schedule, the last departure is at 10:09pm with American Airlines.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your flight from Washington DC to ORD.
In peak travel periods, expect extended wait times and get there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international trips.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
You can hop on a direct flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA).
You can travel on a direct flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport with United Airlines. This top carrier offers services from DCA.
The preferred choice for passengers flying between DCA and ORD is United Airlines.
American Airlines shines when it comes to on-time performance. An impressive 84.11% of its services on this route arrive as scheduled.
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometers in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some bonus sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Ronald Reagan National Airport:
76.44% of flights leaving from Ronald Reagan National Airport make it to their destination on time.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Consider beginning your travels from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). You can book a direct Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) plane ticket from this hub.
Catch your direct flight from Washington DC to ORD with United Airlines. This is one of the leading carriers flying this route out of IAD.
United Airlines is the top choice for passengers flying from IAD to ORD.
United Airlines is the most punctual carrier flying from Washington Dulles International Airport to O'Hare International Airport, with 79.23% of its services arriving as scheduled.
With public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in about 1 hour 10 minutes. The airport is roughly 56 kilometers away, and getting there by car will take approximately 50 minutes.
Taking off bright and early? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your Washington DC to ORD flight:
74.39% of all departures from Washington Dulles International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Begin your journey at Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and go straight to your destination without layovers. You can book direct flights from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport out of here.
Choose any of these popular airlines offering direct Washington DC to ORD plane tickets from BWI:
The majority of travelers prefer to book seats with United Airlines from BWI to ORD.
Among carriers operating on this route, United Airlines leads the way for on-time arrivals.
From the center of Washington DC, BWI is around 48 kilometers away. It takes roughly 50 minutes to arrive by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so if you take public transport.
Make catching an early Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these accommodation options near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and get to your departure gate with plenty of time to spare:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights arrive when they should. At BWI, that figure is 77.13%.
About O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and discover more of Chicago and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around four weeks in advance of your Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport flight can help you find the best deal.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Getting from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago
Central Chicago is about 26 kilometers from O'Hare International Airport. Travel times by car rental or cab will vary depending on time of day, so do some research ahead of time.
Traveling on public transport will take you roughly 55 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
$43 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport. A return flight starts from $95. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Washington DC to ORD if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Cheap Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport tickets are easier to find when your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across every month and then pick the cheapest day.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from Washington DC to ORD by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when prices go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport.
The best time to fly from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
August is the most popular month for flights from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Visit Chicago in February if you'd rather be there when it's quieter.
Lock in a Washington DC to ORD plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January has temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Washington DC to O'Hare International Airport, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Millennium Park and Lollapalooza are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Chicago to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Art Institute of Chicago.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Chicago, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Journey about 290 kilometers south-east to Indianapolis to check off its top attractions. From 9-11 Memorial to Lucas Oil Stadium and Eiteljorg Museum, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in the United States, consider Milwaukee, about 121 kilometers north of Chicago. Richards Duplex Apartments by Frank Lloyd Wright, Miller Park and Milwaukee County Zoo are among its highlights.