ROC - CHI

$124 Find Cheap Flights from Rochester to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$287
Typical prices: $374-$525
American Airlines
Mon 11/26Tue 11/27
ROC - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$294
Typical prices: $374-$526
Southwest
Mon 12/3Thu 12/6
ROC - MDW • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. Average duration is 2h 18m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 20 weeks in advance save around 38% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $264 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 3h 46m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Rochester to Chicago (ROC-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Rochester to Chicago

Thu, Nov 26 - Fri, Nov 27
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 11:05 amROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 05m1 stop Philadelphia
American Airlines Logo
11:00 am - 6:05 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
6h 05m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$287American Airlines
Sat, Jan 9 - Mon, Jan 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:23 pm - 12:10 pmROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 47m2 stops Raleigh-Durham Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:25 am - 6:31 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
9h 06m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$289Multiple Airlines
Fri, Dec 4 - Sat, Dec 5
Southwest Logo
4:00 pm - 9:30 pmROC  Greater Rochester Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
6h 30m1 stop Baltimore/Washington
Southwest Logo
8:00 am - 3:25 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
6h 25m2 stops Albany Intl Baltimore/Washington
$292Southwest
Sat, Nov 21 - Fri, Nov 27
Southwest Logo
1:00 pm - 9:30 pmROC  Greater Rochester Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
9h 30m2 stops Baltimore/Washington Orlando
Southwest Logo
5:05 am - 12:00 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
5h 55m1 stop Baltimore/Washington
$292Southwest
Wed, Dec 16 - Fri, Dec 18
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 10:59 amROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
5h 59m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Delta Logo
10:05 am - 5:30 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
6h 25m1 stop New York LaGuardia
$294Delta
Wed, Dec 16 - Fri, Dec 18
American Airlines Logo
11:07 am - 5:24 pmROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 17m1 stop Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
American Airlines Logo
6:21 pm - 12:03 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
4h 42m1 stop Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
$294American Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:20 amROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 20mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 8:11 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
1h 56mnonstop
$294American Airlines
Fri, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 8
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 9:16 amROC  Greater Rochester Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 16m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 12:04 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
5h 04m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$297Delta
Tue, Feb 2 - Tue, Feb 9
United Airlines Logo
1:06 pm - 2:40 pmROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 34mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 9:27 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
2h 02mnonstop
$301United Airlines
Tue, Dec 29 - Thu, Dec 31
United Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 7:43 amROC  Greater Rochester Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 28mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:29 pm - 9:28 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-ROC Greater Rochester Intl
1h 59mnonstop
$301United Airlines
Booking Insights

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

Round-trip flights from Rochester to Chicago typically range from $374 to $525. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $287, on American Airlines.

What is the cheapest Rochester to Chicago flight route?

There's little price difference between Rochester to Chicago routes. They average around $443 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Rochester to Chicago. It’s 11% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 25% higher.

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

•October is the cheapest month to fly from Rochester to Chicago at $386 round-trip.
•February ($497) and June ($482) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 28% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Rochester to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Rochester to Chicago are cheapest 20 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 38% 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 Rochester 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

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 Rochester to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$124
Beat the crowds with an average 29% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 21% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Rochester to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from Rochester to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester to Chicago?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:00 am and lands at 7:18 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:45 pm and lands at 12:03 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 18m.

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

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Rochester to Chicago:

    • Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Rochester to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Rochester to Chicago takes 2h 18m, covering 514 miles.

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

    Round-trip flights from Rochester to Chicago range from $374 to $525, with an average of $443 over the past 12 months. Anything below $374 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 27% above the $443 route average. Book 20 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $264 round-trip via New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK), compared to $439 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Rochester 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 Rochester to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Rochester to Chicago flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 30%, afternoon flights for 20%, and night flights for 0%.

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

    American Airlines is the only airline on the Rochester to Chicago route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

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

    Based on prices from the last 5 days, flying between Rochester and Chicago is around $287 round-trip, with a flight time of about 6h 05m. Recent train fares are around $214, with a trip time of about 11h 43m. Compared with flying, recent train fares are roughly 26% lower. However, taking the train takes about 5+ hours longer each way.

