CHI - DEN

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$157
Typical prices: $198-$347
Frontier
Tue 12/11Wed 12/12
ORD - DEN • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$158
Typical prices: $199-$349
Frontier
Thu 12/6Tue 1/16
ORD - DEN • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and others. Average duration is 2h 52m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 6% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 84% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 9 weeks in advance save around 36% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 20% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $109 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 31m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Denver (CHI-DEN)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Denver

Fri, Dec 11 - Tue, Dec 15
Frontier Logo
4:08 pm - 10:31 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
7h 23m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
Frontier Logo
9:26 pm - 12:54 amDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 28mnonstop
$157Frontier
Fri, Dec 11 - Sat, Dec 12
Frontier Logo
4:08 pm - 10:31 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
7h 23m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
Frontier Logo
9:26 pm - 12:54 amDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 28mnonstop
$157Frontier
Thu, Dec 17 - Wed, Dec 30
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:45 am - 4:01 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
5h 16m1 stop Minneapolis St Paul
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:59 pm - 12:26 amDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 27mnonstop
$192Multiple Airlines
Sat, Dec 5 - Sat, Dec 12
United Airlines Logo
8:07 pm - 9:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
2h 52mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
3:50 pm - 7:28 pmDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 38mnonstop
$199United Airlines
Wed, Dec 9 - Wed, Dec 16
Southwest Logo
8:05 am - 10:00 amMDW  Chicago Midway-DEN Denver Intl
2h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:05 pm - 9:30 pmDEN  Denver Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 25mnonstop
$199Southwest
Wed, Dec 9 - Wed, Dec 16
Southwest Logo
6:05 am - 8:00 amMDW  Chicago Midway-DEN Denver Intl
2h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:05 pm - 9:30 pmDEN  Denver Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 25mnonstop
$199Southwest
Thu, Nov 26 - Tue, Dec 1
United Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 4:23 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
2h 53mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
3:50 pm - 7:28 pmDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 38mnonstop
$200United Airlines
Tue, Nov 24 - Tue, Dec 1
American Airlines Logo
10:35 pm - 12:31 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
2h 56mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:11 pm - 9:56 pmDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 45mnonstop
$200American Airlines
Wed, Dec 2 - Thu, Dec 3
American Airlines Logo
10:40 pm - 12:30 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
2h 50mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
2:35 pm - 6:14 pmDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 39mnonstop
$200American Airlines
Fri, Nov 20 - Mon, Nov 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:15 am - 6:39 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DEN Denver Intl
8h 24m1 stop Minneapolis St Paul
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:26 pm - 12:53 amDEN  Denver Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 27mnonstop
$211Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Denver 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 Chicago to Denver?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Denver typically range from $198 to $347. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $157, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Denver flight route?

There's little price difference between Chicago to Denver routes. They average around $275 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Denver. It’s 4% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 13% higher.

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

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Denver at $212 round-trip.
•June ($293) and July ($286) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 38% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Chicago to Denver the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Denver are cheapest 9 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

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Denver

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

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, Frontier, 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.

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.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on DEN

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.

Key details for Chicago to Denver flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$96
Beat the crowds with an average 19% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 33% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Denver

When to book flights from Chicago to Denver

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

Your Chicago to Denver 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 Chicago to Denver?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 12:01 am and lands at 2:53 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:10 pm and lands at 2:02 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 52m.

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

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Denver:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Denver?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Denver takes 2h 52m, covering 899 miles.

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

    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 Chicago to Denver flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Denver range from $198 to $347, with an average of $264 over the past 12 months. Anything below $198 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 35% above the $264 route average. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $109 round-trip via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), compared to $265 for nonstop.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from Chicago to Denver?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Southwest has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Chicago to Denver flights are:

    • United Airlines: 84% on time
    • Southwest: 79% on time
    • Frontier: 77% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are punctual 80% of the time on average.

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

    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 Chicago to Denver spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to Denver flights, with 44% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 30%, evening flights for 13%, and night flights for 13%.

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

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Chicago to Denver 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.

  • Is it cheaper to take a train or bus instead of flying between Chicago and Denver?

