NYC - CHI

$106 Find Cheap Flights from New York to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$250
Typical prices: $196-$365
Frontier
Sun 12/2Wed 12/5
LGA - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$297
Typical prices: $196-$365
American Airlines
Tue 12/18Sat 12/22
EWR - ORD • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
American Basic Economy is cheapest; no seat choice and late boarding.
United Economy Plus adds legroom, while Delta free Wi-Fi helps on short hops.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
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 • 40% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 87% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 6 weeks in advance save around 31% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 38% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $201 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 13m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from New York to Chicago (NYC-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from New York to Chicago

Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 5
Frontier Logo
8:36 pm - 7:54 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
12h 18m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
8:30 am - 4:29 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
6h 59m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$250Frontier
Sat, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 6
Frontier Logo
8:36 pm - 7:52 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
12h 16m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
10:29 pm - 8:30 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
9h 01m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$251Frontier
Tue, Feb 2 - Tue, Feb 2
American Airlines Logo
6:03 am - 8:01 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 58mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
10:05 am - 3:19 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
4h 14m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
$261American Airlines
Tue, Feb 2 - Tue, Feb 2
American Airlines Logo
10:26 am - 2:00 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 34m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
American Airlines Logo
3:44 pm - 7:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
2h 16mnonstop
$262American Airlines
Thu, Dec 10 - Mon, Dec 14
United Airlines Logo
8:25 pm - 10:16 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 51mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:50 am - 11:02 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
2h 12mnonstop
$297United Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Mon, Dec 7
United Airlines Logo
11:20 am - 1:11 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 51mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:50 am - 11:02 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
2h 12mnonstop
$297United Airlines
Fri, Dec 11 - Mon, Dec 14
Delta Logo
6:05 am - 7:48 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 43mnonstop
Delta Logo
10:05 am - 1:20 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
2h 15mnonstop
$297Delta
Fri, Jan 15 - Sat, Jan 16
Delta Logo
7:10 am - 9:03 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 53mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 9:18 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-LGA New York LaGuardia
2h 18mnonstop
$297Delta
Thu, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 16
JetBlue Logo
6:50 am - 1:49 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 59m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
2:55 pm - 9:48 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 53m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$297JetBlue
Wed, Jan 13 - Wed, Jan 20
JetBlue Logo
6:50 am - 1:49 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 59m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
2:55 pm - 9:48 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 53m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$297JetBlue
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for New York 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 New York to Chicago?

Round-trip flights from New York to Chicago typically range from $196 to $365. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $250, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest New York to Chicago flight route?

Newark Airport (EWR) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is the cheapest New York to Chicago route, averaging $156 round-trip. Other New York to Chicago routes average $283, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to Chicago. It’s 7% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 12% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from New York to Chicago?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Chicago at $170 round-trip.
•October ($342) and July ($311) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 101% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from New York to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from New York to Chicago are cheapest 6 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 31% 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 New York 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 United Airlines, Delta, ORD and EWR

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 JFK

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.

Laura Ratliff

Laura Ratliff

Expert on LGA

Laura Ratliff is a New York-based writer and editor. She lives in downtown Brooklyn with her husband and their beloved dogs. Originally from Texas, she now considers New York City her home. She typically spends more than 200,000 miles on a plane each year and stays in plenty of hotels.

Key details for New York to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$106
Beat the crowds with an average 24% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 39% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from New Windsor to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from New York to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from New York 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 New York to Chicago: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from New York to Chicago 
StephenFlew with United Airlines-Jan 2025
Don't bring a carry on roller bag. It won't fit. They will gate check it. It will take forever.
SheenaFlew with Southwest-Jun 2024
Get to the airport early. NY airports are always busy, even when you have TSA pre check
yvgeniFlew with United Airlines-Jan 2024
Check the weather before flying , and don’t rely on getting on time to your destination

Your New York 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 New York to Chicago?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:02 am and lands at 7:54 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:13 pm and lands at 1:05 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 52m.