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

    One-way fares from Rochester to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $126, which is 50% 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 $64:

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

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates averaging $84:

    • 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 Rochester to Chicago?

    Flights from Rochester to Chicago usually depart from Greater Rochester Intl (ROC) 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 Rochester to Chicago pass through?

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

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - 25% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 25% of one-stop connections
    • Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) - 17% of one-stop connections
    • New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) - 17% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 29% on flights from Rochester to Chicago. Saturday is the cheapest departure day at $398 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $556, a difference of $158.

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

  • What airlines fly from Rochester to Chicago?

    3 airlines operate flights between Rochester 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 Rochester to Chicago?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 3h 46m, compared with 3h 59m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 4h 04m via Baltimore/Washington (BWI).

  • What is the time difference between Rochester and Chicago?

    Chicago is 1 hour behind Rochester (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 Rochester to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating Rochester 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.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Rochester 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 in Economy Class class

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

  • What are the different ticket classes offered by airlines on flights from Rochester to Chicago?

    Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer multiple ticket classes on flights from Rochester to Chicago, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Each class provides distinct perks such as improved seating, priority boarding, and in-flight amenities. Depending on the chosen airline and class, passengers can enjoy a range of benefits tailored to their preferences and needs.

  • What special amenities are available on airlines for flights from Rochester to Chicago?

    JetBlue Airways offers in-flight entertainment, complimentary snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on their flights. Alaska Airlines provides free messaging and limited internet access, along with a selection of food and beverages for purchase. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines typically offer a more basic service with additional options available for purchase.

  • How can I get out of the airport in Chicago after my flight from Rochester?

    After your flight from Rochester to Chicago, depending on which airport you arrive at, you can use various transportation options to get out. For O'Hare International Airport (ORD), you can take advantage of shuttle services like Go Airport Express, Chicago Airport Shuttle, or use ride-sharing services like Uber. Alternatively, both O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport (MDW) are connected to the city center by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains and buses, including the Blue Line train, offering a convenient way to reach Downtown Chicago.

  • Do airlines accommodate special diets on flights from Rochester to Chicago?

    Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer special meal options to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Passengers can request meals such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or kosher. It's advisable to inform the airline in advance about any dietary requirements to ensure availability during the flight.

Your guide to booking Rochester 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 Sunday. On this route, Saturday flights average $398, about $158 less than Sunday fares (28% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 20 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 38% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Rochester to Chicago trip for October. Fares historically average $386 round-trip in that month - typically $111 less than the most expensive month, which is February (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $264 round-trip on this route - about $174 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
  • When traveling with pets from Rochester (ROC) to Chicago (CHI), consider airlines that are pet-friendly. For example, Delta Air Lines allows pets in the cabin for flights within the United States, while United Airlines offers both cabin and cargo options for pet travel. Be sure to check their specific requirements and fees.
  • If you're flying with kids, it's important to choose an airline that offers suitable services. American Airlines, for instance, provides pre-boarding for families with young children and offers complimentary strollers at select airports. Southwest Airlines offers a family boarding option and allows kids to bring a car seat and stroller for free.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint by selecting environmentally friendly flights. JetBlue Airways, for instance, has committed to reducing its carbon emissions through various initiatives, such as investing in sustainable aviation fuel. Alaska Airlines also focuses on sustainability, implementing measures to minimize its environmental impact.
  • Layovers are common on flights from Rochester to Chicago, offering an opportunity to explore other cities. If you have a longer layover, consider airlines like Frontier Airlines or Spirit Airlines, which often offer affordable fares with layovers in cities like Denver or Las Vegas, allowing you to add an extra destination to your trip.
  • Baggage policies vary among airlines. When booking your flight, take into account each airline's baggage allowances and fees. For example, Delta Air Lines typically allows one free carry-on and one free personal item, while United Airlines offers different baggage options based on fare class. Be aware of any weight and size restrictions to avoid additional charges.

Prefer to fly direct from Rochester to Chicago?

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

Direct departures

Greater Rochester 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

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 Greater Rochester 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

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 Rochester to Chicago

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