BNA - CHI

$109 Find Cheap Flights from Nashville to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$209
Typical prices: $179-$392
Frontier, Contour
Sun 9/16Thu 9/20
BNA - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$225
Typical prices: $172-$394
Allegiant Air
Thu 9/27Mon 10/1
BNA - RFD • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and others. Average duration is 1h 55m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 61% 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 43% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 45% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $161 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 3h 47m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Nashville to Chicago (BNA-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Nashville to Chicago

Wed, Sep 16 - Sun, Sep 20
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:14 pm - 12:23 amBNA  Nashville Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 09m1 stop Denver Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:30 pm - 4:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BNA Nashville Intl
3h 40m1 stop Quincy Regional
$209Multiple Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Sun, Sep 20
Contour Logo
8:00 am - 11:40 amBNA  Nashville Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
3h 40m1 stop Quincy Regional
Contour Logo
12:30 pm - 4:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BNA Nashville Intl
3h 40m1 stop Quincy Regional
$210Contour
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
Frontier Logo
8:29 pm - 7:31 amBNA  Nashville Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
11h 02m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 2:19 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BNA Nashville Intl
7h 49m1 stop Denver Intl
$210Frontier
Fri, Sep 18 - Sat, Sep 19
Frontier Logo
7:08 pm - 12:45 amBNA  Nashville Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
5h 37m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 2:18 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BNA Nashville Intl
7h 48m1 stop Denver Intl
$210Frontier
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
Contour Logo
8:00 am - 11:40 amBNA  Nashville Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
3h 40m1 stop Quincy Regional
Contour Logo
12:30 pm - 4:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-BNA Nashville Intl
3h 40m1 stop Quincy Regional
$210Contour
Fri, Nov 6 - Sun, Nov 8
Allegiant Air Logo
5:56 pm - 11:54 amBNA  Nashville Intl-RFD Chicago Greater Rockford
17h 58m1 stop Punta Gorda
Allegiant Air Logo
1:08 pm - 2:38 pmRFD  Chicago Greater Rockford-BNA Nashville Intl
1h 30mnonstop
$211Allegiant Air
Thu, Oct 29 - Sun, Nov 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:37 pm - 7:54 amBNA  Nashville Intl-RFD Chicago Greater Rockford
12h 17m1 stop Orlando
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:20 am - 7:37 pmRFD  Chicago Greater Rockford-BNA Nashville Intl
9h 17m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$211Multiple Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Sun, Nov 8
Allegiant Air Logo
5:56 pm - 11:54 amBNA  Nashville Intl-RFD Chicago Greater Rockford
17h 58m1 stop Punta Gorda
Allegiant Air Logo
1:08 pm - 2:38 pmRFD  Chicago Greater Rockford-BNA Nashville Intl
1h 30mnonstop
$213Allegiant Air
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
Southwest Logo
5:40 am - 7:10 amBNA  Nashville Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:55 am - 7:20 amMDW  Chicago Midway-BNA Nashville Intl
1h 25mnonstop
$267Southwest
Mon, Sep 28 - Wed, Sep 30
Southwest Logo
12:40 pm - 2:10 pmBNA  Nashville Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:35 pm - 10:05 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-BNA Nashville Intl
1h 30mnonstop
$267Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Nashville to Chicago flights

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

What is the cheapest Nashville to Chicago flight route?

Nashville (BNA) to Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) is the cheapest Nashville to Chicago route, averaging $90 round-trip. Other Nashville to Chicago routes average $302, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Nashville to Chicago, it is 25% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 26% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Nashville to Chicago?

  • October is the cheapest month to fly from Nashville to Chicago at $157 round-trip.
  • January ($358) and July ($345) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 128% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Nashville to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Nashville to Chicago are cheapest 5 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 43% 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 Nashville to Chicago

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

Duncan Madden

Expert on British Airways

Duncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.

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.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, Frontier, ORD, MDW and BNA

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

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 Nashville to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$109
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 11% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 45% lower on average.
Flight from Nashville to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from Nashville to Chicago

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

Your Nashville to Chicago flight questions, answered

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

  • What different kinds of flights can I find between Nashville and Chicago?

