CHI - WAS

$83 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$113
Typical prices: $266-$454
Frontier
Wed 10/3Fri 10/5
ORD - BWI • Non-stop
Cheapest non-stop
$114
Typical prices: $268-$460
Frontier
Tue 9/25Fri 9/28
ORD - BWI • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. Average duration is 2h 04m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 30% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 79% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 21 weeks in advance save around 54% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 11% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $164 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 11m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Washington, D.C.!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. (CHI-WAS)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
Frontier Logo
11:15 am - 8:31 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
20h 16m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
10:20 am - 11:40 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 20mnonstop
$113Frontier
Sat, Oct 3 - Mon, Oct 5
Frontier Logo
12:56 pm - 4:08 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
2h 12mnonstop
Frontier Logo
3:04 pm - 10:59 pmBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
8h 55m1 stop Orlando
$113Frontier
Thu, Sep 24 - Tue, Sep 29
United Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 10:30 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
2h 00mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:09 am - 10:29 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 20mnonstop
$177United Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 15
United Airlines Logo
6:15 pm - 9:29 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
2h 14mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
12:10 pm - 1:31 pmBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 21mnonstop
$177United Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Mon, Sep 28
Southwest Logo
7:55 pm - 10:50 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-BWI Baltimore/Washington
1h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:30 am - 7:30 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 00mnonstop
$177Southwest
Tue, Sep 15 - Mon, Sep 28
Southwest Logo
3:05 pm - 5:55 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-BWI Baltimore/Washington
1h 50mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:30 am - 7:30 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 00mnonstop
$177Southwest
Sat, Sep 26 - Tue, Sep 29
American Airlines Logo
6:20 pm - 9:30 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
2h 10mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:29 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 29mnonstop
$177American Airlines
Tue, Sep 8 - Tue, Sep 15
American Airlines Logo
6:55 pm - 9:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
2h 04mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:29 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 29mnonstop
$177American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:38 am - 5:19 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 41m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 pm - 12:23 amDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 23m1 stop Denver Intl
$182Multiple Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Mon, Sep 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:26 am - 5:18 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
5h 52m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:36 pm - 10:59 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 23m2 stops Blountville Tri Cities TN/VA Orlando
$195Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. start at $113. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $266 to $454. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $113 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Washington, D.C. flight route?

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) is the cheapest Chicago to Washington, D.C. route, averaging $216 round-trip. Other Chicago to Washington, D.C. routes average $330, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C., it is 9% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 30% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

  • September is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C. at $293 round-trip.
  • February ($378) and June ($360) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 29% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Chicago to Washington, D.C. the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. are cheapest 21 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 54% 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 Washington, D.C.

 
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, ORD, DCA and IAD

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 American Airlines

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 Washington, D.C. flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$83
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Baltimore

When to book flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Can I get to O'Hare International Airport using public transportation?

    The Chicago Transit Authority provides bus and rail service across Chicago and its adjacent suburbs. The "L" and Blue Line trains in Chicago are the most convenient and cheapest means of getting to the airport through public transportation.

  • Which rental car services will meet you at Dulles International Airport?

    There are car rental firms that provide shuttle or pick-up services from Washington Airport to off-airport sites. The best car rental service is Hertz. Customers are transported from the terminal to the vehicle rental area and vice versa by shuttle buses provided by each car rental business. It is situated just next to the Blue Economy parking lot.

  • Is there public transportation to Washington from Dulles International Airport?

    Yes, there is public transportation to Washington. Taxis are the most time-efficient mode of transportation between Dulles International Airport and Washington D.C. If you are coming into the city center from the airport, the bus is the most cost-effective method of transportation, and there are many different routes you may take, depending on where in the city you wish to be dropped off. The airport is not exactly within reach of the local metro system, but there are express transfer services that can take you there.

  • Does O'Hare International Airport have parking services?