    Based on prices from the last 5 days, flying between Chicago and Denver is around $157 round-trip, with a flight time of about 7h 23m. Recent bus fares are around $142, with a trip time of about 21h 35m. Compared with flying, recent bus fares are roughly 10% lower. However, taking the bus takes about 14+ hours longer each way.

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

    One-way fares from Chicago to Denver are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $101, which is 46% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Denver Intl Airport (DEN)?

    Denver Intl Airport (DEN) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $56 for economy cars. Top options include:

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

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

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

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Chicago to Denver?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Chicago to Denver?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Chicago to Denver route, 20% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 22m.

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

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

    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 58% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 28% of one-stop connections
    • Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) - 4% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 3% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 16% on flights from Chicago to Denver. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $254 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $299, a difference of $45.

    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 Chicago to Denver?

    4 airlines operate flights between Chicago and Denver. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest
    • Frontier

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

    Flying via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 31m, compared with 5h 59m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 6h 07m via Nashville Intl (BNA).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Denver?

    Denver is 1 hour behind Chicago (Mountain Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Denver?

    Some of the most popular sights in Denver are Colorado Convention Center, Coors Field and Ball Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Denver on KAYAK.

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

    Among airlines operating Chicago to Denver flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Frontier: offers free seat selection
    • American 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 Chicago to Denver flights?

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

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

  • What is the fastest way to get from downtown Chicago to MDW?

    Chicago's Orange Line train connects downtown Chicago to MDW in about 20–25 minutes, making it a fast and affordable option.

  • Is there public transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver?

    Yes, public transportation is available between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport (DEN) on the A-Line commuter train. The trip takes about 37 minutes. The train station is at the Transit Center on the ground level beside the Westin and downtown Denver is about 23 miles from DEN.

  • How do I get to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science from Denver International Airport (DEN)?

    Denver Museum of Nature & Science is about 18 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN). The Line 40 bus is a budget-friendly option and takes about 50 minutes. A taxi is quicker and more private, taking about 27 minutes.

  • Are there car rentals from DEN to the city center of Denver?

    Yes, the car rental area can be reached from the baggage claim area. Travelers exit through Lower Level Door #2 and take the shuttle from there.

  • Are there any services for passengers with disabilities at DEN upon their arrival?

    Yes, Denver International Airport (DEN) offers services for passengers with disabilities and limited mobility. Wheelchair service should be arranged through the airline at least 48 hours before scheduled departure. The terminal and concourses are wheelchair accessible. Elevators provide access to the Airline Level 5 check-in counters and between floors.

  • Are there pet relief areas at Chicago Midway International Airport?

    Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has two pet relief areas. One is indoors and located next to gate A5, with synthetic grass and a sitting area, while the outdoor facility, which is a fenced area that includes bags for dog waste and benches, is located at the north end of the lower level terminal drive.

  • Does DEN offer a cell phone lot for those picking up passengers?

    Yes, DEN has a free cell phone lot called Final Approach. It is located about three miles from the airport on Pena Blvd. People picking up arriving passengers can wait there. Waiting and parking are not allowed curbside at the terminal buildings.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Denver 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 Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $254, about $45 less than Monday fares (15% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 9 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 Chicago to Denver trip for January. Fares historically average $212 round-trip in that month - typically $81 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with United Airlines. Over the past three months, 84% of United Airlines flights from Chicago to Denver arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 80%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 22m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $109 round-trip on this route - about $156 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 Denver Intl Airport.

    • The Westin Denver International Airport
  • If you're flying United Airlines from Chicago to Denver International Airport (DEN), plan to use Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). United has a hub there.
  • Traveling with kids from Chicago to Denver? Stop by the Family Lounge in Terminal 2 past the security checkpoint at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). You’ll find colorful seating, device charging stations and stroller parking for travelers with infants.
  • Before your flight, check your airline’s pet policy and whether your destination requires additional documentation. Frontier Airlines allows domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small household birds in the cabin on flights within the United States. Pets must remain in their carriers, and dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
  • For a quiet place to work or relax before your flight, head to this lounge. You can grab complimentary food and drinks, then settle into a seat or workspace with charging stations to finish any last-minute tasks.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Denver?

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

Direct departures

Chicago to Denver Intl

Monday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Denver Intl to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Chicago to Denver

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