Travelling from Dallas to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your travels at one of Dallas's main airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL). Explore your options for booking a flight from Dallas to Chicago taking off from either of these.
When it comes to arriving in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a primary hub. Another is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
A direct flight from Dallas to Chicago takes an average of 2 hours 21 minutes. Chicago's timezone is UTC-5 — the same as Dallas.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 336 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Dallas to Chicago is with Spirit Airlines at 23:09. Go for the first DFW to ORD departure operated by American Airlines at 05:00 to maximise your time in Chicago.
Leave enough time to get on your flight from Dallas to Chicago. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
You won't need a visa or passport to travel within United States. You will need a valid proof of identity however, like a driver's licence or an ID card. Add them to your packing list once you've found cheap flights from Dallas to Chicago.
Flying from Dallas
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Start your journey at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which has a range of direct flights from Dallas to Chicago. From DFW, you can fly seamlessly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Top carriers that have direct flights from Dallas to Chicago departing DFW include:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Dallas to Chicago departing from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
DFW is around 32 kilometres from central Dallas. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 26 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Dallas to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of roughly 54 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near ORD if you're catching a late flight from Dallas to Chicago. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Dallas to Chicago has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 21 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 46 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Dallas to Chicago:
How to find the cheapest flights from Dallas to Chicago
Currently, R 743 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Dallas to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,486. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Score cheap tickets from Dallas to Chicago by booking at least 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Dallas to Chicago. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Dallas to Chicago. There's no need to check back in every day to see whether prices have dropped. We'll update you the moment there's a change in price.
Take advantage of filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Dallas to Chicago, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Dallas to Chicago. August is the most popular month to travel to Chicago. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from Dallas to Chicago in this month if you like this kind of weather.
Look for cheap tickets from Dallas to Chicago in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Dallas to Chicago, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are essential stops on your Chicago itinerary.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Dallas to Chicago to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Chicago, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.
