AUS - CHI

$132 Find Cheap Flights from Austin to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$256
Typical prices: $261-$428
Frontier
Fri 10/26Sun 10/28
AUS - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$259
Typical prices: $264-$431
Southwest
Wed 10/31Sat 11/3
AUS - MDW • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
Southwest free carry-on helps value; American Main Cabin Extra adds perks.
United Economy Plus adds legroom; Qatar Economy includes a checked bag.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. Average duration is 2h 49m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 5% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 5 weeks in advance save around 36% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 29% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $194 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 5h 13m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Chicago!

Cheap Flights from Austin to Chicago (AUS-CHI)

 

Cheap flights from Austin to Chicago with top airlines, updated regularly. Compare round-trip, one-way, direct and last-minute deals.

Mon, Oct 26 - Wed, Oct 28
Frontier Logo
9:12 pm - 5:16 amAUS  Austin Bergstrom-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
8h 04m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 7:26 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-AUS Austin Bergstrom
12h 56m1 stop Denver Intl
$256Frontier
Thu, Oct 29 - Sun, Nov 1
Frontier Logo
3:43 pm - 11:47 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-MDW Chicago Midway
8h 04m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Frontier Logo
6:16 am - 1:54 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-AUS Austin Bergstrom
7h 38m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$257Frontier
Sat, Nov 21 - Wed, Nov 25
Southwest Logo
7:25 pm - 12:45 amAUS  Austin Bergstrom-MDW Chicago Midway
5h 20m1 stop Dallas Love Field
Southwest Logo
6:10 pm - 11:45 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-AUS Austin Bergstrom
5h 35m1 stop Houston Hobby
$258Southwest
Fri, Dec 11 - Sat, Dec 12
Delta Logo
8:15 am - 1:01 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 46m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Delta Logo
10:24 am - 3:40 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-AUS Austin Bergstrom
5h 16m1 stop Minneapolis St Paul
$258Delta
Thu, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 17
Delta Logo
4:51 pm - 10:54 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-MDW Chicago Midway
6h 03m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Delta Logo
9:30 am - 2:29 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-AUS Austin Bergstrom
4h 59m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
$258Delta
Sat, Oct 31 - Tue, Nov 3
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 9:15 amAUS  Austin Bergstrom-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
10:05 am - 12:50 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-AUS Austin Bergstrom
2h 45mnonstop
$259Southwest
Thu, Oct 29 - Tue, Nov 3
American Airlines Logo
4:29 pm - 10:10 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
5h 41m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
American Airlines Logo
8:38 am - 11:36 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-AUS Austin Bergstrom
2h 58mnonstop
$262American Airlines
Sat, Nov 21 - Tue, Nov 24
American Airlines Logo
5:00 pm - 11:08 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 08m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
American Airlines Logo
9:15 pm - 12:31 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-AUS Austin Bergstrom
3h 16mnonstop
$262American Airlines
Sat, Jan 2 - Tue, Jan 5
United Airlines Logo
6:35 am - 9:31 amAUS  Austin Bergstrom-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 56mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:22 pm - 9:35 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-AUS Austin Bergstrom
7h 13m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
$264United Airlines
Fri, Dec 11 - Tue, Dec 22
United Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 4:21 pmAUS  Austin Bergstrom-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 51mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 10:50 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-AUS Austin Bergstrom
3h 05mnonstop
$264United Airlines

Price, demand and travel trends for Austin to Chicago flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Austin to Chicago?

Round-trip flights from Austin to Chicago typically range from $261 to $428. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $256, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Austin to Chicago flight route?

There's little price difference between Austin to Chicago routes. They average around $337 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Austin to Chicago?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Austin to Chicago. It’s 8% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 27% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Austin to Chicago?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Austin to Chicago at $234 round-trip.
•September ($378) and June ($355) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 61% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Austin to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Austin to Chicago are cheapest 5 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 36% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice for your flight from Austin to Chicago

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Qatar Airways, United Airlines, ORD and MDW

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines and AUS

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Key details for Austin to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$132
Beat the crowds with an average 43% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 64% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Austin to Chicago Midway Airport

When to book flights from Austin to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Austin to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Flights from Austin to Chicago: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Austin to Chicago 
Verified travelerFlew with American Airlines-Aug 2026
Be aware that it may take you an hour after you land before you arrive at your gate at ORD.
Verified travelerFlew with American Airlines-Aug 2026
Rebook before boarding or you may get stuck on plane and overnight in airport

