Flying from New York to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from New York to Chicago. Explore your options for departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), two of the city's main airports.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points to Chicago.
A direct flight from New York to Chicago takes on average 2 hours 40 minutes. The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, making it 1 hour behind New York.
The most popular route for flights from New York to Chicago is from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of 354 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from EWR to ORD is the 05:51 United Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 22:50 with Spirit Airlines.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from New York to Chicago.
Taking off during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
For a domestic flight within United States, you won't need a passport or visa. However, you'll have to present some form of identification, such as an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've booked cheap flights from New York to Chicago, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
If you're looking for a direct flight from New York to Chicago, you can board one at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Fly from EWR to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one seamless trip.
Popular carriers that offer direct flights from New York to Chicago leaving from EWR include:
We make it simple to find a flight from New York to Chicago that includes a stopover. To see all the options departing from Newark Liberty International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
The journey from central New York to EWR takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 24 kilometres in 28 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Newark Liberty International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from New York to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Rather start your trip at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)? This popular terminal also offers direct flights from New York to Chicago — you can seamlessly connect to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Top airlines that have direct flights from New York to Chicago jetting off from JFK include:
Split up your flight from New York to Chicago with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick another place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Newark Liberty International Airport and Chicago are:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
JFK is around 48 kilometres from central New York. It'll take 48 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near John F. Kennedy International Airport the day before your flight from New York to Chicago:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 54 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to ORD if you're taking a late flight from New York to Chicago. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
After your flight from New York to Chicago has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 21 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
You can also travel using public transport, which will take approximately 46 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from New York to Chicago:
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Chicago
ر.ق. 127 is the best price for a one-way ticket from New York to Chicago. A return flight starts from ر.ق. 255. These fares can change based on availability and demand.
To score cheap tickets from New York to Chicago, book your trip 9 months before the departure date.
May is the cheapest month for flight tickets from New York to Chicago. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap ticket from New York to Chicago is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Use filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from New York to Chicago, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from New York to Chicago. August is the most popular month to visit Chicago. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from New York to Chicago in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Look for cheap tickets from New York to Chicago around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from New York to Chicago, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Browse our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from New York to Chicago. Whether you're searching for a compact ride, spacious sedan or something more luxurious, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the best deal.