    At O'Hare International Airport, passengers may choose from a variety of parking alternatives, including valet service, hourly and daily parking, as well as long-term and economical parking options. Daily parking may be found on Levels 2-6 of the main garage at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, which is situated near to the airport's domestic terminals. Daily parking is also available in the outer lots that are close to the building, which are designated as B and C. Within the main garage, Level 1 is where you'll find the handy hourly parking spots.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Among airlines operating Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; 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.

  • What airlines are available from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    3 airlines operate flights between Chicago and Washington, D.C.. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:
    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    Flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD), with arrivals available at Washington, D.C. area airports such as Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Chicago to Washington, D.C. 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
    • American 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 travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.:

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

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $164 round-trip via Orlando (MCO), compared to $333 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    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.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. most commonly connect through:

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 59% of one-stop connections
    • Boston Logan Intl (BOS) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 6% of one-stop connections

    Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    On the Chicago to Washington, D.C. route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 30%. Saturday is the cheapest day at $301 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $430: a $129 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    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 Washington, D.C. route, 22% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1 hour 57 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Chicago to Washington, D.C. spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights, with 53% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 22%, afternoon flights for 14%, and night flights for 11%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Washington, D.C.?

    Some of the most popular sights in Washington, D.C. are Walter E. Washington Convention Center, National Mall and Capital One Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Washington, D.C. on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C. takes 2h 04m, covering 593 miles.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Chicago to Washington, D.C.:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:00 am and lands at 7:04 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:52 pm and lands at 11:56 pm.

    The flight takes about 2h 04m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 76% above the route average of $329. Book 21 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    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.

  • Have flight prices from Chicago to Washington, D.C. 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 $113 to $1,123. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Washington, D.C. looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Washington, D.C. are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $88, which is 65% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights?

    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 Washington, D.C. flights are:

    • United Airlines: 79% on time
    • Southwest: 77% on time
    • American Airlines: 76% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 78% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 11m, compared with 4h 42m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 5h 03m via Charlotte Douglas (CLT).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Washington, D.C.?

    Washington, D.C. is 1 hour ahead of Chicago (Eastern Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Washington, D.C.?

    Since Washington, D.C. is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport (DCA) — daily rates from around $23:

    · Sixt
    · Dollar
    · Thrifty
    · Alamo
    · Budget

    Near Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) — daily rates from around $24:

    · Dollar
    · Budget
    · Hertz
    · Sixt
    · Thrifty

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Washington, D.C. flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. range from $266 to $454, with an average of $329 over the past 12 months. Anything below $266 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Chicago to Washington, D.C. 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.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Washington, D.C. flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Saturday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Saturday flights average $301 - about $129 less than Monday (30% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 21 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 54% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Washington, D.C. trip for September. Fares historically average $293 round-trip in that month - typically $85 less than the most expensive month, which is February (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 79% of United Airlines flights from Chicago to Washington, D.C. arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 78%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 1 hour 57 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Orlando Airport (MCO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $164 round-trip on this route - about $168 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 Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport.
    - Hyatt House Washington DC The Wharf
    - Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C - The Wharf
    - Intercontinental Hotels Washington D.C. - The Wharf By IHG
  • It is possible to fly to Washington using O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW). However, Chicago O'Hare Airport is the main international airport serving the capital city of Chicago and surrounding areas, with direct routes to Washington. Midway Airport on the other hand is the secondary airport.
  • It is also possible to arrive in Washington using Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). However, DCA airport is the main international airport serving Washington and surrounding areas. IAD airport and BWI airports are the secondary airports.
  • Make use of the lounges that are offered in both the arrival and departure areas of the airports. There are United Club Lounges at O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. These lounges provide amenities including showers and food.
  • If you are flying out of O'Hare International Airport or Midway Airport with your four-legged pet, there are pet restrooms located around the airport to make their flight to Washington as pleasant as possible.
  • O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport have several nursing facilities across their terminals for the convenience of mothers who are traveling with their young children. There are nurseries, play areas, and strollers available for use at both airports.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Washington, D.C., which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to Washington, D.C.

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

Washington, D.C. 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

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

Other airlines flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C.