Cheap flights from Baltimore-Washington to Chicago O'Hare from $119
Updated 2026-07-07
620 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 1h 39m with 6 airlines operating direct service from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from Baltimore-Washington
Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall is Southwest Airlines' largest East Coast hub and one of the cheapest US airports for domestic travel. The MARC Penn Line and Amtrak both serve BWI Rail Station — a 12-minute light rail shuttle ride from the terminal — with onward service to Washington Union Station in 30 minutes ($8 MARC, $20+ Amtrak). Limited international long-haul (BA to London, Condor to Frankfurt seasonally); the focus is heavy short-haul Southwest and ULCC capacity.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare sits 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, with the CTA Blue Line running 24 hours from the airport's own station to the Loop in 45 minutes for $5. Winter weather causes chronic delays from late November through February; book mid-day rather than evening departures during that window. Fares peak around major Chicago conventions and concert weekends; January and August are typically the cheapest months.
Who flies BWI to ORD?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 1h 39m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 1h 39m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 1h 39m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 1h 39m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 1h 39m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 1h 39m | Economy |
6 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Baltimore to Chicago FAQs
Direct flights from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) take approximately 1h 39m for the 620-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
6 carriers operate direct service from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD): Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and 1 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — Southwest Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is the primary international airport for Chicago. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.