    You typically will be able to find several daily flights between Nashville and Chicago, with these journeys generally being operated by airlines such as United Airlines. Flights that require a connection are also offered as well, and your layover may occur in cities like New York or Washington, D.C. Flights that require a connection are frequently serviced by American Airlines and Delta.

  • What kinds of transportation can I use for going from downtown Nashville to Nashville International Airport?

    An easy way to go from downtown Nashville to Nashville International Airport is by car, with the drive generally taking around 10 to 15min in normal circumstances. You can choose to take public transportation instead, such as bus line 18, which will bring you to the airport in around 35 to 40min as long as there is not any extra traffic.

  • How can I travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to the city center?

    If you choose to drive from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to the city center, or take a taxi, you can plan on the trip normally taking around 40 to 45min in total. Otherwise, public transportation is an option as well, such as the Blue Line tram. If you take public transportation, you can be in the heart of Chicago in approximately 50 to 55min.

  • Is there an on-site car rental center at Chicago Midway International Airport?

    Chicago Midway International Airport has its own car rental facility that can be reached by a free shuttle service that picks up travelers from the Arrivals Lower Level front curb near Door 2 of the main terminal. This facility has desks for quite a few major car rental agencies, including Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty. You will find that the fleets are located directly next to the facility, making it easy to pick up your vehicle.

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

    Among airlines operating Nashville to Chicago 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 Nashville to Chicago?

    4 airlines operate flights between Nashville and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:
    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest
    • Allegiant Air

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

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

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

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

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • First Class

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $161 round-trip via Fort Lauderdale (FLL), compared to $291 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Nashville 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.

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

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

    • Quincy Regional (UIN) - 78% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 6% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 6% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 4% of one-stop connections

    Quincy Regional (UIN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 41% on the Nashville to Chicago route. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at $216 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $363, a difference of $147. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Nashville to Chicago flights, with 55% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 30%, night flights for 10%, and afternoon flights for 5%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

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

  • How long is a flight from Nashville to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Nashville to Chicago takes 1h 55m, covering 401 miles.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:01 am and lands at 6:56 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:35 pm and lands at 12:30 am.

    The flight takes about 1h 55m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 47% above the route average of $286. Book 5 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Nashville 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.

  • Have flight prices from Nashville 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 $209 to $889. That means the highest observed fare was about 4x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from Nashville to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $122, which is 35% below the typical average for this route.

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

    Flying via Quincy Regional (UIN) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 3h 47m, compared with 4h 04m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 4h 26m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW).

  • 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
    · Dollar
    · Ace

    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 $30:

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

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

    Round-trip flights from Nashville to Chicago range from $179 to $392, with an average of $286 over the past 12 months. Anything below $179 counts as a good deal.

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

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Nashville 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.

Your guide to booking Nashville to Chicago 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 Thursday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Thursday flights average $216 - about $147 less than Sunday (40% 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 43% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Nashville to Chicago trip for October. Fares historically average $157 round-trip in that month - typically $201 less than the most expensive month, which is January (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 $161 round-trip on this route - about $130 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
  • When you fly to the Chicago region, you will typically land at one of two airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 11 miles from downtown Chicago, while Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 8 miles from the city center.
  • If you’re traveling with a small child, keep in mind that Nashville International Airport (BNA) has a nursing room that is located behind the food court in the main terminal. This nursing room has a few different amenities, including a changing station, outlets, a sink, and comfortable seating.
  • To freshen up after spending the day traveling, go to the Hilton Athletic Club in Chicago O'Hare International Airport once you have landed. You can pay to use the shower facilities here and they will provide you with items like shampoo, bodywash, and a towel.
  • Treat yourself to some pampering before you board your flight at Nashville International Airport and go to one of the Massage Bar locations in Concourses B and C. This salon has massage chairs and offers foot massages.
  • Those that are traveling for business may want to get their shoes shined at Chicago Midway International Airport before heading to their meeting or conference. You can do so at the Shoe Hospital, which is located airside in Concourse A.

Prefer to fly direct from Nashville to Chicago?

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

Direct departures

Nashville Intl 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

Allegiant Air,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Allegiant Air,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

Allegiant Air,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Allegiant Air,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Nashville Intl

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

Allegiant Air,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Allegiant Air,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

Allegiant Air,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Allegiant Air,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Nashville to Chicago

Other airlines flying from Nashville to Chicago