Your Austin to Chicago flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Austin to Chicago?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Austin to Chicago:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:05 am and lands at 7:54 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:25 pm and lands at 1:14 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 49m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Austin to Chicago?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Austin to Chicago:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Austin to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Austin to Chicago takes 2h 49m, covering 981 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Austin to Chicago?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Austin to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from Austin to Chicago range from $261 to $428, with an average of $328 over the past 12 months. Anything below $261 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Austin to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 29% above the $328 route average. Book 5 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Austin to Chicago?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $194 round-trip via Fort Lauderdale (FLL), compared to $332 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Austin to Chicago?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from Austin to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Austin to Chicago flights, with 51% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 33%, evening flights for 16%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Austin to Chicago changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $256 to $1,857. That means the highest observed fare was about 7x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Austin to Chicago flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Austin to Chicago flights:

    • American Airlines
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from Austin to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from Austin to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $136, which is 31% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    • Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    • Europcar
    • Hertz
    • Ace
    • Dollar

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Budget
    • Alamo
    • Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $28:

    • Alamo
    • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    • Budget
    • Avis
    • National

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Austin to Chicago?

    Flights from Austin to Chicago usually depart from Austin Bergstrom (AUS) and may arrive at several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Austin to Chicago pass through?

    One-stop flights from Austin to Chicago most commonly connect through:

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 65% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 12% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 8% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 5% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Austin to Chicago?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 27% on flights from Austin to Chicago. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $305 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $417, a difference of $112.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Austin to Chicago?

    3 airlines operate flights between Austin and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Austin to Chicago?

    Flying via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 5h 13m, compared with 5h 37m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and 5h 46m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and Soldier Field. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Austin to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating Austin to Chicago flights:

    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Austin to Chicago flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Are there nonstop flights from Austin to Chicago?

    You can get Chicago flight deals from several airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. These flights are excellent options if you have time constraints, although the tickets might be relatively more expensive. Another option would be to take a United Airlines or American Airlines flight with one stop in Houston and Dallas, respectively.

  • How can I get to downtown Chicago from O'Hare International Airport?

    There are various ways to get to the downtown area from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. You can take the CTA Blue Line trains that depart from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These take about 45min to arrive in the city center, and they cost just a few dollars. You can also take the GO Airport Express shuttle to the city center, but these have several stops along the way. Taxis are also available, but their services come at a higher price, although they can get downtown in approx. 35min. Otherwise, you can rent a car or use ride-hire services.

  • Are there airport hotels at O'Hare?

    The Hilton O'Hare Airport Hotel is located inside the airport, right opposite T1, T2, and T3. You can easily access it from [international] Terminal 5 using the Airport Transit System that links the terminals to economy parking. In addition to providing convenient flight boarding, the airport is well connected to the downtown area via the CTA Blue Line.

  • Where can I get dropped off at the Austin airport?

    Your driver can drop you off at the upper level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Signs are strategically placed to lead you right to the drop-off zone. For parking space, head to the Red, Blue, or Economy garage for short- and long-term parking.

Your guide to booking Austin to Chicago flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $305, about $112 less than Sunday fares (27% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 5 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 36% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Austin to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $234 round-trip in that month - typically $144 less than the most expensive month, which is September (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $194 round-trip on this route - about $138 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport.

    • DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    • Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
    • Skylark Motel
  • In Chicago, flights from Austin can touch down at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), or Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). Among these, O'Hare—which is about 15 miles from the Loop (downtown)—is the largest airport and has the most domestic and international flight options, including flights by JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and many others.
  • Although Midway is a smaller commercial airport, it is closer to the downtown area, at only about 8 miles away. It's an ideal arrival hub if you’re on a corporate trip, thanks to its convenience and its affordable transportation to business points of interest, such as the 99th Floor at Willis Tower.
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has two terminals: Barbara Jordan and The South Terminal. Barbara Jordan Terminal is ideal for its convenient cargo handling and easy flight boarding, since most flights, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and British Airways, depart from here. Only Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air take off from the newly constructed South Terminal.
  • Looking for parking spots at the Austin Airport? The Red and Blue parking garages are the closest options to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, and they charge about $3 per hour and a daily maximum of $10. Alternatively, you can choose the economy parking lot for a daily maximum of $8, but it’s a bit farther from the terminal.
  • One advantage of flying from Austin-Bergstrom Airport is that you can admire the airport's artsy and cultural displays at various locations within the airport. For fine-arts exhibits, visit the Kiosk Displays near Gate 10 or Moore's Crossing Gallery opposite Gate 12.

Prefer to fly direct from Austin to Chicago?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Austin Bergstrom Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Austin Bergstrom to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Austin Bergstrom

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Austin to Chicago

Complete your trip to Chicago with a hotel stay or car rental