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

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from New York to Chicago:

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

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from New York to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from New York to Chicago takes 2h 52m, covering 711 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from New York 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 New York to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from New York to Chicago range from $196 to $365, with an average of $275 over the past 12 months. Anything below $196 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute New York to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 25% above the $275 route average. Book 6 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $201 round-trip via Fort Lauderdale (FLL), compared to $275 for nonstop.

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

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

    • United Airlines: 87% on time
    • American Airlines: 85% on time
    • Delta: 83% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are punctual 83% of the time on average.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$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 New York to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on New York to Chicago flights, with 46% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 29%, evening flights for 22%, and night flights for 3%.

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

    Three airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on New York to Chicago flights:

    • American Airlines
    • Delta
    • 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 New York and Chicago?

    Based on prices from the last 5 days, flying between New York and Chicago is around $250 round-trip, with a flight time of about 12h 18m. Taking the train is much cheaper at around $230, with a trip time of about 19h 32m. The bus is similarly priced at around $163 and takes about 16h 55m. Compared with flying, recent train and bus fares are roughly 22% lower. However, those options take about 5+ hours longer each way.

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

    One-way fares from New York to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $137, which is 27% 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 averaging $63:

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

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates averaging $86:

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

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates averaging $81:

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

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

    Flights from New York to Chicago may depart from several airports in New York area, including Newark (EWR), New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) and New York LaGuardia (LGA), with arrivals available at Chicago area airports such as Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD).

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

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

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

    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 New York to Chicago route, 17% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 48m.

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

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

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 46% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 19% of one-stop connections
    • Orlando (MCO) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) - 7% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 17% on flights from New York to Chicago. Saturday is the cheapest departure day at $257 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $308, a difference of $51.

    Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • What airlines fly from New York to Chicago?

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

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Delta
    • Southwest

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

    Flying via Indianapolis (IND) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 13m, compared with 4h 22m via Pittsburgh (PIT) and 4h 36m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW).

  • What is the time difference between New York and Chicago?

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

  • 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 New York to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating New York to Chicago flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection
    • JetBlue: offers extra legroom; 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 New York 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
    • Delta: 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.

  • Is there public transportation from MDW to downtown Chicago?

    Yes. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 11.2 miles from downtown Chicago and the Orange Line train connects the two in about 25 minutes.

  • What is one way to get to LGA?

    One way to get to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is by taking the New York City Ferry. Travelers can take the ferry from New York to the last stop in Astoria, then continue to the airport by taxi or Uber. Alcoholic beverages, other drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.

  • Are there car rentals from ORD to downtown Chicago?

    Yes, rental cars can be picked up at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666.

  • What is the cost of an Uber from ORD to downtown Chicago?

    Uber rides from ORD to downtown Chicago typically take 40 minutes and cover approximately 18 miles.

  • What is the best way to pick up someone at ORD?

    ORD has a free Cell Phone Lot for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Stopping at the terminal curb is allowed only for immediate pickup.

  • Which is the best arrival airport if I want to visit the Museum of Science and Industry?

    Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the nearest airport to the Museum of Science and Industry, 9.0 miles away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the main airport serving Chicago. A Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus connects MDW and the museum in about 52 minutes.

  • Are there any services for passengers with limited mobility at the Chicago airports upon their arrival?

    Yes, special services are available on arrival for passengers with disabilities and mobility limitations at ORD and MDW. These services can be arranged early with the carrier. Services include wheelchairs and guidance for travelers with communication challenges.

Your guide to booking New York 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 Saturday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Saturday flights average $257, about $51 less than Monday fares (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 6 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 31% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your New York to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $170 round-trip in that month - typically $172 less than the most expensive month, which is October (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with United Airlines. Over the past three months, 87% of United Airlines flights from New York to Chicago arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 83%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 48m, 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 Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $201 round-trip on this route - about $74 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 Chicago Midway Airport
  • If you're traveling from New York to Chicago with a pet or service animal, you'll find relief areas in every terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
  • Head to the Amex Centurion Lounge at New York LaGuardia (LGA) after security. It's on the 4th floor of Terminal B.

Prefer to fly direct from New York to Chicago?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from New York to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

New York to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to New York

Monday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Delta,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Delta, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from New York to Chicago

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